Allure

Track Listings

1. Introduction

2. Anything You Want

3. You're Gonna Love Me

4. Head over Heals

5. No Question

6. All Cried Out

7. Story

8. Come into My House

9. When You Need Someone

10. Give You All I Got

11. I'll Give You Anything

12. Wanna Get With You

13. Last Chance

14. Mama Said

Allure,Allure,Sony,Club/Dance,Pop,R&B,Urban

Allure

Tracks:

Tip Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)
Lake EWOK Muse (Piano & Cello)
Simple Things
Allure of Sanctuary
Welcome B.
The Green Hills
Gnossienne No 1
Gnossienne No 2
Gnossienne No 3
Will's Song
Toll of War
Lake EWOK Muse Reprise (Piano Solo)

Album Description

A STUNNING CD RELEASE BY KAREN MARIE GARRETT AND LEGENDARY PRODUCER WILL ACKERMAN, creator of Windham Hill Records, gold and platinum record producer, and Grammy Award-Winning recording artist.

Recorded between George Lucas' Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California and Mr. Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studio in Windham County, Vermont.

VICTORY REVIEW; ACOUSTIC MUSIC RESOURCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST; TOM PETERSEN
"Karen Marie Garrett is a top-drawer pianist headed for bigger things. Allure of Sanctuary is the Olympia artist's third release, following a straight classical disc and another in this New Age vein. This new release is as soothing as it's intended, but it's also energizing. Where a lot of New Age is so light it begins to drift and grow unidentifiable, Garrett's compositions are distinct, with melodies for the listener to hook into. It's billed as New Age, but several cuts qualify as Light Jazz - very mellow Vince Guaraldi, perhaps. Thus, Garrett is a distinctive new artist in this field and could, with the right promotion, see herself at the top of the New Age charts (Allure is already getting significant airplay on Easy Listening stations). It won't hurt a bit that she is a pupil of the founder of the New Age genre, Will Ackerman; nor do dead-enders get invited to record their albums at Skywalker ranch, using Lucas's Bluthner grand! Get this album, neighbors - you can say you "knew her when."

Reaches #8 on Top 100 New Age Radio Charts in just FIVE weeks!

TOP 20 ALBUM LIST OF THE YEAR FOR 2005
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications, New York

Recipient of ENGLAND'S PIANO HEAVEN "GOLD AWARD"
Stephen Cairns, Piano Heaven, England

Customer Reviews:

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-06-13

Allure of Sanctuary is an outstanding album. The music seems to draw you in and want to play it over again

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-05-13

I received this as an Easter present and it is one of the best CD's I have heard in a long time. The music is wonderful.

A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...]).......2006-12-09

What an amazing album! This is Karen Marie Garrett's third album, and it is a real find. I am immensely impressed with the delightful melodies which run consistently throughout this album. Tip-Toe Dancer has to be heard to be believed. It is such a beautiful piece of music, and makes the listener want to stand up and start dancing. This track is just one of an album full of highlights. Welcome B and Simple Things are so delicate. This album is produced by Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman. Consequently, the production is first-class. A joy from beginning to end. Bravo!!

Allure of Sanctuary.......2006-07-19

Soothing, relaxing music to release tension and smooth out those tight muscles.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-11-14

"Allure of Sanctuary" is the second CD released by Karen Marie Garrett. It is astounding how much this artist has grown since her 2002 debut, "Pensare Piano." Will Ackerman's gifts as producer certainly helped to make this CD as breathtaking as it is, but if the quality of music isn't there, no producer in the world can give it soul and depth - and this CD has mega-doses of both. A classically-trained pianist from the age of five, Ms. Garrett plays with the strength and emotional clarity that come from years of expressing oneself at the piano, sharing the joys and sorrows of life with the beloved 88's. The twelve pieces include eight original compositions, a lovely arrangement of "The Green Hills" by Brian Gibson, and Erik Satie's "Trois Gnossiennes," performed as originally composed. Most of the pieces are piano solo, but Garrett is joined on two by award-winning cellist Eugene Friesen (I LOVE cello and piano together!). Some of the other tracks have English horn, light percussion, and wordless vocals, but this is truly an incredible piano album.

