This is consistently pleasant R&B from front to back but there is nothing amazing here. There are lots of 7-8/10 tracks but none at 9-10/10 that means I can't have this at a 4/5 overall. There is a little too much of the same sound from track to track as well meaning it takes more time to grow on the listener.
Best Tracks: Promises, Sweet Lady, Give Love a Try, I Can't Go On, Stay in Touch
After a number of albums in the same lane, this one feels a little different with more of a neo-soul vibe with Prince/Musiq Soulchild influences and some Michael Jackson vocally on 'Make It Last Forever'. It feels that way from the jump with its first sound being a sample from Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On'. Unfortunately the opener isn't great, but it gets better from 'Nothin' on You' beginning a run of enjoyable songs
It's Marques' most consistent album up until this point in his discography and there isn't an attempt at a cross-over R&B club song here that adds to that consistent quality and theme. An easy 43 minutes of R&B/soul with 'Give Your Love a Try' being one of his best songs, but despite it's consistency, there aren't enough really high moments for a more noteworthy rating from me.
Best Songs: Nothin' on You, Give Your Love a Try, Take Your Love Away, Lifetime
"Tony Montana rest in peace"
I just reviewed an R&B album by Tyrese that basically sums this album up as well. There are lots of 7-8/10 songs but there is nothing that blows me away. The production is stronger than the rapping with a number of recognisable samples being featured. With a better rapper some of these probably could've been those 9-10/10 songs that I'm looking for.
Beats: ★★★☆
Rapping/Bars: ★★★
Hooks: ★★★
Best Tracks: The Shit is Real (DJ Premier Remix)
'Ocean Drive' (maybe their best song) particularly along with 'Lifted' really standout here. Those aside, it's a laid-back, chill listen, but nothing else grabs me.
Best Tracks: Lifted, Ocean Drive
An okay mixtape from Chrisette Michele where she sings over more hip hop/trap production that we're used to hearing. Many of these songs were released on the deluxe edition of her album, 'Milestone'. It's not surprising that the best moments are when she is in her usual lane. There are also two acapella covers of Adele and Justin Bieber songs respectively with 'Hello' and 'Sorry'. The tape is worth checking out for fans, but there are too many songs I won't be rushing back to.
Best Tracks: My Body, Edge of the Bay, Top of the World
