Genre: R&B
Label Number: DD44-50392-2
© 2003 Dreamworks Records
Review by Allmusic.com
© 2003 Dreamworks Records
Review by Allmusic.com
Blackstreet may have broken up over creative
differences and corporate reshuffling at their label after the release
of 1999's FINALLY, but the lure of working within a group format again
proved too much for Teddy Riley, who reformed the group for 2003's LEVEL
II. Riley's status as the father of new jack swing means these 17 songs
bristle with the kinds of grooves and beats that found his trademark
sound serving as the bridge between the electro-funk of the '80s and
hip-hop-driven R&B of the '90s. Peppered with plenty of scenarios of
pursuit and seduction, some of Riley's more overt musical innuendoes
include a moanin' remake of a Rose Royce track re-titled "Ooh Girl," the
future Quiet Storm classic "Deep" where Chauncey Hannibal makes like
Prince with a vocoder, and rhyme-driven jam "She's Hot."
To avoid looking like incorrigible playas, the gentlemen of Blackstreet also include a fair amount of more romantic overtures like the straightforward, harmony-soaked declaration "Baby You're All I Want" and the lush "You Made Me," with its gospel-flavored overtones. Helping do some of the heavy lifting are special guests Mystikal on the closing beat-fest "Wizzy Wow" and original Blackstreet member Dave Hollister on the Babyface-like acoustic ballad "Bygones."
To avoid looking like incorrigible playas, the gentlemen of Blackstreet also include a fair amount of more romantic overtures like the straightforward, harmony-soaked declaration "Baby You're All I Want" and the lush "You Made Me," with its gospel-flavored overtones. Helping do some of the heavy lifting are special guests Mystikal on the closing beat-fest "Wizzy Wow" and original Blackstreet member Dave Hollister on the Babyface-like acoustic ballad "Bygones."
tags: blackstreet, level ii, level 2, 2003, flac,
Thanks cant wait to hear this again
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