The CD begins with "Tip-Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)," one of the lighter pieces in this collection. It was inspired by a story told by a close friend about a childhood dance performed for friends and family. Graceful yet playful, it is easy to imagine the seriousness of the young dancer and the warm reception of the adults. "Lake EWOK Muse" is an improvisational duet for piano and cello that followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake EWOK at Skywalker Ranch, where the album was recorded. The feeling of serenity envelops you as you listen to the two artists interact seamlessly, creating a perfect sense of peace. "Simple Things" is a celebration that begins in a classical style reminiscent of a children's piano study and evolves, retaining the sweet melody and simplicity of the message but becoming a full and graceful solo. The title track is fascinating. It begins with a mournful piano prelude and becomes a rhythmic dance with a seductive Spanish flavor. Susan Whittle's vocals and percussion provided by Will Ackerman and Derrick Jordan add to the enchantment. "Will's Song" is an improvisational piece that is so deeply felt that it almost sends a chill - what a beauty! "Toll of War (Adagio)" is a wrenching duet for piano and cello. A profound statement of humanity rather than of politics, the sense of loss and pain reach to the depths of the soul. This is a piece that needs to be heard. The gentle, pensive closing track is a solo piano reprise of "Lake EWOK Muse."

"Allure of Sanctuary" is a must-have CD!

Average customer rating:

After a good start, they lost the right path
Allure cd
Allure
Allure
A Total Washout!

Allure
Allure
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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112
It's About Time

ASIN: B000002BQX
Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

Introduction
Anything You Want
You're Gonna Love Me
Head Over Heels
No Question
All Cried Out
The Story
Come Into My House
When You Need Someone
Give You All I Got
I'll Give You Anything
Wanna Get With You
Last Chance
Mama Said

Customer Reviews:

After a good start, they lost the right path.......2007-05-25

When this album was released, i thinked that these girls could aspire to a bright future. They seemed to be a solid group, with a promising career on the horizon. Unfortunately, their story hasn't followed the path that i predicted. The main problem has been a really bad promotion. But even the weakness of the producers involved in their second and third album has been a critical factor (aside the final line-up change, a thing that has surely caused a negative impact on the group).
Thanks to a solid production, even with the support of a lot of guest artists, this album has been the best of Allure's career (in spite of some natural "ups-and-down", that i consider an unavoidable feature in a debut disk). The songs are rather enjoyables, even if you can't expect to find a masterpiece within them. Allure's vocal skills was above the average, and this is a good reason to have some justified regrets, thinking about the following chapters of their artistical story.

Allure cd.......2007-05-08

Excellent cd and a Excellent group, it's a must have cd in your collection.

Allure .......2006-11-20

I was going through my cd collection and came across this gem. Released in 1997 and hyped as "Mariah's girl group", I gave it a chance and consider it a good debut for its time.

As a group, Allure harmonizes well but they really weren't able to distinguish their sound amongst the glut of r&b female groups that were out at the time. I was surprised that their remake of the classic, ALL CRIED OUT became a hit because to me, it's one of the weakest tracks on the disc.

Out of the 14 tracks, I really only still like 6 so while it was fun to listen to it again after so long, it's not enough of a classic to keep it in constant rotation. My favorite tracks are:

LAST CHANCE - pretty love song

HEAD OVER HEELS - the production sounds like a Mariah Carey song which is probably why it's my favorite, I like how Nas' guest rap doesn't overpower the song

THE STORY & ANYTHING YOU WANT - really showcases the group's vocals

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE ME & NO QUESTION - kind of filler material but highly enjoyable due to the reworked samples used on each

I'd recommend it to those trying to check out the r&b scene of the late '90's but honestly it'd be easier to sample the tracks you like and just download those since the album as a whole isn't one you'd likely consider a classic and keep in your collection.

Allure.......2006-11-04

One of my friend and I would have hear this album all day long. Our favorite song is "All Cried Out." It makes us relaxed in somehow. I love it. You should give it try :)

A Total Washout!.......2006-05-16

I don't know who thought that Allure's version of "All Cried Out" is the best remake that there is. Don't get me wrong tho-
Allure do have some beautiful voices that do some slamming harmony- but them remaking "All Cried Out" is a washout! And using 112 did not help matters anymore than the rappers used on the album. A good album, but not one of their best. An extreme
lackluster affair. The songs I like are Head over Heels, No Question and One More Chance. The rest of the album needs to recycled for the protection of the earth. These girls have gorgeous voices and voices like angels should not be given Gorgon songs. A total washout! My grade is:F!

