Anita Baker

Musician

Forfans of 1980s soul/r&b, listeners of jazz-influenced pop, newcomers seeking classic vocal r&b.
1 Reviews 1 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

Anita Baker (born January 26, 1958) is an American singer known for her smooth, jazz-influenced R&B vocals and landmark 1980s recordings such as Rapture.

Breakthrough solo albums include The Songstress (1983) and Rapture (1986); she was earlier the lead singer of the band Chapter 8. Rapture features the hit "Sweet Love" and received widespread acclaim for blending soul, jazz and pop.

DeBaser's review praises Anita Baker's 1986 album Rapture as a successful soul/jazz/pop crossover. The review highlights tracks such as "Sweet Love," "You Bring Me Joy," and "Caught Up In The Rapture," and credits Baker's vocals and Michael J. Powell's production. Rapture is recommended as an entry point to Anita Baker's work.

Notable Quotes

❝ Just listen to the smooth "Sweet Love," the jazzy "You Bring Me Joy," to realize the class of this artist, or "Caught Up In The Rapture," embellished by an evocative guitar at the end of the track.