I Ain't Movin
This Black Londoner of Barbadian descent truly snuck up on the pop world with this 1994 disc, her second recording. Her ode to self-reliance and persistence, "You Gotta Be," rode lilting pop jazz backing to widespread acceptance (except, curiously, on "urban" radio, where her sound was deemed not black enough). The inspired video of the song became a staple at VH1. The single is indicative of the rest of the album. Most of it was written after a painful breakup with a long-time beau, so her focus is on trumpeting resilience and self-nurturing themes. Her creamy voice and austere but swinging backing make it work.--Martin Johnson