Average customer rating:

Traditional Carols arranged for Bells

Christmas Bells
Westminster Concert Bell Choir , and Donald E. Allure
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Christmas with Sonos Handbell Ensemble
Carol of the Bells
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The Raleigh Ringers

ASIN: B000003J8W
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Music Of The Nativity Season
A Thousand Christmas Lights Are Lit
Dance Of The Sugarplum Fairy
In The Bleak Midwinter
We Three Kings
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Venite Adoremus
Stille Nacht
Carols In Color
Lullaby
Un Flambeau
'Twas Christmas Eve
Sussex Carol
Joseph Dear
Catalonian Carol
Two For Two By Two For Christmas
O Holy Night
A Carol For All Seasons

Customer Reviews:

Traditional Carols arranged for Bells.......1999-02-25

One of the first CDs released by the famous Westminster Concert Bell Choir, this is a pleasing collection of well-known Christmas carols arranged for handbells. Westminster is home to one of the earliest and best-known university handbell ensembles in the country, started by Don Allured in the early '70s. This recording suffers from poor sound quality (the high bells have a crashing sound) and relatively stale readings. It is buoyed, however, by excellent arrangements by Betty Garee and Mr. Allured. Also, at this time Westminster played on the widest range of handbells in the world: over 7 octaves of bronze handbells. This CD is an essential for the collector and student of handbell ringing, as Mr. Allured and the Westminster Concert Bell Choir have had a dramatic impact on the modern art of handbell ringing all over the world.

Average customer rating:

This Man Can Play with Passion!
from Solo Piano Publications

Allure
George Davidson
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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My Heart Will Go On
Perhaps Love
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Reminiscing
For The Love Of Music

ASIN: B00005QJ1U
Release Date: 2001-08-10

Tracks:

Feather Theme
Eileen's Song* (original by George Davidson)
Sleepy Shores
So Many Things
Danny Boy
Quand Ma Mere Chantiat
Can You Read My Mind
Con Gli Occhi Del Cuore
O Mio Babbino Caro
Where Do I Begin
The Last Word You Said
Moments In Time** (original by George Davidson & Lev Zhurbin)
Send In The Clowns
Les Roses De L'exil
Love theme from St. Elmo's Fire
A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Le Bonhuer D'Amour
I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You

Album Description

Get ready to be swept away by the sounds of George Davidson. Allure. The latest piano cd from George, Sensitive...Emotional. This album will touch your heart. The talents of George on the Grand Piano, Along with, Lev Ljova a Russian Violist, on the Viola. Listen to 'Eileen's Song*' George's latest composition, and 'Moments In Time**', composed by George and Lev Zhurbin.

Customer Reviews:

This Man Can Play with Passion!.......2006-04-24

ALLURE was the first George Davidson CD I listened too. I actually discovered him on the "free download" section of Amazon, but I now have the entire CD. My favorites are "Feather Theme" and "St. Elmo's Fire." I think its because I love a simple piano melody that draws me to his music again and again. It's good background music; I use it for "white noise" while working. It's relaxing, and it puts you in a tranquil mood. A must have to your rest and relaxation routine!

from Solo Piano Publications.......2002-01-14

George Davidson's eighth CD shows growth as an artist in his playing, arranging, and in composing the two original compositions that are included in the collection. Davidson's piano is joined on several tracks by Ljova "Lev" Zhurbin on viola. (Zhurbin also appeared on "Twin Strings II".) One of the things I really like about Davidson's recordings is that even though he is doing mostly covers, he doesn't let showmanship take over the arrangements as too many pianists do, overpowering the listener with ten glissandos a measure and arpeggiated chords by the ton. Davidson's playing is superlative, and a word that keeps coming to mind is "classy". "Allure" includes several pop standards, but not quite as many as in previous albums, which I like, as I prefer his original and less-familiar songs. The standards include the theme from "Love Story", the "Feather Theme" from "Forrest Gump", "Send in the Clowns", "Can You Read My Mind" from "Superman", and "St. Elmo's Fire". I teach these pieces all the time, so it's nice to hear new versions of them. George also does an exceptional job with the rock classic "A Whiter Shade of Pale", perhaps inspired by David Lanz' great arrangement from "Cristofori's Dream". The less familiar songs really sing and several have a very strong classical influence. "Le Bonheur D'Aimer" is gorgeous - passionate and evocative. "Sleepy Shores" is a song I heard a couple of times maybe fifteen years ago and loved, and never knew what it was, so it was a real surprise to find it here! It is just as beautiful as I remembered. Sarah Brightman's "So Many Things" is poignant and a little sad, underscored by the plaintive viola. "Les Roses De L'exil" is also exceptional. The two original pieces are beautiful, and I really hope Davidson will feature more of his original work. "Eileen's Song" is elegant and soulful, full of grace and gentleness. Eileen is Davidson's wife, and the song is overflowing with love as well. "Moments in Time" was co-composed with Zhurbin, and is a bit more lighthearted than some of the other tracks. All eighteen tracks are beautiful and fit together well as a collection. George Davidson is definitely an artist to watch, as he just keeps getting better!

