- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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Cole's voice is sweet and ringing, like a wiser version of Lil' Mo who has had to weather a tremendous amount of drama.
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The New York Times[An] excellent debut album. [27 Jun 2005]
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VibeCole's ability to belt to her heart's content saves the album from its inconsistent production. [Jul 2005, p.137]
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Entertainment WeeklyCole's street-savvy Oakland, Calif., upbringing gives her vocals depth and her songs a genuine, lived-in feel. [8 Jul 2005, p.69]
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These songs stay stuck with you like a lump in your throat.
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For the most part she rides the album's multiple peaks with a rare mix of street smarts and chops.
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Sadly, The Way It Is never quite lives up to the album it could have been.
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Los Angeles TimesHer vocals can be surprisingly characterless, but at times Cole manages to lightly convey the deeply contradictory emotions involved when love goes wrong. [10 Jul 2005]
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BlenderDry and straightforward disco-soul. [Jul 2005, p.116]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 39 out of 73
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Mixed: 13 out of 73
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Negative: 21 out of 73
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Nov 11, 2015
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LisaK.May 17, 2008
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NickIJul 10, 2007This album is perfect from start to finish.