I listened to it and a short quickie review before I go slightly more into detailed with another post later on today is that. I was feeling it in the beginning but then somewhere around the middle of the album the songs begin to tamper off and by the end of the album it just ends up all sounding the same and pretty dull.

Excellent start, horrible finish.

My Review:

Highlights: Can I Take You Home, DJ Play a Love Song, Warm Bed,VIP, and Extravaganza

My personal top favorites: Can I Take U Home and VIP

This is a really good debut from Jame Foxx.

He is not a strong vocalist but his voice does well with the production and overall direction of the album. The album opens up with strong tracks:

Warm Bed- is a nice contemporary R&B song and the lyrics are not to cheesy, its really catchy and has that grown and sexy vibe.

DJ Play a Love Song- is a really sexy song and while Jamie isn't a Luther, he still knows how to use his voice to convey emotion. I don't think Twista's rap verse was necessary and I just don't think rap verses are necessary on sexy slow jams in general.

Can I Take U Home- has that classic 90's R&B slow jam feel. The song opens up like a lullaby would. Static Major put his foot in the production. It is a slow seductive jam that has a eerie and alluring vibe to it which makes it interesting. I think this song is one of the best R&B songs of the new millennium. The production, creativity, songwriting etc is off the charts

VIP- The production is CRAZYYYY. I will blast this song just for the production alone. It is a nice song to dance to with your boo or when you just want to relax at a lounge or relax at a social gatheriing. The beat is tooooo goood. The lyrics are okay but the overall production is GREAT and Jamie's adlibs are really sexy. Once again not strongest voice but he knows how to use his voice and to give it personality.


The album does tend to slow down a bit toward the end.

DJ your turn

I was so busy bullshitting in the lounge and shouty that I didn't write up my review but I will get to it. In the mean time since it's my turn.


I want to listen to her new album Braveheart but now that I think about it. I've never listened to her debut album in full so let's do that.

I was like in 3rd or 4th grade when this came out lol

Who got some Lyfe Jennings, Some Jaheim or some Tyrese?

We already discussed a Lyfe Jennings album but I dig Jaheim and Tyrese to. We are reviewing the Ashanti album now.

I was a bit older when Ashanti came out, middle school. If I remember, correctly, Foolish was a radio fav. I remember personally liking "Movies" at the time, and "Thank You" being an easy song for girls around my age to remember and sing.

I am not a Ashanti fan (although I think she is a really nice girl and really pretty). I did like her music videos for Foolish and Rain On Me. I thought they were really creative and really showed how abusive men can be in relationships and the mind games they play (Those songs were good messages for young girls). I also LOVE "Happy"

Highlights: Happy, Baby, Foolish

Personal Favorites: Happy

Review: I am not really crazy about this album but I think this is probably Ashanti strongest album. I REALLLYYY like Happy. It is a nice fun summer funky R&B jam. I really liked the music video to foolish and the message behind the song. Baby is nice and catchy.

Overall, I always thought her music was descent and she never went to overboard with the raunchiness. She seems real down to earth. She also has some songs with really good messages. Its messed up what happened to her career.

I'm so terrible with reviews. I listen to it right away but instead of writing up something really quickly. I just push it off til another time.

I didn't really like this album. The first few tracks were okay but then it descended into mediocrity. I felt like the album was a bit too lengthy for what she was doing.

Also you are up next with what album we should review next.

I don't think it's messed up what happened to her career. That's what she gets for hanging around Ja Rule and relying on him for a large majority of her hits.

Have you heard her 2013 album Braveheart? I haven't but I downloaded it recently. Will get around to it soon.

No I haven't. I am not a Ashanti (music) fan.

I don't think she can sing but I always thought she was really nice and had a genuine personality compared to other pop stars.

Your opinions about her career are probably right. That whole "Murdern Inc" label was a ratchet mess.

Yep. I was a bit sad when my girl Vanessa Carlton signed a deal with them. I'm pretty sure she left after that one album but it was a great album regardless of the label that helped her put it out. I'm sure she didn't stick around with them for too long.

why?!?!?!

smh

That is how I feel about Janelle Monae. Some of these great artists are on horrible labels.