Average customer rating:

Well Produced R&B Female Trio
What a Shame... 3 1/2 stars for effort
Underated Soul Trio
Good Effort By An Underrated Group
Not So Alluring

Chapter III
Allure
Manufacturer: Lightyear
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Journey Of A Gemini
LeToya

ASIN: B000641ZAY
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

Intro
Hate to Love You
Relax
Let Him Go
Longlast Love
I Think I'm In Love
Sitting At Home
Bittersweet
Just Can't Stay Here
Uh-Oh
I Watch Ya
Frustratin'
Gospel Interlude
Stay
I Think I'm in Love
I Feel So

Album Description

It's all systems go with Chapter III-Allure's third album. The difference this time-direction. They give it and take it on Chapter III. Working with some of the top producers in the business, the results are spectacular. Alia, Akissa, and Lalisha are sure to satisfy their existing fan base...as well as taking on new ones with Chapter III.

Customer Reviews:

Well Produced R&B Female Trio.......2006-11-06

Living in Indianapolis, what put this project on my radar was that the executive produce was then Indiana Pacer Ron Artest. This project was released less than a week after the infamous 2004 brawl in Detroit (just after Artest was suspended for the rest of the year), and less than a month after Artest said he wanted time off from the team to work on music (which he says he was joking). This project shows he's as good at music as he is on the basketball court (Artest is one of the best defenders in the NBA).

I always enjoy female singers, and I loved the sound of the harmonies and the background music. The only thing that made me uncomfortable: on the same project is the very seductive "Sitting At Home" and a wonderful Gospel Interlude. On the liner notes, all three singers start off praising Jesus. I'm not them, but as a Christian I consider the two paradoxal and not belonging on the same project, and I would not be comfortable singing or producing "Sitting At Home." Just my opinion.

If you like female trios and R&B, and don't mind an occassional rap, you would enjoy this project.

What a Shame... 3 1/2 stars for effort.......2006-08-23

I used to love this group with their first two albums, but with the departure of Linnie and a major label it definitely shows negatively on this album. My favorite would be " Let Him Go", "Relax and Unwind", which took a couple of listens,"Stay", and "Long Lost Love" . There's great ballads which are better than the uptempos. On the flipside, you do get to see more vocal skills from Lalisha and Akissa. They need to get on a better known record label and get their stuff heard. Don't count these girls out, I'll still support ya'll thats what a real Allure fan does.

Underated Soul Trio.......2006-04-17

I guess radio stations and video channels think one girl group is enough but they missed out on this hot cd. Too bad for Allure. The songs on this cd are far more better than Destiny's flop of an album in 05'. There should be room for everybody in the music industry not just the commercially viable sell out groups.

Good Effort By An Underrated Group.......2004-12-20

Allure "Chapter III" marks the 3rd album by this beautiful, talented, yet highly underrated group from the NYC. The album does have its high points: "Hate 2 Luv U" is a song that makes you feel like it's summer lovin' all over again, "Long Lost Love" and "Frustration" are pure R&B/Soul at its tightest, and "Sitting At Home" sways like a swing at the playground. However, a few tracks take a while to really get into: "Can't Stay Here With You" has an odd ragga beat but the girls harmonize so sweetly throughout, "Uh Oh" is a groovy reggae/dancehall track with a cloudy hook, and "Relax and Unwind" requires a few listens before you really feel it.

