Long-time listeners of  's music and critics alike had extreme views of Mayte's solo debut Child Of The Sun. The entire album, with the exception of a cover of the Commodore's classic "Brick House" ("she's mighty Mayte"), was written by . This reviewer enjoys the album significantly. Mayte's sweet voice was perfect for the dance and pop hybrid that was present on the album.
Among the album's tracks is probably the best song has ever written for another artist, "In Your Gracious Name." The song is a beautiful mid-tempo pop track which really pointed toward what would eventually show up on Emancipation. The song is primarily keyboard based with a wonderful melodic backing. The most prominent instrument is a bouncy keyboard bass line that augments the track well. Like all the songs, can be clearly heard in the background vocals. The track has an interesting Latin flavored bridge during which Mayte speaks some Spanish lines.
"Children Of The Sun" is another standout track. The heavy dance song leads off the album and does a good job of setting the mood. The cut was likely recorded around the time began recording Emancipation, possibly when the album was still rumored as a techno album to be titled New World. "Children Of The Sun" is an electronic romp led by a thumping drum machine and quick paced keyboard bass line.
Jevetta Steele originally recorded "Ain't No Place Like You" for her Here It Is album. Her version was completely different from the eerie guitar driven cut Mayte recorded. reportedly walked in the studio and recorded the guitar in one take straight through. That is not surprising due to the spontaneous nature of the line. Mayte's vocals cut through the mix well.
"Love's No Fun" was already cut in 1989 by Elisa Fiorillo. Mayte's version sounds more acoustic and laid back than the version Elisa did on her album I Am. The track is primarily Mayte singing over a sparse background of keyboard strings and flute, a piano line, acoustic guitar, sound effects, and some background vocals. The song is a touching ballad that Mayte's voice is well suited for. It is not listed below as Elisa already performed it and Mayte's cut is essentially a cover.
performed a duet with Mayte on "However Much U Want." The track is essentially a song more than Mayte as he takes over a bit too much. The song is a top notch pop cut that, although not similar, sounds somewhat like "7" with a stronger hook. Many of the same elements are used in both songs and not surprisingly, the track dates back to those sessions.
Rounding out the set are Mayte's take on "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World," appropriately titled "The Most Beautiful Boy In The World." The backing music is the same as 's number one hit. Since the track was already performed, it is considered a cover and not listed below. The same goes for Mayte's take on "If I Love U 2nite," originally performed by Mica Paris. Mayte's version, which was the only single from the album, is more updated and pop based, verses Mica's R&B take. There is also a Spanish version of the track included. The upbeat "Baby Don't Care" is a catchy pop number that is boosted by some horns. It has a danceable beat with a bouncy bass line. There are several lines spoken in Spanish, giving the song more personality. "Mo Better" is a slow, seductive, ballad with a catchy hook.
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