1. I didn't "download" this CD from itunes or anyplace else. I paid full price. I have not purchased a music CD that has not been downloaded in 3 years.

2. I started playing songs on it over and over again. The "My Everything" cut and the "My Everything-revisited" are my favs.

3. I read everything I could before the CD came out because I wanted to know the story behind the CD.

i'm 38 and hiphop is still my favorite genre of music primarily because of the beats. For so many years we have been getting this watered down R&B (exculding Ms Alica Keys and Ms. Jill Scott). I was getting plain sick of the genre...no more Luther, Sade is too infrequent with her releases. Will Downing has changed so much I don't know his music anymore. Toni Braxton seems to have fallen off the side of the earth in terms of musical direction.

Its soooo nice to have you back Anita. Your music really does fill such a large void out there. So nice...

I own all of Anita Baker's CDs and bought this one the day it came out without evening hearing it first - like SADE and LUTHER and other singers that have their own instantly memorable "signature" sound, this is pure Anita Baker all the way - that's good...and bad. While these songs are surely listenable and pleasant in Anita's patented quiet-storm style, one wonders why it took TEN YEARS for this? The title track (and its jazzy scat reprise!), the Babyface duet, and a few others are strong and earn repeated listens, but much of this is below Anita's high standards such as Sweet Love, Angel, Giving You the Best, Been So Long, etc. But I am glad to know that a singer with as much talent, style, and grace as Anita Baker can take off a decade and then release a new CD that tops the charts - good to know there is still a sizeable audience for QUALITY MUSIC instead of thw empty, throwaway padlum that passes for Top 40 pop music today.

and I, like many other lovers of Miss. Anita's music have been waiting a long while. But it seems as if Anita is back to stay!

I admit that I was skeptical that after being away for so long, that Anita's music would be fresh enough to compete with the rest of the stuff that is out in the music world, as well as compete with the memory of her prior masterpieces. But when I heard how the first track opened, with that classic formula, I knew she had done alright.

All of the tracks stay within the limits of safety, most likely to keep the interests of her traditional listeners. However, songs like "Like You Used to Do", a duet with Mr. Babyface himself, reach out to any newcomers to draw them to the magical voice of Miss Baker. Not one song on this CD is hard to listen to, she has done a great job at holding the listeners attention.

Now that I have listened to the CD about 10 times over the past week and a half, there is no doubt in my mind that Miss. Anita Baker has returned for good. I grew up listening to this woman, I knew the words (the REAL words) to "Same Ole Love", "Rapture" and "Fairytales" long before I could understand what she was singing about. But in the past ten years understanding has come with experience & age, and repeated replays of Anita's melodies. Only GOOD music can touch a soul that way. Keep on singing Anita!

First let me just say that some of my fondest childhood memories are chillin' at home with my family with the "Rapture" album on. And as a musician I fell in love with the passion of her lyrical delivery--completely original, full of strength and sensuality. That combined with live jazz rhythm section equalled skill and artistry you cannot deny. That said, the title song alone is worth getting this album!!! Radio needs this music desperately!!!

Anita is back and each song is flawless in her delivery. Those that already know about Anita will enjoy this immensely, and those that don't need to be educated!!!! These pop girls need to take a lesson and learn that anyone can wail on a song, but the true magic happens when the singer's voice is in unison with the band behind her, creating a fluid harmonic force that envokes joy and hope. That's why I and many others fell in love with Anita in the first place! She is a true definition of a Songstress, and her return was long overdue!!!!

So boy bands, forget the dance moves and pick up some instruments!!! And pop girls, forget the yelling and screaming and try to feel what your singing, unpopular as that may be. Then the tricks will be rooted in truth and won't sound forced or unnecessary. Buy this Album!!! Tell your friends, request her on the radio!!! And Blue Note Records-- as one person said already, Back this woman up with your full arsenal; she's earned it many times over!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Anita! Never leave us again!!!

Imagine my surprise today when I went into the store, and saw a 'new' Anita Baker cd on the shelf!! I didn't even know there was one coming, cause I thought she had retired from recording...and i'm 'still wondering' if these are 'new' recordings, or just something that Barry Eastmond & Babyface cooked up in the studio..using old tapes?(It doesn't say anywhere in the liner notes the DATE that this was made) Either way, I don't really care..because the enjoyment that I get from holding a collection of 'new songs' from Anita Baker overshadows that.

She is..by far..one of the truly gifted voices of the past 20 or 30 years. I've enjoyed every single song that she's ever recorded..because I feel there are certain singers that just give you JOY by simply listening to them. And she is one of THOSE voices. Although i'm only listening to this cd for the first time, her voice is always like an 'old friend'. I still love all of her 'earlier' work..but this cd sounds just great so far.

As Gary Jackson asked her(in the liner notes of "A Night Of Rapture - LIVE")...I, also wish that she would go back into the

studio and concert scene. I know that I'd be first in line to buy a ticket to any type of live-performance by her!! The 3 videos included on the 'live' cd are worth getting..if you don't already have it.

Thank you Anita...for all the music..and 'You Bring Me Joy' each and every time I play ANY of your songs. The voice of an Angel...making the word EMOTION really mean something.

This new cd "My Everything" is a refreshing addition to my cd collection. Many have tried to come close to Anita's voice...but if you really want to 'smile from the inside out'...pick this up. But don't stop there....all of her earlier work is already out there waiting to grab you by the heart and mind. Believe me, you won't be sorry!!