The Dana Owens Album
Everyone grows up... even rappers. Pioneering female MC Queen Latifah shows a newfound level of maturity onThe Dana Owens Album.  A set of standards the rapper/actress decided to cover, the album features a host of jazz classics and R&B; favorites.Latifah is at her seductive best when playing the sultry siren onAl Green's "Simply Beautiful." With a little help from Green himself, Latifah's vocals slide over the warm, organ-drenched instrumental. The result is one that works today as well as it would have several years ago. Similarly, the big band-backed "Baby Get Lost" swings with bluesy groove that is pure nostalgia.However, it's when Latifah mines more standard fare that the album seems to hita snag. Fans ofJames Moody's "Moody's Mood for Love" may want to skip Latifah's version, as it misses the subtle perfection of the original. Her rendition of "I Put a Spell On You" doesn't falter, but it's not impressive either. It ends up being the kind of performance that finds you constantly waiting for more but never getting it. The same can be said for her cover of theMamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'."That said, with Latifah's recent critically acclaimed turn in the filmChicago, this album's timing couldn't have been better. And with help from legendary producer Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin),The Dana Owens Albumis an interesting and impressive new chapter in the star's diverse career. --Rashaun HallAmazon.com ExclusiveHear anexclusive audio streamof Queen Latifah’s "What Is This Thing Called Love."