Overall, a solid effort from Allure. Highlights include: "Hate 2 Luv U", "Long Lost Love", "Sitting At Home" and "Frustration".

Not So Alluring.......2004-11-30

The song "Hate To Love You" is a remake of 3LW "Hate To Love You" that can be found on the "LOVE DONT COST A THING" soundtrack. That is the movie with Christina Milian and Nick Cannon. It is the same exact song.

Average customer rating:

Vol. 21-Afromentals Allure

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000NDDT2A
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Average customer rating:

All Cried Out
Allure
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DSPD
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Average customer rating:

Sweet melodies and harmonies

Detour Allure
Charlemagne
Manufacturer: Sidecho Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BC8SME
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Greyhound
Pink And Silver
Nematode
Your Scars
In the Fuselage
I Heard Something
Fight Or Flight
Fave Unknown
Tell Me
(We Are) Making Light
Hello September

Album Description

Carl Johns is Charlemagne. But he's been known as Carl Johns before — like when he was born in Southern Indiana in the mid-'70s, and when he started playing the drums (his first instrument). He was also Carl Johns when he left the Hoosier State and relocated to Madison, Wisconsin eight years ago, learned to play guitar and ended up in the group Noahjohn (a sort of a psychedelic Americana project, depending on which album you're listening to), of which released four albums from 1999 to 2004, and toured all over the U.S. and U.K. Detour Allure was co-produced by Charlemagne and The Arty Bastard (real name: Curtis Whaley, keyboard player and graphic designer for the disc), and it was the first time the two paired up as a production team. "Curtis and I worked really well together," says Johns. "I really enjoyed working with Curtis. He's a Southern gentleman with Euro flavor, which I think comes through on the record. He's equally at home at cookouts and art openings! , a subtle iconoclast." Detour Allure launches with a triumvirate of material — specifically "Greyhound," "Pink and Silver" and "Nematode" — that, according to Johns, sets the parameters for the rest of the album and dictates "the palette that we're working with." "Greyhound" is self-tagged as a "lazy pop song," on the slower end of a mid-tempo pace. (The song's chorus is where the album title was lifted.) The upbeat "Pink and Silver" sports an `80s feel, with plenty of hooks and fuzzy tones. Johns' psychedelic influences make an appearance in the middle section of "Nematode," which fires off with rough drum beats, acoustic guitars and a female voice, then breaks into a pop song with male/female vocal interplay. And when it's all said and done, the core of Charlemagne's Detour Allure is Johns' songwriting common denominator: the exploration of mystery and becoming comfortable with the unknown. The juxtaposition of such elements in Detour Allure includes offering pop melodies of intimate scenarios (conception, knitting, travel, gossip, card games, etc.) ? the familiar and "known" ? amidst psychedelia and a wash of sound ? the undefined and "unknown."

Customer Reviews:

Sweet melodies and harmonies.......2006-03-25

Detour Allure sports toe-tapping beats and soft melodies that give it an upbeat but mellow feel, and the quiet, low-key male and female voices lull one into a state of contentment as they sketch vignettes of travel, love, and survival. Each song is like a moment out of every day life; the lyrics speak of the joys, tribulations, and quiet moments that meet us as we travel day to day, hour by hour through our lives. It is easy to feel a connection and understand the songs, because they represent experiences that are in some way common to us all, and recall memories of our own pasts. The songs show the cycles in life; the cycles of the season and the earth and the cycles in relationships - the joy in love, the loss, and the healing and renewal. Both these cycles and nature and relationships are best exemplified by the last song, "Hello September," which speaks of the loss of summer and the loss of love and reminds the listener that all things change.

Average customer rating:

Head Over Heels
Allure Featuring Nas
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000DF62
Release Date: 1997-02-25

Tracks:

4:13
Trackmasters Mix 3:53
No Rap 3:32
Instrumental 3:49

Average customer rating:

Don't do it to yourself! Walk away while you still can.
It ain't happening for me
Why are people sleep on Allure?? PICK THIS UP!!
Good CD
Sweeter From Start To Finish

Sunny Days
Allure
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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All Day, All Night

ASIN: B00005O6JX
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

Bump
Kool Wit Me
Wore Out Your Welcome
Enjoy Yourself/Love Me Interlude
Lady
Never Let You Go
Can't Live Without You
The Shore (Wanna Be Your Lady)
Earn My Trust
Only For A While-Interlude
Sunny Day

Customer Reviews:

Don't do it to yourself! Walk away while you still can........2006-04-18

I don't know where to begin. This is the worst CD ever! This is the CD you used when you are looking for something to balance an uneven bookshelf. The entire album was fillers. I was very confused about the message behind some of the songs. I can't believe someone signed off on this album. Those people are the ones to blame. Song after song I waited for something to... you know... make me feel that the money I spent for the CD was justified. This CD was very painful to listen to. Believe it or not... they made another cd after this.

