Keyshia Cole

I took a risk on this CD. The few songs from Ms. Cole's debut CD never impressed me and I didn't quite believe the hype of her being the new Mary J, especially since I don't believe we need two. Then Let it Go hit the airwaves and I just had to check this CD out. Believe it or not the CD has been on my table for nearly a year. Turns out this is a great CD to workout to. I wished there were a few less ABW (Angry Black Woman)syndrome songs, but it's still a project worth checking out.

love this album miss cole's 2nd album is as good if not better than the 1st.

As of this year there are only three R&B albums (out of probably 12) from last year that I'm still listening to and hearing more reasons why I really like them. And that is Alicia Keys "As I Am", Ledisi's "Lost & Found (People don't sleep on that album. It's grown and sexy.)and this nice work. I'm still feeling some songs from Mario's "Go" and Lyfe Jennings' "Lyfe Changes" right now but for albums I can listen to all the way through, these three are the way to go. Okay everybody wants to compare the direction Keyshia is taking musically to Mary J. Blige in her My Life/Share My World/Mary vibe but I disagree. Keyshia (and her record label) wanted to give her a more polished approach than her first album (which was good but "rough" around the edges in more ways than one). The results was this. She approaches ballads in more smooth approach (I Remember) versus what she did with "Love" (I like that song but you know she oversang that). The singles were all great. The best being the acoustic "Heaven Sent". I also love "Let it Go". Sample is overplayed but she pulled it off. And I really like "Give Me More" and "Falling Out". The main point of this review is that the singles were hot, and if you like them you should definitely pick her album.

She has taken this Cd to another Level. If you didnt have the Last Cd.Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is you missing OUT. If you didnt See both of her dvd collections of her reality Show YOU Missed Out. I cant See why they Voted so Low On this Cd she Came Better and a Little More Polised and in Shape. She sat back and had talks with Mary J Blige because she been there and she wanted Keyshia to know that theres a better way to be a Women about your Business and Classy. She put her heart in this One. You can tell she was Singing about her Sister Sistutions tooo! and thats good. that women can come together and have that unconditional love for one another. Whom Ever Writes a Review you have too actual listen to the Cd More than Once before your make a wack commet on something! if you not Feeling a Artist then dont Post.

Miss Cole has placed herself on the music scene permanently as a hit maker with this album. Just put it on and let it flow...song after song hit after hit

From the first horn blasts on "(I Just Want It) To Be Over" to the last lingering chords on "Never," the debut album by R&B singer Keyshia Cole is absolutely stunning. This album grabs you right out of the gate and doesn't let go until the end, practically demanding to be replayed again and again.

Although slickly produced and well written, the album is first and foremost about the power of Cole's voice. This songtress has a ferocious set of pipes on her, which she uses again and again to amazing effect. Cole is a belter that can blow with the best of them, with a raw edge to her voice that gives her music that much more of a gutteral punch. Yet she is also able to pull back and show a softer side, as evidenced on tracks such as "I Should Have Cheated" and "Superstar."

Yet while the softer tracks provide a nice break and help round out the album, it's the powerful ballads on which Keyshia Cole shines brightest. Her voice soars on tracks like "You've Changed," and even at her young age Cole has clearly experienced her share of romantic heartache, as the emotion on this disc cannot be faked. She also has the daring and bravery to expose the heartache in her songs, while simultaneously showing a ferocity that bodes ill for anyone who dares to cross her.

I have purposely held off on talking about the album's smash single, "Love," until now. It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs and recordings of the new millenium, and stands above the rest of the tracks on this incredibly solid album. Cole's rendition of this R&B power ballad is like a sucker punch to the gut, grabbing your attention and making you feel the unbridled joy of love and the devastating effects of its betrayal in the same breath. Merely hearing the first minute of this song was enough to convince me to buy the album, which has become one of my favorite purchases of the past year. And "Love" is the crowning achievement on this jewel of a CD.

Cole has been increasingly compared to Mary J. Blige, and although I think that there will never be anyone quite like MJB (my personal favorite artist), Keyshia Cole has everything it takes to become just as huge. She has a voice that can tear any song to shreds, the maturity to know when to use it and when to hold back, and the life experience to bring honest and deepfelt emotion to her songs.

