When Anita Baker started in the music industry, her popularity was well below what fans would ever imagine in America. Where in Europe, the debut she captivated launched her into true stardom.

The 1983 debut album, The Songstress, reflects Anita coming out of the dark, and into a world of mainstream proportions. Surprisingly, the album didn't catch on as Rapture did, largely because at that time music had segregational vues. While Anita couldn't get onto mainstream radio, she was often showcased on only African-American radio stations. The songs off The Songstress are elegant and truly amazing, from Do You Believe Me, to Angel, and No More Tears, Anita showed that very rare style of talent and determination that could be used in music.

Although the album didn't catch on in America as Rapture did, Anita Baker maintained a rare future for true soul music of the 80's. While Anita Baker hasn't released an album since 1994's Rhythm Of Love, it has shown that Anita still has came a long way. I absolutely suggest people to buy this collection.

I absoutely love this cd! I don't understand the critics when they say this album is just alright. You can't listen to "No More Tears" and say it's just alright. That song is absoutely amazing; filled with emotion; you just feel Anita as she sings... Another classic is "Angel"; just a lovely song. "You're The Best Thing Yet" is superb as well; great lyrics and delivery. Equally as good is "Will You Be Mine"...when Anita sings "Sugar, will you be mine?" I picture myself singing to my guy!

Don't listen to the critics, this cd is one of the best ever, I love it and you will too!

Ignore these critics who probably think R&B stands for rabbits and butane! Anita Baker's first album "The Songstress" is a fine piece of work! The tunes "Angel," "Feel The need," "Sometimes," and "No More tears" show that she truly deserved the fame that followed. This album was deservedly popular in Europe and on Black American radio stations in 1983, but R&B wasn't well promoted in those days and this was one of those great albums of the time that got lost in the shuffle and went out of print. Fortunately, after she became famous, her fans remembered this album and popular demand brought it back in the early 90s. Listen and you'll see why.

Anita's first solo album presents her talents to us in the purest form.The production is laid back, and she is allowed to bring passion and sincerity to the mike like never before.

I don't care what any of the critics say about The Songstress album because I know it was(is) AWESOME! This was a wonderful debut for the Lady of Song. Those who weren't familiar with Anita before Rapture have the tendency to criticize this album because it's not what they expected the singer to do and because of it's difference from Rapture. All I know is that in my neighborhood we couldn't get enough of it. Though not mainstream, everyone was singing along to Angel and No More Tears. Many people have said that this is the Anita Baker album that got them hooked. She sings her heart out. Yes, it's different from the rest, but does that mean because she expressed a different side of herself it's bad. The songs are remarkable and Anita shows that she can be as funky as anybody else. The Songstress is a classic unadulterated soul album. It ranks up there with classic soul albums by Bobby Womack or Frankie Beverly & Maze. It makes you feel good all over. I wish she would delve into this territory more often. Whatever she sings, it's always Anita. Awesome!