Latif is overlooked, December 7, 2003
Reviewer: Naomi J. from Brooklyn, NY, USA

Latif is a man of immense talent and it's a shame that all this talent is going to waste. I just bought the album only because I could not find it! I went into many record stores asking for "Latif, Love In The First" and no one knew what I was talking about. He is one of the very few real R&B talents out these days and he gets no shine. I have to say, the reason I was so drawn to "I Don't Want To Hurt You" is because I am a big fan of Mario and I felt that they sounded a lot alike. But then I realized how great of a singer Latif is just as himself not because his voice is (kind of) similar to that of Mario's.

Anyway, to the album, the album is great. I have to say, I enjoyed the slower songs more because in those, Latif displays his talent much more. I Don't Want To Hurt You, Without You, Heavenly and I Don't Blame You are ALWAYS on constant repeat in my cd player. I'm not really fond of too many of the more upbeat ones only because I am a much bigger fan of heartfelt SINGING. But, those 4 songs listed above and about 2-3 others made me overlook the songs I didn't like because that's how excellent those were.

Latif should however move to another record label because Motown is letting his talent go to complete waste. They are not doing enough to promote him because if they were, I'm sure he would have many more fans than he does now and get much more recognition for having such a beautiful voice. I really do hope that Latif gets some kind of advice and goes to another label because if he doesn't, I'm afraid his career will go nowhere.

All in all, if you are a fan of pure, raw R&B this one is definitely for you.

Rating: ****

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