Music Review

Down In the Delta (1998)

Various Artists
Reviewed by Jim Farber | Jan 08, 1999
EW's GRADE
B+

Details Release Date: Dec 08, 1998; Lead Performance: Various Artists; Genre: Soundtracks

There's generally nothing more dispiriting than inspirational records. But the mostly R&B soundtrack to Maya Angelou's movie Down In the Delta relieves the usual gooeyness with inventive lyrics, fleet melodies, and spare performances. Chaka Khan comes off wise and witty in ''Don't Talk 2 Strangers,'' Luther Vandross and Cassandra Wilson seem movingly humble in ''I'm Only Human,'' and D'Angelo captures an erotic sense of devotion in ''Heaven Must Be Like This.'' Moments like these earn your faith. B+

Originally posted Jan 08, 1999 Published in issue #466 Jan 08, 1999 Order article reprints
You Might Also Like

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining
Advertisement

Today's Most Popular

  1. The Music Mix Madonna breaks silence on M.I.A.'s middle finger: 'It's such a teenager, irrelevant thing to do'
  2. PopWatch This Week's Cover: 'The Vampire Diaries'stars talk about the red-hot Damon-Elena-Stefan triangle
  3. Photo Gallery: Grammys 2012 Grammys 2012: Who will/should win
  4. Inside TV 'The Vampire Diaries': Talk tonight's shocking twist, and find out what's next from producer Julie Plec
  5. PopWatch Pro-Ellen ralliers surpass One Million Moms on Facebook