It ain't happening for me.......2005-09-21

It's such a poor CD, there are so many better soul girl group's out there. Get En Vougue's Soulflower instead.

Why are people sleep on Allure?? PICK THIS UP!!.......2005-02-04

Back in '97, Allure stepped on the stage of the Keenan Ivory Wayans show singing a song called "Head Over Heels", a song that sounded like it should have been on Mariah Carey's Butterfly album. They sounded good, but needed a bit of polish. Their debut album came out soon after and spawned four singles - "Heels", "No Question", "All Cried Out", and "Last Chance". After seeing them on Vibe singing the latter, many people thought that Allure would just be no more.

Fast forward four years to November of 2001. Because of the September 11 attacks, Allure's sophomore album was heavily underpromoted by MCA, a label widely known for its lack of promoting good artists while pushing so-so artists to the forefront. It's a shame, for this album could easily be the most overlooked album of 2001.

If you don't have it, get it. Why? Because there is not one song on this album that is a misstep. Allure had a hand in co-writing four songs on this album, versus having a whole album done by Mariah Carey. Also, whereas their debut album showcased safe vocals with sugary mid-range notes, Allure shows true development in their vocal versatility and shows you they can truyl saaang. Not convinced? Check out the song "Earn my Trust", a song that will have you thinking of the old-school song "Have You Seen Her". This song was produced by Full Force and showcases the women's voices wonderfully; easily the best song vocally on the album. "Never Let You Go" has that same effect; sure, the song is a bit cliche' but it flows nicely, and the high note at the end will have you saying "whoa!" A cannot-miss song is "The Shore (Wanna Be Your Lady)", featuring a then-unknown Miri Ben-Ari. The song just has that laid-back feeling with a hint of diva thrown in for good measure.

For more vocal effect, definitely check out the interludes. "Love Me", immediately following "Enjoy Yourself", is beautifully arranged and sung. Akissa starts it off with a nice Spanglish (Spanish and English) voiceover with Hem-Lee cooing in the background. This interlude should have definitely been a full song, for it is impressive. Also, the gospel interlude "Only For A While" shows that harmony that the girls have obviously perfected. This could have easily been performed acappella at any gospel outlet and won rave reviews!

There are some good upbeat joints to dance to. "Enjoy Yourself", the first single, is a nice "I'm-finna'go-out-to-the-club" anthem that will have you bopping your head. And if the intro song "Bump" featuring a nice rap from Nucci Rey O (whoever that is, he still can spit) doesn't get you moving, then you are just a lame! "Kool Wit Me", produced by the AllStars, has the classic AllStars beat and even has some elements of the 80s, but still is a good listen.

Allure definitely came hard with this album. It's just sad that MCA practically dropped this album with barely any mention or promotion. If you don't have this album, pick it up...trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Good CD.......2004-04-14

This is a good CD but bad promotion.

Sweeter From Start To Finish.......2004-04-03

Allure's second album, "Sunny Days" is definitely one of the most slept-on albums in the past few years. These ladies first broke out in '97 with the help of Mariah Carey and Trackmasters. And while their debut spawned a hot first single ("Head Over Heels") 1 Top 10 ("All Cried Out") and moderate hits ("No Question" and "Last Chance"), "Sunny Days" is a more consistent effort from start to finish.

Standout tracks include the catchy "Enjoy Yourself", the infectious "Lady", the exquisite ballad "The Shore (Wanna Be Your Lady)", and the elegant "Never Let You Go".

They may not have had the successful run that Destiny's Child had. (Or did you forget that Allure came out hot in '97, then Destiny's Child came out hot in '98?), but as a collective, Allure is definitely the more mature and the more balanced.

It's just unfortunate that "Sunny Days" did not make the impact it should have. Nevertheless, a better second effort from Allure.

Can't wait for the next album.

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