If you like R&B music at all, you MUST buy this album. It will provide countless hours of enjoyment. And ten years from now when Cole is just as big a name as Mary J. Blige, you'll be able to smile and know you were with her from the start.

Now This Is What Am Talking Bout! A Young Sister Who Has Mad Skills That, Sings From The Depts Of Her Soul. "I Changed My Mind" "Love" I Just Want It To Over". My Favs On This Cd.

This lady will have a good career if she gets support from her record label and provided she records good material with good producers,she has the vocal chops,which is more then I can say about a lot of the new artists today. I brought the CD I am not disappointed with it,I find it emotionally moving. I hope she continue the good work.

With the recent release of Keyshia Cole's sophomore album `Just Like You' I decided to go back to her debut album and give it the grade. Well, to be honest her sophomore album is superior, and that's a good thing since it shows maturity and growth in this young star. That said `The Way It Is' is a great debut album on its own for it delivers track after track with raw appeal. Keyshia has a very unique voice, one that caught me hook line and sinker from the moment I heard her sing `I Should Have Cheated' but honestly it was `Love' that really got me on my knees for this young talent. I still get chills when I listen to the track.

The album stars strong with `(I Just Want It) To Be Over'. The track has that great mix of infectious beats and Keyshia's raspy swagger. `I Changed My Mind' with Kanye is even better. Keyshia's vocals are just so silky smooth here I can't help but call this my favorite track on the album. It's just the perfect song, from vocals to lyrics to the West produced beat. `Guess What' continues the slew of club heavy tracks, this time assigning Jadakiss as the token rapper who once again proves unnecessary since Keyshia blows just about everyone else away. The track itself is brilliant, fiery, sassy and energetic and it's not that Jada is a waste here, it's that he pales in comparison to the breath of life that is Keyshia.

Laying in the middle of up-tempo beats and slow jams are songs like `Love, I Thought You Had My Back' and `I Should Have Cheated', the later being the gem that brought Keyshia to the ears of so many fans. As some have noted already, the magic that is Keyshia really manifests itself when her voice is provided the right backdrop, and the sultry musical arrangement accompanying her on `I Should Have Cheated' is perfect. `You've Changed' works even better, soft and sweet and catchy, something you can really get into. Same can be said for `Situations' which continues to rise up on my list of favorites on this album.

Keyshia's voice though is at its best when she's allowing it to really go there despite her lack of Mariah Careyesque reach or power. The perfect example of this is `Love', a song that really draws attention to the emotion and depth within Keyshia's music. As her voice strains to hit the notes and or the emotional meaning of the song during the chorus her words become much more real to the listener because that raw delivery carries so much weight, so much realism. `Love' remains a highlight of the entire album.

Sadly Keyshia has a few low points as well. Songs like `We Could Be', `Down & Dirty' and `Superstar' are not necessarily bad but they fail to be memorable. Listening to `Just Like You' is becomes apparent that Keyshia took the opportunity to grow before delivering her sophomore album and this is a good thing, it shows and it is much appreciated. The closing track `Never' sounds very dated, but it's within that dated feel that I find sheer enjoyment. Coupled with Eve and a beat that would suit the likes of Michael Jackson help create a fresh and fun vibe.

So, this is not as perfected and polished as `Just Like You' but it serves up a slew of worthy tracks and will definitely be loved by her fans and fans of the genre in general. It blows away her competition and proves that Keyshia is the complete package. She is here to stay and for that we are grateful.

what do you say to this cd??? OMG! i just love her voice! can't wait for more & more from this girl! this is a great cd. not one bad song on it!

If not, this one is surprisingly superior. But Just Like You is hot R&B goodness too. Cop em both!

I heard her say so on her show, The Way It Is, that aired on BET last year, I believe. I hear there will be a second season around the time she drops her second album, Just Like You. I'm looking forward to watching that!

Anyway, like I said, Keyshia Cole writes her own music and that is just so inspiring to me these days. They may have haters, but Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Nelly Furtado and even Mandy Moore is now co-writing some (or all) of her songs. And I LOVE that.

