One Wish- 1998
Album Review
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This Photo is the property of Arista Records, it is a pose from the It’s Over Now collection of photos*
Tracks on which Ms. Cox Shares songwriting credits have been starred(*).
*If you thought Deborah’s debut album was a masterpiece, this album shows even more growth and development of her artistry*
1. September- The original version is a beautiful mid tempo ballad, with a slightly dark melody, fitting, since the song is about reminiscing a wonderful love. It has a subtle groove in the background, though the song isn’t particularly fast, and once again, Cox’s voice provides a perfect interpretation, at times showcasing power, other times conveying tender emotion.
2. It’s Over Now- A personal favorite. I love this song. Cox has been quoted as saying regarding this song "Nobody’s gonna even believe that it’s me". This song has a strong hip-hop element, and even though it's mid tempo, it has such a strong hook, and such catchy lyrics, it stands out as one of the most danceable tunes of 1998 IMHO.
3. Nobody’s Supposed to be Here- Many fans will begin to call this her signature tune after hearing the song, penned by Montell Jordan, and Shep Crawford. This song has a beautiful, old school soul feeling, and it is probably one of her most soulful recordings to date, it is sort of in the vein of "Where Do We go From Here, in my opinion". Highlights of this song are the climatic notes that Deborah’s smooth 4 octave range allow her to hit with ease, as well as the sincerity of her breathtaking vocals. Although this is not my absolute all time favorite Deborah Cox song, so far, the public thinks so, as this song spent 14 weeks at number one on the billboard R+B chart. This is longer than any other Female vocalist ever. Also, this song held the number 2 position on the billboard pop charts for a record 8 weeks.
4. We Can’t be Friends- Another personal favorite. Deborah and R.L.’s voice are a superlative blend, complementing each other exquisitely. It is a beautiful slow paced ballad, and the call and response of their voices in the closing chorus truly make this song sound like an authentic statement from one lover to another. This also happens to be my favorite Deborah Cox Video, and if you’ve seen this clip, you should have some idea why.
5. Couldn’t We- This is another one of the power ballads that a woman with Deborah’s range works so well. I’m not quite sure if this song will make it as a single, but if there is a single after September this will probably be it. The lilting Acoustic guitars, and Deborah’s unique interpretation make this song a standout. It is the type of Ballad that has extreme R+B, and pop appeal, with the potential to be a gazillion seller.
6. One Wish- This song is according to Deborah "the party track" on the album. It is a nice blend of R+B and west-coast hip hop, with DJ Quick as a guest vocal. A great summer song, and like my radio, it sounds great turned up really loud on your car stereo.
7. I Won’t Give Up- If I had to pick a favorite Deborah Cox song, this might be the one, it is a beautiful song, and it shows the true versatility of her artistry, as it has a strong Jazz flavor, one of Cox’s early influences. She shows the ability to work her voice convincingly within the framework of a classic, r+b/ jazz ballad, choosing to sing the song subtly with the gentle, soothing quality of her voice. Cox also shares songwriting credit, contributing to the beautiful lyrics and melody of this song
8. Just When I think I’m over You- Nice mid-or up tempo ballad, depending on the ear of the listener. A standout of this song, is it’s latin flavor, it’s showcasing of the rich tones that Cox’s voice is capable of reaching as well as a characteristic Cox showstopper note near the end of the last chorus.
9. Love is on the Way- Can you say Jeep Jam? I cannot even stop to count how many times I’ve spent blasting this song loudly in my car. It has a compelling beat, and an intimate feel, as though she’s signing this song on MTV unplugged, or BET soundstage, or something. New Wave R+B with a classic feel, and showcases yet another side of Cox’s Vocal Dynamics.
10. I Never Knew- This is a nice mid-tempo ballad, with characteristic Deborah Cox vocal flourishes that any fan would love. A nice vocal blend where Deborah does both foreground, and background vocals in the final chorus.
11. One Day You Will- Another personal favorite, this ballad is fashioned in the vein of a classic pop/soul ballad, and Deborah's forceful vocals render it a very memorable selection.
12. Nobody's Supposed to be Here (remix)- This song is such a completely different rendering of the original, it is like another song. Hex hector's remix features a splash of vibrancy, and jungle like rhythms, and yet, despite all the delightful chaos that makes this such a good dance tune, deborah once again keeps her powerhouse emotion, her interpretation showing craftmanship beyond that of the average dance tune.
13. Things Just Ain't the same (remix)- This song was #1 on the dance charts forever, and it's easy to see why upon a listen, hex hectors reworking of this song turn a mid tempo r+b jam into a club jam event of the century.
14. Septemeber (remix)- Another personal favorite, this takes the first track on the album to a new level of urban cool, by setting the original melody over a hip-hop beat, supplied by Kay-Gee of Naughty by Nature, that allows deborah's original style to shine through.