I thought this album was off the hook. It's crazy cool I love it. I think honestly this is the best R&B album since Monica's "After the storm". it has passion and energy, it could be emotional "(I just want it) to be over" or club friendly "Guess What". Keyshia cole is raw talent and has the voice that sends chills down you spin because it's so powerful. Overall it's and all around 10. Straight up.… Expand

This album is perfect from start to finish.

I'm feeling all of her songs!! I won't compare her to anyone else because everyone has their own style. I'm going through some things right now and each song is like my journal....singing about my life as if she were standing right beside me! Thank You Keyshia

I think everyone needs to cop dis shit right quick. it is off the mothafucken chain. dis shit is bananas man. and all that talk about monica and Mary dat shit is 4real these three women are the R&B Queens. give it up 4 my girls Keyshis, monica and Mary.

I love this album i really do. I think that it is timeless u can never get tired of it and if u do just pop in "just like you". And the monica and mary comparison it's not necessary these women are all talented including ciara, beyonce, ashanti and mya. It's not fair 2 put them up against eachother.

took a chance and bought the album. i hadn't even heard any of the songs but i'm so glad i had. she has never been heard in the uk and i think it's really bad. she's has possibly the most real voice that's out there. so much of R&B is emotionless or way too sickly - this is real and very impressive. truly one of my great cds in my collection. 2005 is definately her year.

Fantastic album!!! All the way through!! No complaints!!

The best urban/ r+b female album this year, handsdown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She's a true diamond in the rough and if this is the beginning then I can't wait for her next lp.

This is the best album I have purchased this year. This girl has real talent and anybody that says this album is not a 10 needs there ears checked. I disagree with the E online rating who ever rated this album needs to be fired.

I love the cd. The lyrics are powerful and meaningful and her voice has Mary's pain!

I agree, I think she is almost as talented as monica but she still has to work a bit more. I love the comparison though. I also think she is far more talented than other R&B singers like Ciara, Ashanti, Mya, Beyonce, Brandy and even Faith Evans. 10 All the way cause that's "The way it is"!! Also if you like Keyshia Cole's album then you should Get Monica's "After the storm"

This CD is awesome. I don't believe it's worth a ten. Keyshia Cole's voice is not really established; she's not able to do alot of things with it. She reminds me of a young MARY. There's so much passion and hurt in her voice that you can't but relate to her pain. Overall I love the CD and it's one those albums that you can play all the way through (which is rare).… Expand

Keyshia Cole's cd is one of the best I've heard in a long time. I listen to it everyday. I can very well relate to her lyrics. She has a beautiful and flawless voice. I wish her well in the music industry.

I honestly do not see what the fuss is all about....her voice is just too nasal for my tastes. I think she has true potential, she just needs to learn how to open up her throat when she sings.

"If you haven't bought it, then you need to go get it." Keyshia Cole's album "The way it is" is in my opinion the best R&B album of the year. From the first to the last track you can either bop your head to soulful beats or sing your heart out right along with her. Her album brought me through a rough time I was having after a break up. She inspired me and helped me relize that I wasn't the only one thats been heartbroken.… Expand

Reminiscent of a young Mary, early SWV -- so real and amazing. Her voice is a clear bell. She's a pro chanteuse with all the accouterments of an official fly girl. If you like it slow and beautiful you can't miss "Love" or "We Could Be" -- these don't come around often.....

I wasn't surprised when I listened to it. I expected to be every little bit of greatness that it was. I thought this c.d. would go at least platinum, but it's the people who didn't buy this album's loss. She writes all of her stuff which is really great. The only complaint that I have is that she uses pro-tools, which isn't good. I know she can sing really well live, as you can tell by AOL sessions. Anyway, it really was a very great c.d. My favorite songs are (I just want it) To be Over, I changed my Mind, Love I thought you Had my Back, I should've Cheated, Guess What?, Love is a little overrated, but still okay. You've Changed, Superstar, We Could Be is pretty good, Never, I don't really like Down and Dirty. Oh yeah, and Situations is really good too. So I guess you could say I like just about every song. My favorite is You've Changed.… Expand

While it has it's moments, :The Way It Is" is a rather bland album. Keyhsia Cole suffers from what a lot of new artists go through: great vocals, amazing talent - but cliched productions and radio-friendly songs, rather than talent-proving songs and a use to a trademark voice.

Best female album i've heard all year!! Perfect 10 all the way through..but my fav song is Love, thought you had my back!