Hugh's Favorite 1994 Albums

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Anita Baker — Rhythm Of Love
Various producers

After Anita Baker's impressive second album Rapture, she instantly climbed in the upper echelons of soul divas. Her next two albums didn't quite live up to the now high expectations. She decided to take a four year hiatus during which she had two kids. Her return to recording was well worth the wait because I think Rhythm Of Love is the best album ever by a female artist. Anita sports a fresh attitude and confidence that exudes through every song. Each song is quite unique from the funky title track to the Abba-esque Only For A While to the jazzy Sometimes I Wonder Why. The featured players include Joe Sample (piano on Look Of Love), Dean Parks and George Duke. This album contains my favorite remake of My Funny Valentine. If you don't own any Anita Baker albums, this is one you must get.

Other great albums of 1994:

Howard Hewett - It’s Time Produced by Monty Seward & Howard Hewett His best album by far to date. Features This Love's Forever and How Do I Know I Love You.	Philip Bailey Various Producers A very fine album from the EWF lead singer in spite of its lack of commercial success. Brian McKnight produced and co-wrote most of the songs including I'm Ready and Here With You.	Al Jarreau — Tenderness Produced by Marcus Miller An awesome album recording live on a sound stage. Al performs some of his classics together with some remakes. Also contains the new songs Wait For The Magic and Dinosaur.
Boyz II Men — II Various Produces My favorite Boyz II Men album contains some of Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis and Babyface's best production work. Features On Bended Knee and Water Runs Dry.	Sade — Best of Sade Compilation (Produced by Robin Millar & Sade) Sade has produced an impressive string of albums. If you don't have any, you should definitely get this one.	Luther Vandross - Songs Produced by Walter Afanasieff Since Luther has a history of producing great remakes, you would think an album of nothing but remakes would be amazing. Well it's a little disappointing (most of the songs sound ordinary) but still worth a listen. Features Endless Love with Mariah Carey.
Various Artists — A Tribute to Curtis Mayfield Various producers Tribute albums tend to be really bad with a collection of musicians who really don't gel together on the same album. Thankfully, this is an exception with great songs from Whitney Houston, B.B. King, and Phil Collins among others.	All-4-One Various producers Listed here largely on the strength of their monster smash I Swear.	El DeBarge — Heart, Mind & Soul Various producers Listed here largely on the strength of the title track which I consider his best work.