Raw Stylus - Pushing Against The Flow (1995)

All songs written or co-written by M.J. Brookes. Samples include "Bring The Pain" (as performed by Method Man), "Josie" (as performed by Steely Dan) and "Get Down" (as performed by Curtis Mayfield). Fronted by vocalist Donna Gardier, Raw Stylus fashions a stylish mixture of pop, jazz, soul, and hip-hop on their US debut, Pushing Against the Flow. Gardier's soulful, passionate vocals make even the mediocre material rather distinguished. And there aren't that many weak songs on the album -- most of the tracks are seamless fusions. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine