this CD is one of the best. whether or not you want to jam or chill out and dream, this is the CD for you...it's jazz with all the right emotion.

This record is unbelievable ! It's truly any serious music lover's wonder why this band wasn't one of the biggest hits of the 90s. On top of being a first-class acid-jazz/new-soul/neo-funk/whatever-you-may-call-it band (leading the way in that style alongside other British-based band Incognito), the Brand New Heavies got a brand-new vocalist on that album who added a whole new dimension to their music.

Siedah Garrett was no newcomer though, having been a background singer for Michael Jackson for years (she also wrote "Man In The Mirror" and sang the famous duet "I Just Can't Stand Lovin' You" with him on the album "Bad"). She had a try at solo recordings under the auspices of her mentor Quincy Jones (with the great single "Refuse To Be Loose" and a debut album going completely unnoticed) and was one of the major protagonists of Q's "Back On The Block" album, singing side-by-side with Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan and the likes, and even a duet with Chaka Khan !

On "Shelter", Siedah adds her inspired and soulful raspy singing which fits the band like a glove (I much prefer her contribution to that of N'Dea before her), making this album my favorite by the band. Sadly, Siedah departed after this one project with the Heavies, being now replaced by able Carleen Anderson from Young Disciples fame (and two superb solo albums in-between). What is Siedah up to nowadays? I really don't know.

Well, just in case I convinced you to buy this CD... DON'T !!! This is the re-release of the original edition, which didn't contain "You've Got A Friend" as a bonus (included in the European edition). So my advice is for you to look for a copy of that now-unavailable edition (the one with the white cover) and make the most of that fantastic album !

I was crushed when I first heard that N'Dea Davenport wasn't going to be with the BNH anymore. So when I heard that Siedah Garrett was going to be the new lead, I refused to buy or listen to "Shelter" when it came out. Six years later, I reconsidered (mostly because I realized that N'Dea LEFT the band to pursue her own career not because she was kicked out). I'm also a big fan. Anyway - I listened to the CD and absolutely loved it! The CD has a fresh sound even now (though it was produced in '97). I even have to give Siedah some props; she does a great job. The music is definitely different from some of their other albums (but probably closer to "Brother Sister"). It's polished and some songs were intended for pop radio. I'm glad I went ahead and gave this CD a chance. It's really good. Songs that stand out: "Shelter," "Gotta Do Right," and "Day by Day."

I really liked Brand New Heavies anyway, however, after I got this CD, this has by far, become my most favorite CD of all time. Not to mention, that I am now a BNHeavies addict!!!

This is definitely one of the best (if not the BEST) BNH Cds out there. If you like bass-, piano- and horns-driven funk, then this is the Cd for you. I assure you, you will not be disappointed by this Cd. It easily has 11 tracks that are worthy of constant rotation. If you are even remotely contemplating purchasing this disk, just do it. It's tight.