R and B ~ Soul CDs
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R & B ~ Soul
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R & B ~ Soul
Editor, Elizabeth Mendez Berry
© 2001 amazon.com and associate ncdn associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
Home Page
POSTED 1 AUGUST 2001
"Songs in A Minor"
Alicia Keys
...available here.
The voice of 20-year-old phenomenon Alicia Keys communicates a
wisdom well beyond her years on her debut, "Songs in A Minor." That
luscious voice, combined with Keys's training as a classical
pianist, sets her apart from the weekly crop of disposable divas.
Keys plays for keeps.
"Based on a True Story"
Lil' Mo
...available here.
Well known for her support work for the likes of Missy Elliott and
Ja Rule, Lil' Mo finally stakes her claim as a solo artist. Her
long-awaited debut, "Based on a True Story," demonstrates her vocal
and topical range.
"One Touch"
Sugababes
...available here.
After enduring too many spicy U.K. concoctions, it's easy to
dismiss the Sugababes as yet another from-concentrate girl group.
But the Sugababes are a girl group in the tradition of old-school
sweethearts the Shangri-Las or the Ronettes. These young'uns have
soul.
"Return of Dragon [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Sisqo
...available here.
Armed with a new hairdo, would-be R&B seducer Sisqo is
back with more of his freaky tales, plus some of the string samples
that he's called "educational." The Dru Hill lead singer made his
name with his ubiquitous ode to underwear, the "Thong Song," on his
debut, "Unleash the Dragon." Sadly, on "Return of Dragon," there's
no sign of a "Brief Song." Maybe next time.
COMING SOON
"Aaliyah"
Aaliyah
...available here.
In the limelight since she was 15, Aaliyah is one of R&B's
consistently good bets. With her hotly anticipated third album (also
her first full-length studio effort in five years), Aaliyah
continues to provide catchy, poptastic R&B, with the help of
superproducer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley.
THE GODFATHER OF SOUL
"Vol. 2-Live at the Apollo"
James Brown
...available here.
This remastered recording of James Brown's 1967 summer concert at
the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem is intoxicating. Its live
electricity conveys Brown's ability to seduce with sweet ballads,
and also to create sweltering soul stompers. Just imagine actually
being there!
"The Payback"
James Brown
...available here.
Stickier than hot caramel, the song "The Payback" remains one of
James Brown's deepest grooves ever. Which is saying a lot. The
propulsive rhythm of the title track funks with a vengeance,
literally, and the rest of this album does too: it's a must-have for
any musical collection.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Amazon.com has an exclusive free download of a gorgeous song by new
soul singer-songwriter India Arie. It's called "Butterfly" and it's
available now. Download "Butterfly."
...available here.
Go to all R&B/Soul downloads
...available here.
OLD SOULS
"Bait & Switch"
Andre Williams
...available here.
On "Bait and Switch," Andre Williams continues to provide hipsters
and old-timers alike with raunchy rhythm and blues. After a long
career that has included stints with Motown Records, and recordings
with Parliament, on his latest greasy soul workout he teams up with
like-minded letches such as Rudy Ray Moore.
"Here & Now"
Ike Turner
...available here.
After a storied (and tabloid-documented) career, Ike Turner's
latest is a sometimes uncomfortable blend of today and tradition.
"Songs in A Minor"
Alicia Keys
...available here.
The voice of 20-year-old phenomenon Alicia Keys communicates a
wisdom well beyond her years on her debut, "Songs in A Minor." That
luscious voice, combined with Keys's training as a classical
pianist, sets her apart from the weekly crop of disposable divas.
Keys plays for keeps.
"Based on a True Story"
Lil' Mo
...available here.
Well known for her support work for the likes of Missy Elliott and
Ja Rule, Lil' Mo finally stakes her claim as a solo artist. Her
long-awaited debut, "Based on a True Story," demonstrates her vocal
and topical range.
"One Touch"
Sugababes
...available here.
After enduring too many spicy U.K. concoctions, it's easy to
dismiss the Sugababes as yet another from-concentrate girl group.
But the Sugababes are a girl group in the tradition of old-school
sweethearts the Shangri-Las or the Ronettes. These young'uns have
soul.
"Return of Dragon [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Sisqo
...available here.
Armed with a new hairdo, would-be R&B seducer Sisqo is
back with more of his freaky tales, plus some of the string samples
that he's called "educational." The Dru Hill lead singer made his
name with his ubiquitous ode to underwear, the "Thong Song," on his
debut, "Unleash the Dragon." Sadly, on "Return of Dragon," there's
no sign of a "Brief Song." Maybe next time.
COMING SOON
"Aaliyah"
Aaliyah
...available here.
