For the First Time cover

For the First Time

Stephanie Mills · 1975

31 min · 10 tracks · soul

A blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of love, loss, and yearning.

Top tracks — play these first

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    I Took My Strength From You Start here — This track features Mills' soaring vocals and emotional depth, making it a standout opener that sets the tone for the entire album.
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    Living on Plastic — The song's funky groove and contemporary themes highlight Mills' ability to blend traditional soul with modern soundscapes, showcasing her versatility.
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    If You Can Learn How to Cry — This poignant ballad reveals Mills' emotional range and lyrical storytelling, capturing the complexities of human relationships with grace.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady emotional exploration throughout
  • tender moments for quiet reflection
  • heartfelt expressions of vulnerability
  • short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established Mills' vocal talent and introduced her to a wider audience.
Themes
Broadway to soul· emotional storytelling· 1970s love ballads
Career context
Released in 1975, For the First Time was Stephanie Mills' debut album, marking her entrance into the music industry after her success on Broadway. At this point, she was transitioning from her role in The Wiz to a recording artist, seeking to carve out a space for herself in the soul genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Patti LaBelle· Chaka Khan· Anita Baker

Tracklist

  • 1 I Took My Strength From You Start here 3:46
  • 2 Living on Plastic 2:47
  • 3 No One Remembers My Name 3:29
  • 4 If You Can Learn How to Cry 3:23
  • 5 Loneliness Remembers 2:23
  • 6 This Empty Place 3:08
  • 7 The Way I Feel About You 3:01
  • 8 I See You for the First Time 3:02
  • 9 All the Way to Paradise 3:18
  • 10 Please to Go 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata