14 year-old Monica Arnold emerged onto the urban music scene hot on the heels of her future arch-nemesis, Brandy Norwood. While Brandy's mystique was sweet, fun and innocent, Monica's voice, style and image projected a maturity that magically transcended her tender young age. Urban headz simply couldn't ignore this young lady when "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" was released -- it masterfully wrapped LL Cool J's [then recent] "Backseat (Of My Jeep)" beat around strikingly mature subject matter for a 14-year old: PMS. Producer Dallas Austin was definitely experiencing a surge of creativity during this time period -- he had just completed duties on TLC's mega-watt 'CrazySexyCool' a year earlier. Now let's get to this album:

'Miss Thang' opens up confidently with the sassy title track, sonically reminiscent of LA-based rapper (then current) hit W.C.'s "West Up". Next up is "Don't Take It Personal" which continues to skillfully communicate the gritty brilliance of mid-90's urban music. "Like This And Like That" is a decent hip-hop infused cut (featuring a cool rap by Mr. Malik) along with the mid-90's grit of "Get Down", a solid album track. "With You" is a 'too-sensual-for-a-14-year-old' R&B track that should have been a single anyhow...it's an early highlight of the album that has never (!) been skipped in the eight years I've owned this album. We continue with "Skate", a fun jam that bounces along like kids at a roller rink; it cleverly samples "Cutie Pie" by One Way.

"Angel" is an uptempo track that also could have been a single, it reminds me of Brandy's "Baby" except this has more of an ATL (thanks to background vocals by Debra Killings) vibe to it. "Woman In Me" is a plush interlude that perfectly segues into "Tell Me If You Still Care", a stunningly on-target cover of Jam & Lewis's song performed by the S.O.S. Band. Pre-'My Way' Usher Raymond joins Monica for "Let's Straighten It Out", a bluesy duet featuring live instruments and some of the most impressive vocals either vocalist has ever laid down (for Usher, think Donny Hathaway).

"Before You Walk Out My Life" was Monica's vibrant second single, and is (to this day) a great sounding midtempo not to be missed. "Now I'm Gone" is a bittersweet ballad with a misty (yet warm) vibe to it. But it's "Why I Love You So Much" that had me floored the first time I heard it. Produced by ex-LaFace collaborator Daryl Simmons, the old Babyface sound (think 'Tender Lover-era') gets resurrected one last time for this wonderfully sincere ballad (and radio single). "Why I Love You So Much" is never *ever* skipped by this reviewer. Ever. The sheer beauty continues with "Never Can Say Goodbye" (not the Jackson 5 song), a pretty ballad that softly glides the listener back to earth after soaring among the clouds during "Why I Love You So Much"...

The "Don't Take It Personal (remix)" samples Jermaine Jackson's "Don't Take It Personal", creating an interesting mix. We end the album with "Forever Always" -- a jam featuring an acoustic guitar, delicate percussion, and trademark ATL background vocals by Debra Killings (her voice is most recognizeable on TLC songs like "Creep" and "Hat 2 Da Back"); leaving the listener ultimately satisfied. This is easily Monica's strongest album to date, and at 70 minutes long, is soooo worth your hard-earned benjamins, scrilla, fetti, pesos, greenbacks, paper...you get the picture. 'Miss Thang' is an album that Monica, Dallas Austin, Rowdy Records, Arista Records, and Clive Davis ought to be very proud of. The best (and most solid) Pop/Modern R&B album by a female recording artist in the year of 1995. Grade: A+

Best Regards,

Andrew Knyte

This a great album for a fourteen year old starter she really had this album together. Good for your Money.

Monica's Miss Thang is one of the best albums of the 90's.This album defines the sound of the mid 90's where baggy jeans and braids were in fashion.Unlike her teen counterparts Brandy and Aaliyah, Monica's album has more maturity and productivity.Some of my favourite songs on the album include chart topping hits like DONT TAKE IT PERSONAL (JUST ONE OF THEM DAYS),BEFORE YOU WALK OUT OF MY LIFE,LIKE THIS AND LIKE THAT AND WHY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.The collaboration with Usher on LET'S STRAIGHTEN IT OUT takes you back to Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell days.Another favourite of mine is the remake of S.O.S Band "TELL ME IF YOU STILL CARE" which Monica puts a lot of soul in and made her own.This album is full of great songs and definitely gets a five star from me.

This marked the exciting debut of Monica Arnold, a true, talented R&B diva. I have bought all of her albums. I didn't care for her third, enjoyed her second but neither compare to her debut. With Monica you get no disappointments. You get excellent singing, mature lyrics, unforgettable style and grace. All of these songs merit a Grammy. Monica is defintely the most overlooked yet most talented R&B girl singer. She is the only girl R&B singer who can sing both powerful ballads and fast songs. Aaliyah and Brandy could not. Unlike Brandy Monica doesn't have to rely on studio tricks to make her voice stronger. And unlike Aaliyah ( RIP ) Monica doesn't have a lot of rappers and guest hooks. Monica is true to the game of soul. She stands behind Mary J. Blige as Princess of R&B. People unfairly put that title on Aaliyah but anyone with true knowledge of soul and great singing know that Monica Arnold is the only diva under thirty who can truly claim the title. New fans enjoy this freely, old Monica fans already do. Rock on, Mo!

Monica has an amazing voice and can sing like few others can. This album is filled top to bottom with good songs and great vocals. It's hard to believe she was only 14 when this CD came out. But you could tell from the first listen that a future star was born!

Stand out tracks include great songs like "Don't Take It Personal", "With You", "Angel", 'before You Walk Out Of My Life"...every song on this CD could have been put out as a single.