AMG Review of Harem

Ed Hogan
All Music Guide

Issued on February 7, 1995, Harem was the self-titled debut of the multicultural female vocal duo produced by Motown songwriting vet Michael Lovesmith. The lush opener, "Fantasy Woman," sets the tone for the set as Na Na and Azia emote whispery vocals and coy rapping in a lusty but classy fashion. Think the lyrical motif and feel of Maria Muldaur's "Midnight at the Oasis" transplanted into a mid-'90s urban R&B setting and you've got the album's concept. The standouts are "Desert Nights," "All That You Need," and "Harem's Theme." Lovesmith used some of the same elements on the self-titled debut of Mind Heart & Soul and Smokey Robinson's Intimate album.