The First Lady
by Faith Evans
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Apr 5, 2005
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    90
    The First Lady is terrifically balanced in its distribution of club tracks, midtempo grooves, and slow jams.
  2. Billboard
    80
    By turns playful, sexy, soulful, funky and passionate, Evans showcases the full range of her talents on her most consistent effort yet.
  3. Blender
    70
    Intermittently great. [May 2005, p.117]
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  5. E! Online
    50
    The First Lady should be the last album on anyone's shopping list.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Though blemished by a few toothless slow jams... the album's mature whimsy reflects a healthier, happier Faith Evans. [8 Apr 2005, p.63]
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  7. Rolling Stone
    70
    Remarkable for its warm reliability.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    By the time you've absorbed her past, her new label, her cover, her album title, and then the mostly fresh music behind it all, you should be largely won over by Faith Evans's genuine talent.
  9. The Guardian
    70
    Evans restores soul music's long-overlooked tradition of autobiographical storytelling, dissecting her life before and after the spotlight began to burn.
  10. musicOMH.com
    30
    There's little in the way of fire or grit here.
  11. Village Voice
    80
    Her tightest set yet.
  12. Paste Magazine
    80
    Lyrically, The First Lady offers plenty of revelations.
  13. Vibe
    70
    There's no doubt that Evans can still finesse the notes. But instead of continually pushing her sound into the future, she often backtracks, covering much of the same ground as her previous offerings. [Jun 2005, p.156]
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  14. Dot Music
    70
    The quality is unmistakable and confirmation enough that she deserves to be remembered as more than just Biggie’s widow.
  15. Q Magazine
    40
    Chic but charmless. [Jun 2005, p.111]
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  16. Mojo
    80
    She's right back on track with this terrific debut for Capitol. [Jun 2005, p.110]
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  17. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    [Evans is] a sharp songwriter with an acute ear for melody and a voice that could bitch-slap any R&B wannabe into place. [21 May 2005, p.66]
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  18. Uncut
    60
    She proves... that she's more than a professional widow. [Jul 2005, p.104]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. EltonW
    May 30, 2006
    9
    This album was very refreshing considering the current state of R & B. It's nice to see Faith keep soul the heart of music. She took This album was very refreshing considering the current state of R & B. It's nice to see Faith keep soul the heart of music. She took risks with this album and it is very rewarding. Key songs are I Don't Need It, Mesmerized, Again, Until You Came, Stop N Go, and Tru Love.… Full Review »
  2. SamSexy
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Dis iz da best it iz so worf it. I r8 it 5 star It iz wiked at da mo. itz worf byin
  3. OmarB
    May 6, 2005
    8
    This album is great. The first track is not that good but I will listen to it. The rest of the album flows nicely except for Jealous and This album is great. The first track is not that good but I will listen to it. The rest of the album flows nicely except for Jealous and Lucky Day. They are well written but the beat is not up to par with the rest of the album.… Full Review »
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