What makes The Songstress by Anita Baker notable?

'The Songstress' received positive reviews and further solidified Baker's influence in the genre of soul music, particularly within the quiet storm subgenre. The album contributed to her career resurgence and showcased her ability to blend traditional soul with modern production techniques, appealing to both old fans and new listeners. By the time 'The Songstress' was released in 1991, Anita Baker had already established herself as a leading voice in contemporary R&B, following her critically acclaimed album 'Giving You the Best That I Got' from 1988. This record marked her return after a brief hiatus and solidified her status as a major commercial artist.

Who is The Songstress for?

The Songstress works well if you're into intimate moments for quiet reflection, steady pacing for relaxed evenings and soothing sounds for cozy gatherings.

How many songs are on The Songstress?

The Songstress has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

The Songstress

Anita Baker · 1991

41 min · 8 tracks · soul

Smooth soul melodies intertwine with lush instrumentation, showcasing Anita Baker's rich vocal prowess and emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Angel — Opening the album, this track highlights Baker's signature smooth vocals layered over romantic themes, setting a heartfelt tone for the entire record.
→
You're the Best Thing Yet — This upbeat track combines jazzy elements with Baker's powerful delivery, showcasing her range and ability to evoke joy through music.
→
No More Tears — A poignant ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and resilience, this song exemplifies Baker's talent for conveying deep emotional narratives through her voice.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and lush arrangements, solidifying Baker's place in soul music.

What we noticed

Each song features lush instrumentation with prominent use of strings and horns, creating a rich sonic backdrop for Baker's vocals.
The album includes several tracks that feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the emotional connection to the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

intimate moments for quiet reflection
steady pacing for relaxed evenings
soothing sounds for cozy gatherings
soulful vocals that invite connection

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'The Songstress' was released in 1991, Anita Baker had already established herself as a leading voice in contemporary R&B, following her critically acclaimed album 'Giving You the Best That I Got' from 1988. This record marked her return after a brief hiatus and solidified her status as a major commercial artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Sade· Lalah Hathaway· Toni Braxton