Black Angel

Black Angel is the fourth studio album by British singer-songwriter Mica Paris. It was released on 10 August 1998 by Cooltempo / Chrysalis, her first and last for these labels, and features production from Boy George and Raphael Saadiq. Recording In the book, Straight, Boy George expressed, 'I wrote and produced "Black Angel" for Brit soul diva Mica Paris. Working with such a soaring voice — which could reach notes I could only dream of — was a thrilling experience.' Reception Critical Reviewing the single "Carefree" for Billboard, Larry Flick wrote, "Carefree" 'shows the enduring chanteuse in tip-top vocal form, floating a glorious, deceptively simple performance over a deliciously soulful groove. Equally appropriate for club turntables and home sound systems, this Cooltempo U.K. release leaves you desperate for a full-length album.' In the book Companion to Contemporary Black British Culture, Derek A. Bardowell heralded Paris as 'UK R'n'B's most respected vocalist. Despite struggling to find a market to fit her raspy but classically soulful voice, Paris has been a major musical force'. Bardowell also wrote that 'Paris found musical liberation in 1998 and assumed more creative control on her fourth effort [...] Black Angel is the greatest illustration of Paris' innovative talent.