I have another R&B record, can I post it?

yeah go ahead and post it. I'm ready. It is just the two of us.

Mary J Blige- My Life

http://rollingout.com/wp-content/upl...06/My+Life.png

Released: March 1, 1994, The debut of Mary J Blige


Track List:

1. Intro
2. Mary Jane (All Night Long),
3. You Bring Me Joy, Marvin (Interlude),
4. I'm The Only Woman
5. My Life,
6. You Gotta Believe,
7. I Never Wanna Live Without You,
8. I'm Goin' Down,
9. My Life (Interlude),
10. Be With You,
11. Mary's Joint,
12. Don't Go,
13. I Love You,
14. No One Else,
15. Be Happy


This is a classic and must have. I will be back with my review.

You know,I have never listened to a MJ Blige album. This will probably be my first. I only listen to her singles.

So, I thought this was her debut but it's actually her second album.

My favorite tracks from this album are "Mary Jane (All Night Long)", "Be Happy" and "You Bring Me Joy"

I have heard many of these tracks without ever having listened to this album. I think I can say that about many of Mary's albums. She is pretty much the Queen of R&B and commands that her presence be recognized through her vocals. She always stands out when she's featured on songs that aren't her own. The production is definitely top notch on this album though and I loved all the soul songs that were sampled in the creation of this album. While I was listening, I was going through trying to pick out songs that I knew or felt like I knew.

You are actually right... MY BAD!! lol This is MJB second album. Her first album was "Whats the 411" That is another great album as well.

However, I think "My Life" is the album that made her the icon she is today. I wouldn't say she is the Queen of R&B specifically but she is the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul". I don't think no other artist in her genre has fused those two genres so creatively as she has...maybe Lauryn Hill but then again Lauryn only made one album although that album is classic to.


Mary is not a good technical singer and her range is limited. However, she conveys so much emotion in her singing and really knows how to takes you with her in a song which is why I think she is a great singer. She commands alot of presence and personality in her singing. She is not a bad writer either and like you said is great at making appearances on other artists songs and knows how to make it her own. I think she deserves all her success and accolades. She has a pretty strong discography and despite her cross over success has not forgotten her roots...which is why I will always respect her.


My favorite tracks are: My Life, Be Happy, I'm Goin Down, Mary Jane (All Night Long), I Never Wanna Live Without You


This is a pretty solid album and the music videos are actually really good to. This is Mary at her best!

Idk I would still consider her the Queen of R&B in the same way that R. Kelly goes around with his self proclaimed Pied Piper of R&B title. Who else do you think would even fit that title for Queen of R&B? Also how are you making the distinction between hip hop soul and rhythm and blues? I feel like it's the same thing.

I guess it is my pick next.

I know I wanted to listen to a Mya album but I had such a hard time deciding between her self titled debut and Fear of Flying which was her second album but equally as good if I remember correctly.

I may just end up listening to both but for the purpose of this thread. Let's go with the debut.




btw had to toss in this music video because it brings back the nostalgic feels.

Just because an artist proclaims themselves as something does not necessarily mean they are the title they say they are. I actually think it would be unfair to call her the Queen of JUST R&B because her specialty is Hip Hop and R&B/New Jack Swing. I know most people site her as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul because of the fusion of those two genres she implemented throughout her catalog.

I honestly do not know who I would give the Queen of R&B title to but I personally would not give that to Mary J.

Hip Hop Soul and R&B are not the same thing. Hip Hop Soul fuses Soul music and Hip Hop together and R&B is just that. Unless its New Jack Swing or some other sub genre within R&B.

Also I will come back with my review. I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE Mya that is my girl, she is so underrated!!

Might participate in this one :]

Well jump on back in. You have time though. Usually a week or two to get back with the review. I am not a Nazi about it like others are.

Yea this definitly brings back some nostalgic lol This album is underrated


This is a pretty fun funky R&B album. The production is the highlight of the album for me.

