Carleen Anderson - True Spirit (1994)

Carleen Anderson had recorded as a member of the Young Disciples and as a backup singer for artists like Bryan Ferry, Paul Weller, and Guru by the time of her debut True Spirit in 1994. It's a self-assured Anderson, and she possesses a warm, soulful voice. She also reveals herself to be capable of temperature raising, orgasmic moans at the end of the (up to that point) Stevie Wonder-like "Morning Loving." True Spirit succeeds in drawing on older R&B vibes and making them sound fresh. Multi-instrumentalist Ian Green (who also produced) gives Anderson musical backdrops that range from bluesy to funky to sultry. The lyrics are literate and sophisticated, balancing a focus on romantic relationships ("Ain't Givin' Up on You," the title track) and socially conscious concerns ("Mama Said," "Nervous Breakdown"). Anderson's vocals are arresting icing on the cake, particularly haunting on the dramatic ballad "Only One for Me." True Spirit is a gorgeous album that constantly draws in the listener, both musically and spiritually.