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The Way It Is
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
The Way It Is Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 73 Ratings

  • Summary: Kanye West is among the producers on this major-label debut for the 21-year-old Oakland, Calif. native.

Top Track

Love
I used think that I wasn't fine enough And I used to think I wasn't wild enough But I won't waste my time tryin' to figure out Why you playin' games,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Vibe
    80
    Cole's ability to belt to her heart's content saves the album from its inconsistent production. [Jul 2005, p.137]
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  2. The New York Times
    80
    [An] excellent debut album. [27 Jun 2005]
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  3. AllMusic
    80
    Cole's voice is sweet and ringing, like a wiser version of Lil' Mo who has had to weather a tremendous amount of drama.
  4. Stylus Magazine
    75
    These songs stay stuck with you like a lump in your throat.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    For the most part she rides the album's multiple peaks with a rare mix of street smarts and chops.
  6. E! Online
    67
    Sadly, The Way It Is never quite lives up to the album it could have been.
  7. Blender
    60
    Dry and straightforward disco-soul. [Jul 2005, p.116]
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See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. MichelleD
    Sep 12, 2005
    10
    I love the cd. The lyrics are powerful and meaningful and her voice has Mary's pain!
  2. minrock
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    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 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.....… Expand
  4. miley
    Nov 11, 2015
    10
    Keyshia dona, amores. Não merece essa nota ridícula dada pelos usuários, what a shame. Vocês não sabem apreciar r&b, beijinhoooooossssssssKeyshia dona, amores. Não merece essa nota ridícula dada pelos usuários, what a shame. Vocês não sabem apreciar r&b, beijinhoooooossssssss gossip girl… Expand
  5. monicar
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    I think shes the next Monica. She's way better tham ashanti, beyonce, and ciara. I think she is the next monica cause monica is the next I think shes the next Monica. She's way better tham ashanti, beyonce, and ciara. I think she is the next monica cause monica is the next Mary J Blige.… Collapse
  6. KarolynS
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    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 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.… Expand
  7. NickI
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    This album is perfect from start to finish.
  8. StephanieT
    Mar 16, 2006
    2
    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 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.… Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

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