A generally consistent effort with a few uninspired moments,
Starr's breakthrough album embodies both the good and bad aspects of late-'80s synth-driven dance-pop. At its peak, the set is bright and zesty, with irresistible hooks and danceable rhythms ("What You See Is What You Get") or passionately dramatic and heartfelt ("I Still Believe"). So, it's fitting that both of those numbers became Top 40 pop hits. At its low point, the album suffers from banal arrangements and clichéd melodies ("All Tied Up" and "Drive Another Girl Home," though the latter is commendable for its unique delivery of an anti-drunk-driving message within a pop context). The most consistent factor of
Brenda K. Starr is, in fact,
Starr, who gives honorable energy and vitality to each number -- rising above the weaker moments. Musically, the album's stronghold lies in its exploration of several subgenres: freestyle; smooth, mid-tempo R&B; straightforward club sounds; and radio-friendly pop. That wasn't the case with her 1985 debut album, I Want Your Love; but it can also be argued that the latter had a rawer, less polished quality that made it more endearing at times. ~ Justin M. Kantor