Deborah Cox - One Wish

Deborah Cox's self-titled debut made waves back in 1995, but perhaps not enough to prepare her for a much more crowded (and cutthroat) playing field this time around. As much as you want to applaud her for sticking to her soul on One Wish, you can't help longing for a pop crossover hit like "Sentimental" and "Who Do U Love?" The first single, "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here," is a disappointing attempt, but "September" and the title track--which ups the ante on the funk--step up to the challenge. Naughty by Nature's Kay-Gee helms the boards on the Next-flavored ballad, "It's Over Now," and R.L. of Next cameos on "We Can't Be Friends," a classic-style duet that has all the ingredients for a melodic masterpiece. --Rebecca Wallwork Amazon.com

The Most Slept-on R&B artist

Deborah Cox is THE MOST slept-on R&B artist out there. She has one of the greatest, strongest voices but gets very minimal air play. I own all of her CDs and have no complaints about any of them. This is a great R&B album and anyone who loves R&B needs this CD. June 12, 2007

Underrated Classic...

Deborah Cox's "One Wish" can easily be dubbed a sleeper but in my opinion, she shows no signs of weariness on this album. "One Wish" is an album that is perfectly punctuated with depth and has an intricate way of maintaining the listener's interest. With a unique and cohesive array of diversity, which include writing and production from herself, Naughty By Nature & Next's producer Kier Gist (a.k.a. KayGee), hit-makers Montell Jordan, Shep Crawford, Stevie J., Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins," and even Diane Warren, who lends the schmaltzy ballad, "One Day You Will," "One Wish" explores love and relationships from a deeper perspective. I love how she uses her voice to not only dazzle the audience, but also becomes one with each songs' persona. I was like, "I may be a male, but even I can relate to how expressive she is!" The Dance-fused "September," with its keen bass line, slickly synthesized guitars and eclectic rhythms tells the story of how a friendship transforms from a platonic nature to an emotional thrill ride of sensuous lovemaking, whereas "We Can't Be Friends" showcases Deborah & R.L. (of Next) passionately and vividly testifying the hardships of walking away from a special someone. Other cuts include 1998's longest-running radio single, "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," (penned exquisitely by Montell Jordan) her second single, "It's Over Now," (produced by KayGee) the title-track, "One Wish," which features DJ Quik's solid production and stellar rap vocals, Darkchild's "Just When I Think I'm Over You," a clever reference to Rod Temperton & Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" in "Love Is On The Way" and the smooth "I Won't Give Up." The only flaw to this record is that there were one too many dance versions included. The remixes to "Things Just Ain't The Same" & "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" could have been omitted. Regardless, "One Wish" is a fabulous record that was an absolutely underrated classic. August 13, 2006

One of R&B's best kept secrets.

I do agree with another reviewer that Canadian native Deborah Cox is one of R&B's most underrated singers. I was extremely dissapointed and angry at Clive Davis for underpromoting her (he even dropped her from his label J Records!) when she actually has a better voice than labelmate Whitney Houston. "One Wish" is a great contemporary R&B album featuring some Hip Hop ("One Wish" featuring Snoop Dogg), Jazz ("I Won't Give Up"), Adult Contemporary ("One Day You Will") and straight R&B ("Nobody's Supposed To Be Here"--originally written for Patti LaBelle). Her voice is phenominal. She can softly whisper like Mariah but also belt out like Celine. A lot of the songs have potential hit. Another favorite of mine is the mild Urban hit "We Can't Be Friends" featuring Next group (also an underrated R&B act) member R.L. Overall if you liked Deborah's radio hits I strongly reccomend this album. I really think it's her best. Overall grade: B+ December 26, 2005

One Wish

I remember this album when I was in the 6th grade. I fell in love with the album especially the hit single (Nobody's Supposed To Be Here). Deborah experimented with incorporating these new elements into her musical style. One Wish is a perfect mix of different influences-old-school R&B,hip-hop,gospel,dance,and jazz. This album is a tremendous growth from her gold debut album. This album has been certified Platinum. Remember,this was 1998-1999. May 17, 2005

WOW!!! WHAT A GREAT ALBUM AND A WONDERFUL VOICE!!!

I am listening to this album for the first time today. Yes, a little late. I heard a few singles on the radio or in clubs - as dance remixes. I had never sat down with the entire project before. I am overwhelmed. Deborah Cox has a very powerful and beautiful voice. The arrangements are really nice -- they could be better, but for contemporary R&B, they are good. Her voice is what makes the album. She is one of the best r&b voices since the 90s. I just cant think of another singer since the 80s who is this good. Keep up the good work!!!

Why on earth does she not get more attnention in the USA? Beyonce and Usher???!!! What is wrong with the US music industry? August 5, 2004

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