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This is an interesting release for a number of reasons. First and foremost, there are two versions of it. For those of you who aren't familiar with her, Jevetta Steele is a member of The Steeles, a gospel family group who recorded with Prince in the 90's. She's probably the most prominent of that group and released a solo record, "Here It Is" in 1991. This is that original release. It was initially only carried by Musidisc, a French label. It included two tracks written for Steele by Prince. 'And How' and 'Skip 2 My U My Darling'.
In 1993, she released the album in the US on Columbia, but with a different tracklist, different songs and she replaced the two Prince tracks with two other Prince songs. The Columbia version includes the Prince penned 'Hold Me' and 'Open Book'.
The two albums share 5 songs in common though it should be noted, the songs seem to have been re-recorded for the 93 release making them different from the versions on this disc.
Steele has a powerful voice. This is part of the reason she's singled out among her siblings. When you listen to the material she chooses to showcase on this record, you get a mixed message. She's obviously a strong and talented gospel singer. You can tell that's where she feels most comfortable vocally. The arrangements of the songs on this album definitely play to that strength. There's an attempt to make the songs more contemporary, but they don't always cross over. For example, the first track, 'Say A Little Prayer For You'... Originally titled, 'I Say A Little Prayer' and written by Burt Bacharach for Dionne Warwick, features The Steeles on background performing in full gospel glory. Even though the very nature of this tune is contemporary, it takes on a soulful gospel tinge here.
The music arrangements can often sound a bit generic and standard. There are exceptional tracks that really stand out. Both of the Prince tracks make a huge impact on the ears. The first song, 'And How' features a funky guitar punctuating throughout and a deep bass groove happening throughout. The Steeles once again add backup maintaining that gospel feel. 'Skip 2 My U My Darling' is a more urban sounding track with some delightful organ adding the church vibe. 'Here It Is' has a light, pop beat and has a lot of potential as a chart single. I really enjoy the tune and I think she makes a great attempt at the Top 40 sound with this one.
'Calling You' is probably the most startling of all the songs on this record. It's stunning. Both versions are dramatic and intense. They allow Steele to really cut loose and show her vocal chops. It's breathtaking. The haunting tune was used in the "Baghdad Cafe" film and garnered Steele a lot of attention when it was released. By itself, this track might make the purchase of either version of this album worth the money. Wow.
'Good Foot' is a rousing number that should be sung by every church choir! It's exciting and full of energy. Another stunning performance here. I'm not as enthused about the rest of the material on this disc, but I do give her credit for making this a great disc. Even if you're only buying the disc for a couple of songs, she delivers!
For collectors of Prince, this is the most rare version of this album and hard to come by because it was only released in France. It's also the only place you can find these two Prince songs. If you're lucky enough to find it, buy it. It's a must have.
My final words: AN AMAZING RECORD FROM AN INCREDIBLE VOCALIST.
JEVETTA STEELE - HERE IT IS
01. Say A Little Prayer For You
02. Baby, Are You?
03. And How
04. You're Gonna Love Me
05. Here It Is
06. Calling You
07. In This Man's World
08. Good Foot
09. Skip 2 My U My Darling
10. Where Do We Go From Here?
11. Love Will Follow
The Steeles are a gospel quartet consisting of four siblings from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They gained national exposure through their work with Prince. They've gone on to release solo and group albums. I've never found them interesting enough to follow; so I'm sure you're not surprised to learn my interest in this disc revolves around the track, 'Well Done' written by Prince.
For the most part; barring the Prince track, the disc is rather generic and uneventful. The music is standard gospel fare without any unique or compelling ideas. The bulk of the material features songwriting by J.D. Steele, who proves to be adept at writing praise songs; however, they are fairly basic and uninspired. Not even small choir vocal tricks can make a boring song interesting. Doesn't mean they don't try.
The Prince track, though not an actual praise/gospel song, is a reflective piece with a staggered but driving rhythm. It concerns itself with the theme faith without effort is wasted. "Well done is much better than well said". It espouses the idea if you really want to see changes in your life, get off your butt and do something rather than praying and waiting for god to change it for you. I quite like the message and find it somewhat out of place with the rest of the material and yet appropriate at the same time.
The only other noteworthy track on this disc is 'Big God'. This track isn't written by J.D. or Prince. It features a lot of ambient sounds and is rather eclectic. It's a stunning vocal arrangement. I'm taken with the off-beat quality of the song. It is, in a word, "well done." My final words: HARDLY NOTEWORTHY.
THE STEELES - HEAVEN HELP US ALL
01. Heart In My Hand
02. Tide Keep Lifting Me
03. Never Get Over You
04. Well Done
05. I Don't Wanna Be Without U
06. Heaven Help Us All
07. It'll Be Alright
08. Oh What A Gift
09. Those Were The Days
10. Big God
Even though Earth, Wind & Fire are a famous band from the 70s, I've never really listened to them. I certainly have some affection for 70s funk bands, but this one never caught my attention. My main reason for picking up this disc is of course my obsessive pursuit of Prince songs. He contributed one track to this album. I later learned 'Super Hero' was actually used by The Steeles on the "Blankman" soundtrack. I believe this track is therefore considered a cover. At the time I was under the impression it was the only existing recording of the song. In comparison, this is the superior cut of the two versions. It's a sparse arrangement whereas The Steeles' version seems overproduced and cluttered.
I'd like to say this disc inspired me to buy more Earth, Wind & Fire material, but the exact opposite is true. I find the album tedious in a generic way. There's nothing that really stands out and grabs me. I find certain tracks somewhat interesting, but they're hardly worth the price. I keep reading about Maurice White and how important a producer/songwriter he is; yet if this work is any indication of his ability, I'm left wondering what the attraction is. Maybe is a generational thing. I'm too young to appreciate what's happening here. But my overall impression is extremely strong. I feel like I'm listening to a band that hit its stride and is now churning out retired music.
There seems to be a list of well known, respected songwriters working here to create a hit record, but the collection falls short and for the most part lacks strong efforts by various names like Philip Bailey, Frankie Blue, But Bacharach, Michael and Linda Stokes... The packaging promised something iconic, but the contents fail to deliver.
You expect something groundbreaking or more representative of the band's history and hits. What you get is bland, run of the mill pop. 'Super Hero' is the singular exception here. It's one of Prince's better tunes from the early 90s. I think Prince would have done the band a big favor by donating more tunes to this lackluster project and punching it up a couple notches. With dismal track after track of throwaway tunes, 'Millennium' needs a vital infusion of contemporary funk.
Of course these days you can download the single track and avoid the filler material entirely. I recommend saving the money unless you find it used for a couple bucks. 'Super Hero' is at least worth that. My final words: MILLENNIAL BOMB.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE - MILLENNIUM
01. Even If You Wonder
02. Sunday Morning
03. Blood Brothers
04. Kalimba Interlude
05. Spend The Night
06. Divine
07. Two Hearts
08. Honor The Magic
09. Love Is The Greatest Story
10. The "L" Word
11. Just Another Lonely Night
12. Super Hero
13. Wouldn't Change A Thing About You
14. Love Across The Wire
15. Chicago (Chi-Town) Blues
16. Kalimba Blues