Highlights/Favorites: Movin On, It is All About Me (THAT VIDEO!!! LOL), Keep On Lovin Me, Anytime You Want Me,

I miss Mya. She is a really underrated dancer. I think she is one of the best dancers of her era/generation. She is a trained dancer. She doesn't have the best voice but her voice fits well with her music and she is beautiful!

It was so hard for me to get through this album. I start and stopped it a couple of times before I finished it off.

The only highlight to me is the production. Also, this must have been my first time listening to a Mya album all the way through but it just did nothing for me.

I feel like I may have to get her more recent material and work backwards hopefully she grew over the years artistically and isn't this lackluster. I feel like her hit singles are a bit deceiving especially when that's all I know from her. I won't completely cast her aside just yet but her debut album isn't a good first impression on me.

It's your turn to pick the next album. Not sure if Sugar has time or not to get her review in. I don't know if you want to wait another day or two before we move on.

^ I agree with your opinion on Mya.

Mya discography overall is not the greatest. However, she is a fantastic dancer and tap dancer. She is also good with laying down hooks for guest appearances on rap songs. I like her because she is sweet and is a great dancer. She doesn't really seem to care about the charts and does her own thing.

Jodeci- Forever My Lady
http://images.junostatic.com/full/CS1780768-02A-BIG.jpg

Released May 28, 1991


Tracklist:
1. Stay
2. Come & Talk To Me
3. Forever My Lady
4. I'm Still Waiting
5. U & I
6. Interlude (553-Nasty)
7. My Phone
8. Gotta Love
9. Play Thang
10. It's Alright
11. Treat U
12. Xs We Share


I LOVE me some Jodeci. This band is crazy good. It's sad that their drug problems got in the way of their talents. I think they are better than Boys II Men (although I do like Boys II Men to). They played all the instruments in their songs as well as the production and songwriting. I will come back with my review.

I groaned just seeing their name and I'm not sure why. I'm going to have to fight against that bias because in all honest I have never listened to one of their albums before.

LOL You groaned because of their name?

You have to listen to this album. This is their best album in my opinion. Jodeci has a really good discography and they are crazy underrated.

If they did not allow their drug problems/antics to get in the way, they probably would get more props as a band.

I have a negative association with Jodeci and can't remember why so yes just seeing their name triggered my groan.

I will give them a chance though.

This is a great album and a classic! I think this is a must have if you love the new jack swing/ 90's R&B era. Jodeci is really underrated as a band. Unfornately due to drug problems and other related controversies, they don't get their just due. Regardless they are a great band and in my opinion was better than Boys II Men during this period because they had the full package. They wrote, produced and played all the instruments for there music.
Devante Swing is really underrated as a songwriter and musician.
Review time!

Highlights and favorites: Stay, Come& Talk to Me, Forever My Lady, I'm Still Waiting, Play Thang, Its Alright, Treat U, X's we share

1. Stay- Great song and classic!
2. Come and Talk to Me- This is probably Jodeci's most well known song and is without a doubt a R&B classic. The vocals are great the production is good.

I prefer the remix although I like the original version as well.


3.Forever My Lady- Great song and classic!
4. I'm Still Waiting- This is my favorite Jodeci song of all time. I love the production and KC's vocals are amazing. The harmonization are really good to. They are everything!
5. U and I-
6. Interlude- Dalvin and KC duet battle, pretty cool
7. My Phone- Nice song, the harmonization and singing is great. It sounds like they are channeling Bobby Brown.
8. Gotta Love- Another fun new jack swing cut, great production

9. Play Thang- This is a great New Jack Swing dance song.
10. It's Alright- Great dance production/ New Jack Swing cut
11. Treat U- Very eclectic production, great song to dance to and the vocals are fun
12. Xs We Share- great song, eclectic production, and great vocals.

Pretty solid album

Wish they straighten up and come out with a new album

I didn't enjoy this album one bit. I went into it with a bias attitude against it and that didn't change throughout the whole album.

It sounded so dated in a bad way imo. Come & Talk To Me was the only song that I thought was okay but everything else just felt like torture and I wish the album was over. It was so rough to get through this album for me. Not my cup of tea at all.

My turn!

I'm sorry you did not like it. I really love your new avatar its dope:drummer: