The Real Thing
Vanessa Williams · 2009
48 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B
Smooth jazz-inflected R&B blends effortlessly with pop sensibilities, showcasing Williams' rich vocal power and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Breathless — This opening track establishes the album's lush soundscape, perfectly blending romance with Williams' dynamic vocal range, setting a captivating tone for the rest of the album.
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The Real Thing — The title track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, where Williams delivers heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love and authenticity.
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Hello Like Before — This cover of the classic song highlights Williams’ ability to reinterpret familiar material with fresh emotional insight while maintaining its nostalgic essence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends R&B with jazz influences, showcasing strong vocals and rich arrangements, though it doesn't significantly reshape its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow ballad, gradually introducing more upbeat tracks in the middle before returning to a softer tone towards the end.
- Each track features lush instrumental arrangements that complement Williams' vocal delivery, often layering strings and horns for added depth.
- Several songs incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and improvisational sections, which enhance the overall smoothness of the sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- late-night contemplative moods
- smooth background ambiance
- intimate listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, The Real Thing marked Vanessa Williams' return to music after a six-year hiatus since her last album. At this point in her career, she had already transitioned from a successful pageant winner and actress into a recognized singer, solidifying her place in contemporary R&B.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Toni Braxton· Mary J. Blige· Sade
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Breathless 4:50
- 2 Hello Like Before 4:28
- 3 Loving You 3:33
- 4 Just Friends 4:17
- 5 The Real Thing 5:12
- 6 Lazy Afternoon 4:56
- 7 Close to You 4:36
- 8 I Fell In 4:47
- 9 October Sky 4:28
- 10 Come On Strong 2:39
- 11 If There Were No Song 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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