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List Price: $13.98 | | Label: Interscope Records
Salesrank: 1131
Released: September 28, 2004 |
| Our Price: $9.06 |
| Used Price: $3.88 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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The Dana Owens Album Track Listing:
1. Baby Get Lost
2. I Put a Spell on You
3. Simply Beautiful
4. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh
5. Moody's Mood for Love
6. Close Your Eyes
7. California Dreamin'
8. Hard Times
9. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
10. Hello Stranger
11. If I Had You
12. Lush Life
Editorial Review:
"...a collection of timeless classics chosen and covered by the Queen herself"
Description of The Dana Owens Album:
Everyone grows up... even rappers. Pioneering female MC Queen Latifah shows a newfound level of maturity on The 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 on Al 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 of James 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 the Mamas & the Papas' "California Dreamin'."
That said, with Latifah's recent critically acclaimed turn in the film Chicago, this album's timing couldn't have been better. And with help from legendary producer Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin), The Dana Owens Album is an interesting and impressive new chapter in the star's diverse career. --Rashaun Hall
Amazon.com Exclusive
Hear an exclusive audio stream of Queen Latifah’s "What Is This Thing Called Love."
The Dana Owens Album Reviews:
Irksome lack of knowledge of the LYRICS 
2008-09-14 - I do like Queen Latifah as an actress. I do not like her as a so-called 'jazz singer'. Why not? Well, heck she didn't get the lyrics right SEVERAL times. Particularly in Lush Life. Gee, people, if you are gonna pretend you 'love jazz' then you should at least know the lyrics to the songs you attempt to sing. For those of us who are musicians and who have worked as session musicians, please don't insult us! It's very very very obvious Queen's 'voice' was extended, lifted, lowered and generally 'embellished'. Sure they all do it, but I expected something better from Queen. So I'm not buying the mp3s, but will go get more Diane Krall and Nina Simone and Etta James. Thanks but no thanks, Queenie. Stick to 'rap' or whatevah it is you DO do other than act. Or just stick to acting, you do that well, in a certain kind of role at least.
well done 
2008-06-14 - the Queen suprises a lot of folks with this cd composed of all singing. With a jazzy, R&B feel to it. It takes you on a trip and doesnt bring you back until the last song is over with. Its very soothing, comforting and her voice is strong when needed and subtle yet passionate on other tracks. But throughout the Dana Owens album there is one thing for sure that not only can she rap. But she can also sing as well, it doesnt feel like a gimmick or something forced. Its a natural progression and i love it. I do hope that she does another rap album in the future, but for now. I'm very happy with this effort.
the queen crosses over!
2008-05-24 - queen latifah followed up her fantastic performance in 2002's 'chicago' with a cd of light jazz standard of many decades.
if i'mnot mistaken, she dedicated the album to her mother, but this is one for the many fans that knew she could deliver the goods with a great set of melodies and lyrics.
every track is golden but the best are her versions of 'california dreaming', 'hard times' and 'moody's mood for love'.
'trav'lin light' is the next step on latifah's journey to a throne as the newest jazz/r&b queen! now if only her next films are as rich and varied as these two cds....
one can dream, can't one?
dana andrews
2008-05-12 - i am not a rap fan so to hear queen latifah sing standards and show off a nice voice was a treat. I hope she will do more singing in the future
Disappointed! 
2008-03-31 - Really not what I expected. Hello Stranger is the only song on the whole CD that I really like.