In the limelight since she was 15, Aaliyah is one of R&B's
consistently good bets. With her hotly anticipated third album (also
her first full-length studio effort in five years), Aaliyah
continues to provide catchy, poptastic R&B, with the help of
superproducer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley.
THE GODFATHER OF SOUL
"Vol. 2-Live at the Apollo"
James Brown
...available here.
This remastered recording of James Brown's 1967 summer concert at
the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem is intoxicating. Its live
electricity conveys Brown's ability to seduce with sweet ballads,
and also to create sweltering soul stompers. Just imagine actually
being there!
"The Payback"
James Brown
...available here.
Stickier than hot caramel, the song "The Payback" remains one of
James Brown's deepest grooves ever. Which is saying a lot. The
propulsive rhythm of the title track funks with a vengeance,
literally, and the rest of this album does too: it's a must-have for
any musical collection.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Amazon.com has an exclusive free download of a gorgeous song by new
soul singer-songwriter India Arie. It's called "Butterfly" and it's
available now. Download "Butterfly."
...available here.
Go to all R&B/Soul downloads
...available here.
OLD SOULS
"Bait & Switch"
Andre Williams
...available here.
On "Bait and Switch," Andre Williams continues to provide hipsters
and old-timers alike with raunchy rhythm and blues. After a long
career that has included stints with Motown Records, and recordings
with Parliament, on his latest greasy soul workout he teams up with
like-minded letches such as Rudy Ray Moore.
"Here & Now"
Ike Turner
...available here.
After a storied (and tabloid-documented) career, Ike Turner's
latest is a sometimes uncomfortable blend of today and tradition.
newcdnews
POSTED JULY 5 2001
"City High"
City High
...available here
New Jersey trio City High's debut is the kind of uplifting hip-hop
soul that you would expect, given that much of it is produced by
Wyclef Jean. They use their soulful voices and organic arrangements
to grapple with harsh realities, adding a spoonful of sugar to the
moral medicine.
"Moulin Rouge [SOUNDTRACK]"
Ost
...available here
While the stars of Baz Luhrmann's new film, Moulin Rouge, preen and
prance in turn-of-the-century costumes, the movie's soundtrack is
decidedly more modern. With Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Lil'
Kim remaking Labelle's raunchy "Lady Marmelade," and Beck and
Timbaland reworking David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs," it's definitely an
interesting collection.
"Forces Of Nature"
Tank
...available here
The latest entrant in R&B's ongoing abdominal muscle
sweepstakes, the deep-voiced Tank has the musical chops to back up
the physical evidence. An ex-backup singer for Aaliyah, Tank's debut
is a blend of sexual healing workouts and romantic whispers. It also
includes "Maybe I Deserve," a cheating man's admission of guilt.
RISING STARS
"Songs in a Minor [US-Import] [IMPORT]"
Alicia Keys
...available here
One of the most talented young singers on the R&B scene,
20-year-old Alicia Keys may be cute, like many other chart-toppers.
But her commitment to music, and her training as a classical
pianist, make her more than the average junior diva. Her lovely
debut showcases her vocal force, as well as songwriting skills which
transcend adolescent preoccupations.
"First Born Second"
Bilal
...available here
Like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and the Roots, Bilal is a product
of Philadelphia's vibrant musical scene. Since his first single,
"Soul Sista" dropped, anticipation for this excellent debut has been
building, and with it, Bilal proves that he has the voice and
charisma to deliver on the hype.
TOP SELLERS
...available here
Washington funk legend Chuck Brown is joined by jazz vocalist Eva
Cassidy in this lovely session of jazzy, soulful standards. It's a
cross-genre feast for the ears.
"Best of Sade"
Sade
...available here
Sade's elegant musical sensualism is timeless, and this excellent
collection compiles her best work, including "The Sweetest Taboo,"
"Smooth Operator," and other evening classics.
SOUL SMOOTHIES
"Renaissance"
Lionel Richie
...available here
Lionel Ritchie, an ex-member of the Commodores and an '80s
superstar in his own right, is back. And not much has changed: he's
adding hip-hop and funk elements to the adult-contemporary template,
and he's delivering the romantic ballads that have left ladies
swooning for three decades.
"Luther Vandross"
Luther Vandross
...available here
One of R&B's lushest voices, Luther Vandross returns with an
eponymous album that shows him going back to his roots: silken love
ballads. Though this collection also includes up-tempo numbers, it's
really all about Vandross's soulful romancing.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Legendary bassist Bootsy Collins, one of the originators of "the
funk," is honored in Rhino's new "Glory B Da Funk's on Me!"
anthology. And Amazon.com is currently featuring a download of his
song "Body Slam," which is funky and then some. Collins's
contribution to the funk is immeasurable, as he's worked with both
George Clinton and James Brown (funk's two godfathers), and remains
a musical superstar. Download " Body Slam" now.
