A star is 'Born Again', with the triumphant return of Mica Paris

A star is 'Born Again', with the triumphant return of Mica Paris and her first original studio album in ten years. After twenty- two years in the business, and five albums under her belt, critics are hailing Born Again the album of her career. After becoming one of the country's most sought after TV presenters, Mica comes back to her musical roots.

The album was released Summer 2009 and has been produced by the legendary 'hit- maker', Brian Rawling. Rawling, whose recent single 'Broken Strings' for James Morrison and Nelly Furtado was number one worldwide. The aforementioned James Morrison wrote Mica's lead single and album opener out May 25th, 'Baby Come Back Now' - an up- tempo retro tune, that Morrison penned especially for Mica's soaring vocals.

The collection of songs perfectly showcases the vocals of the UK's Soul Queen, vocals that have been admired and beloved by music legends such as Prince, Peter Gabriel, Dave Gilmour, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, and Natalie Cole. A whole new generation of stars have been inspired by Mica's talent, such as Grammy winning artist Estelle, who recently said "I got into music because of Mica, she was my inspiration".

Blending classic Motown grooves with a distinctly modern production and emotive lyrics - Mica is singing from the bottom of her heart. This is no more evident than on the albums title track. 'Born Again' an epic ballad, sweeping strings and cut glass arrangement with a vocal that leaves you tingling. It is no wonder that Whitney Houston wanted this track for her comeback. Producer Brian Rawling insisted that the song was "made for Mica" and Whitney was refused. 'Born Again' is due for release in the UK end of March 2010.

Ballads like the Eric Benet penned tune 'You're the Only One' emit an effortless and creamy smooth R&B flavour, as on the Keisha Cole U.S. number one, 'I Remember', which Mica gives a heartfelt maturity to. Then there is 'Nothing But The Truth' a pop- country influenced ballad that makes you melt. The pleading 'Stay' and inspirational 'Hold On' grab hold and feature her church influenced roots, with a thoroughly spiritual vocal.

Mica reminds us how she can shine on the dance floor and show us what it's all about on up-tempo scorchers 'The Hardest Thing' with its middle- eight vocal that never ends, and 'Breathless' a track that Rhianna gave to Mica personally.

As a bonus, the album is rounded off with the Gershwin classic 'Summertime', which was recorded live at The Royal Opera House for BBC 1's television tribute to musicals, and her signature song that has endured - 'My One Temptation' - sung in acoustic splendour.

Since her debut album, 'So Good' was released back in 1989 Mica has had an incredibly varied career, a career that has endured the many highs and lows of the music business.

Mica admits that she hasn't sat back and enjoyed the ride because as she says, "I've always been into the next thing-always searching for a new vibe but it was the book ('Beautiful Within') that made me realise that I've had an amazing journey"
Mica reflects, "You know what this album reminds me of? When I first walked into Island Records and I sat down and told them that I wanted to bring a lot of the church into my music.

And they said "yes, that's what we want Mica Paris to be all about". It's almost as if I had to go through all the highs and lows of the last 20 years to see that sometimes it's the essentials and the basics that make the best reasons for making music. That's the thing I really want to get across with this album."

Spring 2010 will see the release of a bonus edition of 'Born Again.' This new edition has been repackaged with gorgeous new artwork, and includes three bonus tracks, 'Take It Back,' by Wrapt-up Productions featuring Mica, a wicked remix of 'Take It Back' by Moto Blanco, and a stomping Stonebridge remix of 'The Hardest Thing.'