One of the great mysteries of American music is that Lisa Fischer has only released one solo album. Real Gone Music has now reissued that album, So Intense, in a deluxe edition with five bonus tracks.

Fischer is one of those singers you have probably seen or heard without realizing it. She has backed many of today’s stars in the studio, including Sting, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin. She served 22 years as a backing vocalist in the studio and in concert for Luther Vandross until his death in 2005. Her greatest claim to fame is serving as a backing vocalist for every Rolling Stones tour since 1989.

So Intense was not an album that quickly disappeared. It produced the Top 20 pop single “How Can I Ease The Pain,” which also topped the R&B Charts. It enabled her to win the 1992 Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.

Fischer has one of those voices that are a gift from God. It has a wide range that allows her to soar or purr at will with a crystal-clear tone. It is one of those voices you will never forget.

“How Can I Ease The Pain” is the best track as she rings every bit of emotion from the song.  “Chain Of Broken Hearts” is close behind as it is an example of her vocal range.  Add in “Save Me,” which will make you want to get up out of your chair and dance along, and the smooth mid-tempo rhythm & blues of “Some Girls,” and you have an album that is consistently excellent.

Four of the five bonus tracks are basically remixes and edits, and while interesting, they add little to the overall quality of the album. The only new song is “Reachin’ 4/U.” It is a nice performance, but it pales next to the music that was issued on the original album.

So Intense remains the lone solo statement by one of music’s superior vocalists. It is a worthy addition to any collection.

Rating: B+

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