My favorite tracks are Down & Dirty, I Changed My Mind, (I Just Want It) To Be Over, Never, I Should Have Cheated and of course, Love.

Not one of these tracks are bad. Not one. Guess What? is OK, but nothing to brag about. But We Could Be is a nice R&B tune.

Overall, if you enjoy modern R&B and you don't mind a few songs sung about love gone bad, then this CD is for you. Keyshia sings quite well and definitely shows it on this disc.

I Just Want It...4.5 stars.
I Changed My Mind...5.25 stars.
(Love) I Thought You Had My Back...upbeat mid-tempo. Classic Keysh. 5.25 stars.
I Should Have Cheated...soulful goodie. 5 stars.
Guess What...Hated it before, now it's decent. I love the swearing! 4 stars.
Love...classic Keyshia ballad. 5.25 stars.
You've Changed...I can relate to this heavily, friend-wise. 4.75 stars.
We Could Be...soulful down-tempo. 5.25 stars.
Superstar...Meh. Filler. 2.5 stars.
Down & Dirty...Grown to LOVE it. 5.5 stars.
Situations...solid R&B.
Never Feat. Eve...upbeat, dance number, sampling my Man Luther's Never Too Much. Best track here. 6 stars.

My main complaint though is with a song that I like, You've Changed: Keyshia tries to hit a note and fails miserably. It's almost embarrassing really. But besides that, these are pretty good songs to jam or sit back and relax to. Recommended.

Cover Art: B
Inside Art: N/A
Songwriting: B+
Vocals: C+
Vocal Emotion: B+
Vocal Acrobatics: B+
Production: B+
Length: A+

5.27 stars - .3 for editing.

4.87 stars.

Keyshia Cole has a great voice, one of the best in the industry right now. (But that's not really saying that much.) And she really shows it on this album. (Although I must say that I think she's trying too hard on "Love.") Except for "We Could Be" and "Down And Dirty", this album has top notch material.

I took a risk on this CD. The few songs from Ms. Cole's debut CD never impressed me and I didn't quite believe the hype of her being the new Mary J, especially since I don't believe we need two. Then Let it Go hit the airwaves and I just had to check this CD out. Believe it or not the CD has been on my table for nearly a year. Turns out this is a great CD to workout to. I wished there were a few less ABW (Angry Black Woman)syndrome songs, but it's still a project worth checking out.

love this album miss cole's 2nd album is as good if not better than the 1st.

As of this year there are only three R&B albums (out of probably 12) from last year that I'm still listening to and hearing more reasons why I really like them. And that is Alicia Keys "As I Am", Ledisi's "Lost & Found (People don't sleep on that album. It's grown and sexy.)and this nice work. I'm still feeling some songs from Mario's "Go" and Lyfe Jennings' "Lyfe Changes" right now but for albums I can listen to all the way through, these three are the way to go. Okay everybody wants to compare the direction Keyshia is taking musically to Mary J. Blige in her My Life/Share My World/Mary vibe but I disagree. Keyshia (and her record label) wanted to give her a more polished approach than her first album (which was good but "rough" around the edges in more ways than one). The results was this. She approaches ballads in more smooth approach (I Remember) versus what she did with "Love" (I like that song but you know she oversang that). The singles were all great. The best being the acoustic "Heaven Sent". I also love "Let it Go". Sample is overplayed but she pulled it off. And I really like "Give Me More" and "Falling Out". The main point of this review is that the singles were hot, and if you like them you should definitely pick her album.

She has taken this Cd to another Level. If you didnt have the Last Cd.Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is you missing OUT. If you didnt See both of her dvd collections of her reality Show YOU Missed Out. I cant See why they Voted so Low On this Cd she Came Better and a Little More Polised and in Shape. She sat back and had talks with Mary J Blige because she been there and she wanted Keyshia to know that theres a better way to be a Women about your Business and Classy. She put her heart in this One. You can tell she was Singing about her Sister Sistutions tooo! and thats good. that women can come together and have that unconditional love for one another. Whom Ever Writes a Review you have too actual listen to the Cd More than Once before your make a wack commet on something! if you not Feeling a Artist then dont Post.