...available here
Go to all R&B/Soul downloads
...here
FROM THE VAULTS: GROOVIN'
"Very Best of Rose Royce [US-Import] [IMPORT]"
Rose Royce
...available here
Los Angeles' Rose Royce became famous by producing the soundtrack
to the film Car Wash. And though the single "Car Wash" was probably
their biggest hit, the soundtrack's second single, the lovesick "I
Want to Get Next To You," is music at its most magical.
"Fattest of Fatback"
Fatback Band
...available here
Fatback was a dancefloor mainstay in the '70s and '80s, and
listening to this greatest hits collection, it's easy to see why.
The group's swaggering funk, anchored by thick, bottom-heavy
grooves, made this New York group one of the best. Their singles
also added a welcome touch of humor to the music scene.
"City High"
City High
...available here
New Jersey trio City High's debut is the kind of uplifting hip-hop soul that you would expect, given that much of it is produced by Wyclef Jean. They use their soulful voices and organic arrangements to grapple with harsh realities, adding a spoonful of sugar to the moral medicine.
"Moulin Rouge [SOUNDTRACK]"
Ost
...available here
While the stars of Baz Luhrmann's new film, Moulin Rouge, preen and
prance in turn-of-the-century costumes, the movie's soundtrack is
decidedly more modern. With Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Lil'
Kim remaking Labelle's raunchy "Lady Marmelade," and Beck and
Timbaland reworking David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs," it's definitely an
interesting collection.
"Forces Of Nature"
Tank
...available here
The latest entrant in R&B's ongoing abdominal muscle
sweepstakes, the deep-voiced Tank has the musical chops to back up
the physical evidence. An ex-backup singer for Aaliyah, Tank's debut
is a blend of sexual healing workouts and romantic whispers. It also
includes "Maybe I Deserve," a cheating man's admission of guilt.
RISING STARS
"Songs in a Minor [US-Import] [IMPORT]"
Alicia Keys
...available here
One of the most talented young singers on the R&B scene,
20-year-old Alicia Keys may be cute, like many other chart-toppers.
But her commitment to music, and her training as a classical
pianist, make her more than the average junior diva. Her lovely
debut showcases her vocal force, as well as songwriting skills which
transcend adolescent preoccupations.
"First Born Second"
Bilal
...available here
Like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and the Roots, Bilal is a product
of Philadelphia's vibrant musical scene. Since his first single,
"Soul Sista" dropped, anticipation for this excellent debut has been
building, and with it, Bilal proves that he has the voice and
charisma to deliver on the hype.
TOP SELLERS
...available here
Washington funk legend Chuck Brown is joined by jazz vocalist Eva
Cassidy in this lovely session of jazzy, soulful standards. It's a
cross-genre feast for the ears.
"Best of Sade"
Sade
...available here
Sade's elegant musical sensualism is timeless, and this excellent
collection compiles her best work, including "The Sweetest Taboo,"
"Smooth Operator," and other evening classics.
SOUL SMOOTHIES
"Renaissance"
Lionel Richie
...available here
Lionel Ritchie, an ex-member of the Commodores and an '80s
superstar in his own right, is back. And not much has changed: he's
adding hip-hop and funk elements to the adult-contemporary template,
and he's delivering the romantic ballads that have left ladies
swooning for three decades.
"Luther Vandross"
Luther Vandross
...available here
One of R&B's lushest voices, Luther Vandross returns with an
eponymous album that shows him going back to his roots: silken love
ballads. Though this collection also includes up-tempo numbers, it's
really all about Vandross's soulful romancing.
FREE DIGITAL MUSIC
Legendary bassist Bootsy Collins, one of the originators of "the
funk," is honored in Rhino's new "Glory B Da Funk's on Me!"
anthology. And Amazon.com is currently featuring a download of his
song "Body Slam," which is funky and then some. Collins's
contribution to the funk is immeasurable, as he's worked with both
George Clinton and James Brown (funk's two godfathers), and remains
a musical superstar. Download " Body Slam" now.
...available here
Go to all R&B/Soul downloads
...here
FROM THE VAULTS: GROOVIN'
"Very Best of Rose Royce [US-Import] [IMPORT]"
Rose Royce
...available here
Los Angeles' Rose Royce became famous by producing the soundtrack
to the film Car Wash. And though the single "Car Wash" was probably
their biggest hit, the soundtrack's second single, the lovesick "I
Want to Get Next To You," is music at its most magical.
"Fattest of Fatback"
Fatback Band
...available here
Fatback was a dancefloor mainstay in the '70s and '80s, and
listening to this greatest hits collection, it's easy to see why.
The group's swaggering funk, anchored by thick, bottom-heavy
grooves, made this New York group one of the best. Their singles
also added a welcome touch of humor to the music scene.
reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates