Watley is no Milli Vanilli
The Straits Times Interactive: Feeback
March 14, 1997

THE Grammy Awards have always been controversial and journalists routinely comment on whether the winners really deserve their awards. Their comments are contingent on several factors, including their personal tastes.

This year's report by Life! on the awards was no exception. But what struck me was the implication that the Best New Artiste Award was not credible, as most of the winners so far have "disappeared" after winning them.

The Milli Vanilli case unfortunately marred the credibility of the academy. But the use of Jody Watley as an example was unjustified. Her debut album spawned several hits. Her music transcended pop, dance and R&B. She is talented; she can play musical instruments, dance, writes her own songs and comes up with ideas for her videos. Watley's follow-up album Larger Than Life, was even more successful.

Naturally, all artistes grow and experiment. Her next album, Affairs Of The Heart, exhibited the maturity of her songwriting. Unfortunately, it also marked the start of a decline in her popularity. But artistes in the music industry cannot control the fate of their albums and musical credibility is not enough to generate sales.

I hope Watley gets back into the limelight again and wish her all the best.

Mohamad Fariz B Tajularus