Miss Cole has placed herself on the music scene permanently as a hit maker with this album. Just put it on and let it flow...song after song hit after hit

This is a great song. produced by kanye west

the song pretty much talks about a girl that is tired of being disappointed in her boyfriend and changed her mind about the relationship.

I was very satisfied when I heard this CD before its release on BET's website that I can not wait till the album drops. The beats and her vocals go well together and whoever was on her writing team deserves a pat on the back. My favorites are not even the ones she has the videos to. Granted, those are nice tracks but she has better bangers on the album. My favs are 'love', 'you've changed' which samples 'song cry' by jay'z....not sure if that was a sample too, but she does a good jaguar wright, 'situations,' and 'thought you had my back.' Overall this is a complete album because you can let it play without skipping to the next track. I'd have to say that I was pretty satisfied.

Keyshia Cole is one talented woman on her way to stardom. Her voice is like a blend between Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey and The late Great Aaliyah. Like Mary and Mariah, she can hit the high notes greatly, and Like Aaliyah, she has a nice smooth voice. I can't wait for this woman's album

Mann im so proud of this gurl fa doin wat she does because she is very talented and beautiful and u cant 4get that she can sing her a** off! She can hang wit any of these R&B singers and there are even alot she is better than! Im so happy we got sumbody out reppin tha bay so i wish her tha best of luck and i cant wait for tha album.

Like 2 say she could be a mentor to those that can help find her way in succeeding a goal as a solo artist. Praise God 4 that. I just hope that she drops her album right when it hits stores. Can't wait 2 go get that. I'm actually a big fan to her and seen all around singing w/ my man and favorite rapper Kanye West who's on this one for real. People need 2 get 2gether and start learning what to let go in life and move on. Sumtimes this song means something in my heart right now. We all need to get along and try to face our world into a better oppurtunity. We especially had new talents came on the way from Jojo, Ashlee Simpson, Ciara, Joss Stone, Christina Milian, Kiley Dean (I don't know where she's at now), Lumidee, etc.

She's not trying to degrading men or anybody else or she's trying to do what the other R&B/pop female singers who are doing she's just her own self just like Brandy's and Monica's who are doin' their thing. People need to stop hatin' and starting getting into something real. For instance, I urge a lot of ya'll 2 go cop her album 'cuz she's taking R&B into a brand new lead. She be on Kanye's G.O.O.D. imprint being released on A&M records which I'd know 'bout already.

But big up to Keyshia for all her hard success.

quuit crying over it you should have went to the club and got yours girl funny song it's cool though.

From the first horn blasts on "(I Just Want It) To Be Over" to the last lingering chords on "Never," the debut album by R&B singer Keyshia Cole is absolutely stunning. This album grabs you right out of the gate and doesn't let go until the end, practically demanding to be replayed again and again.

Although slickly produced and well written, the album is first and foremost about the power of Cole's voice. This songtress has a ferocious set of pipes on her, which she uses again and again to amazing effect. Cole is a belter that can blow with the best of them, with a raw edge to her voice that gives her music that much more of a gutteral punch. Yet she is also able to pull back and show a softer side, as evidenced on tracks such as "I Should Have Cheated" and "Superstar."

Yet while the softer tracks provide a nice break and help round out the album, it's the powerful ballads on which Keyshia Cole shines brightest. Her voice soars on tracks like "You've Changed," and even at her young age Cole has clearly experienced her share of romantic heartache, as the emotion on this disc cannot be faked. She also has the daring and bravery to expose the heartache in her songs, while simultaneously showing a ferocity that bodes ill for anyone who dares to cross her.

I have purposely held off on talking about the album's smash single, "Love," until now. It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs and recordings of the new millenium, and stands above the rest of the tracks on this incredibly solid album. Cole's rendition of this R&B power ballad is like a sucker punch to the gut, grabbing your attention and making you feel the unbridled joy of love and the devastating effects of its betrayal in the same breath. Merely hearing the first minute of this song was enough to convince me to buy the album, which has become one of my favorite purchases of the past year. And "Love" is the crowning achievement on this jewel of a CD.

