A Love Supreme (Chanté Moore album)
A Love Supreme is the second album by American singer Chanté Moore, released on November 15, 1994, through Silas Records and MCA Records. The album features production from Simon Law, Moore, Ross Anderson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Kenneth Crouch, Kipper Jones, Tricky Stewart, among others. The album was preceded by the release of the singles "Old School Lovin'", "This Time", "Free/Sail On" and "I'm What You Need". The album peaked at number 64 on the US "Billboard" 200 and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart on December  3, 1994. Background and release. The album gave Moore another US Top 20 R&B hit with the single "Old School Lovin'". The album also contains a remake of the Alicia Myers hit "I Want to Thank You," as well as a medley/mash-up of the Deniece Williams song "Free" and the Commodores song "Sail On". Track 11, "Mood", also appears on the soundtrack to the Eddie Murphy film "Beverly Hills Cop III". She was highly influenced by Tramaine Hawkins, Andrae Crouch and her mother who was a singer. Critical reception. AllMusic expressed 'Chante is one of the leading new  R&B divas.' Expanding further Allmusic writes, 'Chante Moore's supple, sensuous vocals snake around jazzy, R&B mid-tempo grooves, in search of the perfect love. From the sultry, spoken opening where she unmistakably states her modern-day intentions to the old phono recording scratches of "Old School Love," Chante searches, preys, teases, romances, and snares.' AllMusic praised Moore's vocal performances, writing 'her voice has a remarkable range, and an emotive quality rare in many new artists' and that it is ' reminiscent of Diana Ross, but a full-throttle Ross', whilst 'her jazz inclinations and rich, lower register also remind  the listener of Anita Baker and Toni Braxton'. AllMusic also praised Moore's 'restraint', writing 'in "I'm What You Need" she reaches those glass-shattering Mariah Carey notes, but only a few, just enough to embellish the song'. In concluding, Allmusic writes 'Chante Moore is poised to become The Voice—so, make way for the next R&B diva'. Sherrie Winston of the Sun Sentinel wrote "Throughout A Love Supreme, Moore combines sultry vocals with lyrics of chivalry, romance and spirituality. The singer's range is phenomenal; her style undeniable." Winston added "A Love Supreme is a mellow listen that  layers gritty island sounds with singing violins and harps. If the rap infusion has got you down, Moore offers a mellow, sexy and talented reprieve. Nothing against rap, of course, but A Love Supreme delivers its message with subtlety. The way it used to be." Similarly, "People" heralded Moore as 'something new: a twenty-something R & B singer who isn’t striving to be with the down crowd', writing that "A Love Supreme" is 'a welcome respite from R & B’s long queue of follow-the-leader divas'. Furthermore, "People" described "A Love Supreme" as 'a classic soul affair', comparing  'Moore’s supple, relaxed singing style' to a 'a young Diana Ross with more lung power'. Further praising Moore's vocal performance, "People" wrote, 'she builds up a romantic sweat while keeping her vocal cool on “My Special Perfect One” and “Mood,” and wrings tears without becoming maudlin on “Am I Losing You.”