Her debut CD Album was released on July 2, 1998, as the first release from Flyte Tyme Records distributed through Uptown/Universal. With contributions from frequent Jam Lewis collaborator Big Jim Wright, Alex Richbourg ,bassist Paul Johnson, and Stevie Wonder, Album is an exceptional debut for both Grant and Jam Lewis' label. Album is refreshingly retro and eclectic and allows the singer to exhibit her personality; Grant co-wrote all the songs with the producers and Wright. At times, Grant sounds like Janet Jackson, who was formerly produced by Jam and Lewis, and like Jackson's Control, Album can be played all the way through. The CD's overall sound could be described as organic because the tracks flow into each other, both literally (there are no audio gaps) and musically.
Besides Jam Lewis' trademark strong melodies, Album has positive and playful lyrics: "The lights are on but there's nobody home/He's dumb, but he's cute/He's dumb, but he's so cute" from Knockin'. All involved seemed to want to record an album as opposed to a collection of singles. Standout tracks are Lil' Red Boat, the album opener Hey You, the lilting slow jam Kisses Luv Lips (reminiscent of Patrice Rushen and Roy Ayers), the introspective Illusions and Deeper, the rock guitar-laced self-reliance anthem Anyway ("Mama told me never to give a man more respect than I give to myself/and if I hang with losers I'll never win"), the tentative Well, Okay, I'll Say It (I'm 'N Luv With U) (featuring the wistful harmonica of Stevie Wonder) ,the sweetly romantic Whenever You Cry, Live Your Life, and the strings-drenched ballad I Love You.
In winter 1999, Lil' Red Boat (the "Big Jim Mix") from the 12" version became a favorite with the steppers crowd in Chicago and other markets. Residing in Minnesota, Grant is no longer signed to Flyte Tyme but still is pursuing a career in the arts. ~ Ed Hogan, Rovi
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Lil' Red Boat |
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Knockin' |
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I Love You |