NoMuzikNo:zilchide

Crucial


Dilemma's logo on the front of this CD has a halo over the "d" and the "a" at the end finishes in a devil's pointed tail. And the picture of the group, Rahela Abbas, Christine Chang, Denise Shepherd, Suzanna Smith and Tracey Van Hooser, portrays the five women looking at us in a "What are you looking at" kind of way. Dilemma, who we enjoyed at last year's Harmony Sweepstakes Bay Area Regional, have come into their power! 13 songs, of which two, "Wishing" and "Crucial" are originals: The Temptations' "Can't Get Next to You," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," Donna Summer's kick-ass "Hot Stuff," "It Hurt So Bad," "Song for a Winter's Night," "I'm Beginning to See the Light," "The Sweetest Thing" (Tell Him), "That I Would Be Good," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Don't Leave Me This Way" and "We'll Be Together." Very strong vocal percussion keeps Dilemma's sound cooking, and allows the voices to go off of the melody and play. Strong arrangements and affirmative song selection, and a willingness to let go and take chances all add up to a breakthrough CD. But angels or devils? A little taste of both!