This Is Niecy


This Is Niecy is the debut album of American R&B singer Deniece Williams released on August 13, 1976, by Columbia Records. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard 200. The album has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA and Silver in the UK by the BPI.

Overview

The album was remastered and reissued with bonus tracks in 2013 by Big Break Records.

Critical reception

Andy Kellman of AllMusic declared, "This Is Niecy is a great complement to Earth, Wind & Fire's Spirit, released the same year -- not only for its overlapping personnel, but also for its greatness." David O' Donnell of the BBC noted that "what really shines from the album is Williams' distinctive soprano voice, range and acrobatic vocal ability which confirms her as one of the greatest R&B and soul singers of her time." Sheila Prophet of Record Mirror called This Is Niecy "a great first album". Prophet added, "Niecy's voice combines the silkiness of Diana Ross with the exuberance of Linda Lewis".

Singles

Singles from the album included "Free" which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Personnel

Production