Mica Paris
Mica Paris, born Michelle Antoinette Wallen on April 27, 1969, in South London (specifically Islington), is an English soul singer, radio and TV presenter, actress, and author.
She grew up singing gospel in her grandparents' church and joined the Spirit of Watts gospel choir as a teen, performing on their 1985 EP Gospel Joy. At 17, she became a backing vocalist for Hollywood Beyond on their 1985 album In.
Paris debuted with her platinum-selling album So Good in 1988 via 4th & Broadway, featuring hits like "My One Temptation" and a duet with Will Downing on "Where Is the Love." Key collaborations include Omar, Max Beesley, Prince, Boy George, and Moby sampling on "Heart" (2003); later albums are If You Could Love Me (2005) and Born Again (2009). She earned an MBE for her contributions to music.
She hosted BBC Radio 2's Soul Solutions, narrated music documentaries, and co-hosted BBC's What Not to Wear. Acting credits include West End shows like Mama I Want to Sing (1993), The Vagina Monologues (2004 tour), TV like EastEnders (Ellie Nixon, 2020), and films such as High Heels and Low Lifes (2001).
So Good
Featuring – Courtney Pine
Written-By – M. Waters, P. Vale, S. Shifrin 4:22
A2 My One Temptation
Written-By – M. Leeson, M. Waters, P. Vale 4:34
A3 Nothing Hits Your Heart Like Soul Music
Vocals – Roger Christian
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 4:25
A4 Sway (Dance The Blues Away)
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 4:51
A5 Don't Give Me Up
Vocals – Will Downing
Written-By – M. Paris, P. Powell 3:39
B1 Breathe Life Into Me
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 4:58
B2 I'd Hate To Love You
Vocals [Spoken Intro] – The Wallen Sisters
Written-By – M. Waters, P. Vale 4:48
B3 Great Impersonation
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 3:42
B4 Words Into Action
Lead Vocals – Paul Johnson
Producer – Will Downing
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 4:47
B5 So Good
Written-By – M. Waters, P. Vale, S. Shifrin 4:52
Label: 4th & Broadway – BRLP 525
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Contemporary R&B, Eighties Soul
Mica Paris's debut album, So Good (1988), is widely acclaimed as a classic BritSoul record, praised for its mature, soulful sound and Paris's powerful, velvety voice, which belied her young age (she was 19). Reviewers highlight its sophisticated mix of soul-pop, prominent sax from Courtney Pine, hits like "My One Temptation," and its timeless quality, with critics from AllMusic and Rolling Stone awarding it high marks (5 stars).
Critics consistently lauded Paris's voice, describing it as "pure velvet," powerful, and full of soul and conviction. AllMusic editor Alex Henderson praised her "fine range" and "earthy singer" style, comparing her favorably to Natalie Cole.
Reviewers considered the album a smooth, slick collection of songs that capably demonstrated Paris's immense talent early in her career. The singles were considered particularly strong, though a couple of album-only tracks were noted as slightly weaker by some.
Despite some industry initial hesitation about her crossover potential, the album's success cemented Mica Paris's place as a significant talent in the UK R&B scene of the 1980s. Retrospective reviews view the album as a classic of UK soul.