★★★★★
Melinda Doolittle's third place finish in a popular showcase like American Idol might not have guaranteed her success in another era. For instance, it's hard to imagine how a vocalist with a classic mature soulful sound would not have been able to parlay that into a higher level of commercial success in 1987, when Doolittle would have been a contemporary with Anita Baker, Regina Belle, Miki Howard and Patti LaBelle...
- www.soultracks.com
2013-12-28
★★★★★
C.GIFonsidering that she's one of the only American Idol contestants ever to transcend the show's karaoke trappings, it's not much of a surprise that season seven finalist and erstwhile professional background singer Melinda Doolittle offers, with Coming Back to You, what is easily the strongest, most self-assured debut album by any of the show's many alums...
- www.slantmagazine.com
2009-07-10
★★★★★
As a finalist on American Idol's season 6, Doolittle sang powerfully but lacked star power; at times it seemed like one of the vocal coaches had snuck on stage. So it's quite a surprise that her debut Coming Back to You ranks among Idol's liveliest yet. Doolittle channels Tina ?Turner and Aretha Franklin over live-band arrangements that feel fresh-faced and old-school at the same time. In "I'll Never Stop Loving You," she even uncovers an improbable reserve of torch-song sex appeal.
- ew.com
2009-06-12