Cole has been increasingly compared to Mary J. Blige, and although I think that there will never be anyone quite like MJB (my personal favorite artist), Keyshia Cole has everything it takes to become just as huge. She has a voice that can tear any song to shreds, the maturity to know when to use it and when to hold back, and the life experience to bring honest and deepfelt emotion to her songs.

If you like R&B music at all, you MUST buy this album. It will provide countless hours of enjoyment. And ten years from now when Cole is just as big a name as Mary J. Blige, you'll be able to smile and know you were with her from the start.

Now This Is What Am Talking Bout! A Young Sister Who Has Mad Skills That, Sings From The Depts Of Her Soul. "I Changed My Mind" "Love" I Just Want It To Over". My Favs On This Cd.

This lady will have a good career if she gets support from her record label and provided she records good material with good producers,she has the vocal chops,which is more then I can say about a lot of the new artists today. I brought the CD I am not disappointed with it,I find it emotionally moving. I hope she continue the good work.

With the recent release of Keyshia Cole's sophomore album `Just Like You' I decided to go back to her debut album and give it the grade. Well, to be honest her sophomore album is superior, and that's a good thing since it shows maturity and growth in this young star. That said `The Way It Is' is a great debut album on its own for it delivers track after track with raw appeal. Keyshia has a very unique voice, one that caught me hook line and sinker from the moment I heard her sing `I Should Have Cheated' but honestly it was `Love' that really got me on my knees for this young talent. I still get chills when I listen to the track.

The album stars strong with `(I Just Want It) To Be Over'. The track has that great mix of infectious beats and Keyshia's raspy swagger. `I Changed My Mind' with Kanye is even better. Keyshia's vocals are just so silky smooth here I can't help but call this my favorite track on the album. It's just the perfect song, from vocals to lyrics to the West produced beat. `Guess What' continues the slew of club heavy tracks, this time assigning Jadakiss as the token rapper who once again proves unnecessary since Keyshia blows just about everyone else away. The track itself is brilliant, fiery, sassy and energetic and it's not that Jada is a waste here, it's that he pales in comparison to the breath of life that is Keyshia.

Laying in the middle of up-tempo beats and slow jams are songs like `Love, I Thought You Had My Back' and `I Should Have Cheated', the later being the gem that brought Keyshia to the ears of so many fans. As some have noted already, the magic that is Keyshia really manifests itself when her voice is provided the right backdrop, and the sultry musical arrangement accompanying her on `I Should Have Cheated' is perfect. `You've Changed' works even better, soft and sweet and catchy, something you can really get into. Same can be said for `Situations' which continues to rise up on my list of favorites on this album.

Keyshia's voice though is at its best when she's allowing it to really go there despite her lack of Mariah Careyesque reach or power. The perfect example of this is `Love', a song that really draws attention to the emotion and depth within Keyshia's music. As her voice strains to hit the notes and or the emotional meaning of the song during the chorus her words become much more real to the listener because that raw delivery carries so much weight, so much realism. `Love' remains a highlight of the entire album.

Sadly Keyshia has a few low points as well. Songs like `We Could Be', `Down & Dirty' and `Superstar' are not necessarily bad but they fail to be memorable. Listening to `Just Like You' is becomes apparent that Keyshia took the opportunity to grow before delivering her sophomore album and this is a good thing, it shows and it is much appreciated. The closing track `Never' sounds very dated, but it's within that dated feel that I find sheer enjoyment. Coupled with Eve and a beat that would suit the likes of Michael Jackson help create a fresh and fun vibe.

So, this is not as perfected and polished as `Just Like You' but it serves up a slew of worthy tracks and will definitely be loved by her fans and fans of the genre in general. It blows away her competition and proves that Keyshia is the complete package. She is here to stay and for that we are grateful.

what do you say to this cd??? OMG! i just love her voice! can't wait for more & more from this girl! this is a great cd. not one bad song on it!

I order this CD single thinking it had the Last Night dance mix, but it only had the Tell Me dance mix which I already had a better mix of Tell Me. This CD only came with the original version of Last Night and I have P. Diddy CD "Press Play". Not very happy about that....