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 Since I Just Have a maximum of 1000 words, I'll try to make this Short! (lol) B2k is Hot group and So is there cd. I woke up early in the morning on March 12, 2002 to buy there cd. If every song on there cd was a single, each would be a hit! I mean these boys have the vioces, the moves, and the looks! They are doing it up for 2k2 and beyond. I LOVE YOU Jarell, Omari, Dreux,and Mario!Holla,
The album opens up with "Gots Ta Be", a smolderingly seductive R&B groove. "Gots Ta Be" (along with the next two) was co-written and produced by Steve Russell, the former lead singer of Troop ("Spread My Wings") -- an R&B group that enjoyed it's heyday during the New Jack Swing Era of 1988 through 1992. (Note to the older folks reading: you can even hear Steve singing backgrounds here. Nice to see he's still in the business!) "Understanding" totally sounds like a Troop song (think "That's My Attitude") and it works very well. The third track, "Why I Love You" has an Usher-type vibe a la "You Remind Me", and I think this could be a single; it's a very nice "spring weather-sounding" mid-tempo. Then we hear "Uh Huh", B2K's first single, and the song is ridiculously slick indeed -- on fire, actually. Blazing. After a short skit, we're "two-wayed" into "B2K is Hot" which is a blatant example of shameless self promotion -- but it works; a definite "we're going to see the concert tonight" track. However, "Fantasy" would have to be my choice for best fast song on the album -- even better than "Uh Huh". "Fantasy" has a distinct Ralph Tresvant/New Edition vibe, and the song definitely shows love for all the young sistas (in particular) out there -- listen close, and enjoy... "I'm Not Finished" is a decent, apologetic ballad. "Come On" is a bouncy uptempo that is also just OK, but not bad. Next we hear another interlude, followed by a faster bounce track called "Hey Little Lady" which is also, well...just OK. But the vocals on "Come On" and "Hey Little Lady" are warm and filled-out. "Baby Girl" is a stunningly well done ballad, and is my pick for best slow jam on the album, and a definite radio single. "Baby Girl" is tight y'all...trust me. "Your Girl Chose Me" is another excellent fast song; it has a 'Jacksons' feel to it circa 1984 -- with Jermaine or Randy singing lead. In my opinion, "Your Girl Chose Me" would make a great concert song a la *Nsync's "Tell Me, Tell Me...Baby". "Shorty" is a fast song that has funky instrumentation similar to 112's "Peaches & Cream"; it has a cane-swinging, old-school jazzy feel to it. "Feel This Way" is another well done ballad. "Last Boyfriend" is a Jermaine Dupri (Lil' Bow Wow's producer) cut, and it works well. "Here We Go Again" is just OK though, and there you have it...the last song. In case you didn't know, B2K is from the same musical 'clique' as ImX, formerly known as Immature. In addition, all three members of ImX (Marques [Batman], Jerome [Romeo], Kelton [LDB]) co-wrote the majority of the B2K album. Their executive producer Chris Stokes was also responsible for Immature/ImX in the 90s and beyond. In short, my recommendation is this: if you've ever found yourself liking music by Immature/ImX, 112, *NSync, Ginuwine, or New Edition, then B2K is for you. I predict big things for this act -- the question is, are you coming along for the ride?... |
