The Makings of Me - Monica38 minutes. 10 songs. And no bonuses. With very little input for the fans after two years of recording, it does appear that Monica's label decided that this is all we will get for our money's worth (due release date: 3rd October 2006). However, such a small offering can be overlooked since Monica steadily comes back to the brilliant-standard Monica we've all grown to know and love over the years. I haven't been feeling a Monica record since her debut Miss Thang and The Boy Is Mine. Even her unreleased album All Eyez On Me was great but unfortunately got traded in for the atrocity that was After The Storm. Now Monica is back at her biting best. The hard-biting snap-affiliated first single Everytime Tha Beat Drop does not emphasise Monica's talent to the fullest but then you have wonderful slow tempo tracks like A Dozen Roses, My Everything, Get Away and Why Her where the vocal talent just comes shining through. Even the laidback midtempo's give us something to rejoice over (Hell No, Gotta Move On, Doin' Me Right, etc) and we're even seeing a lot of Monica's ghetto side (Sideline Ho, and her constant usage of the "n" word which wasn't so prevalent on previous records). But this album is good hardcore R&B at best. A shame about the quantity or I'd have given this top marks but Monica hasn't disappointed as far as quality is concerned.
Rating: 4/5
The First Seed - Yummy BinghamThis generous 16-track album has a lot to offer. I don't really understand why she flopped in the US. Come Get It is commercial savvy in my opinion, and despite the unique tone in her voice, the talent is definitely there. The album is set to be released in the UK on 9th October 2006. With hard-hitting R&B beats (Is It Good), fantastic yet edgy midtempo cuts (I Don't Really, Quickie), futuristic R&B (You Aint Ready), some well-sung slow jams (Had To Be Me) and some old-skool sounds here and there, this album is a listening roller coaster from start to finish. My favourites are Come Get It, Is It Good, One More Chance and Time amongst others. Her voice is packed with emphasis and attitude which accentuates the music at full capacity but also, she knows when to tone it down where appropriate. I like what she does with her voice showcasing that she's not just a one-level type of singer. I really enjoyed this album. She definitely put her own spin on things and the beats are fresh and innovative. Great effort!
Rating 4/5
The Evolution of Robin Thicke - Robin Thicke16 brilliant tracks, summery laidback vibes, a more talented Justin Timberlake, fully underrated, beautiful melodies, a celebration of what true R&B music should really be about. When I listen to this album and the music soothingly penetrates my head, these are all the thoughts that preoccupies my mind regarding this Robin Thicke album. I am mad this album has been pushed back on many occasions (due release date: 3rd October 2006) because the summery chilled back vibe surrounds the album throughout. There are some catchy joints here and there but the album is chilled and smooth. My favourites? Well, that would have to be Ask Myself, All Night Long, Wanna Love You Girl, Lonely World, Angels, Got 2 Be Down & Lost Without You. But as a whole I loved the album, with a bit of soul, lots of R&B, acoustic, piano-laid and futuristic and catchy joints, this CD is definitely another one to add to the CD collection. Full marks most definitely.
Rating: 5/5
So there you have it. Three top R&B releases to look forwards to this coming October!
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