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November 23, 2024


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LSG
Levert-Sweat-Gill (Warner Bros. Records)

By: ShortyDiva

What do you get when you put three of most noted R&B male vocalists of the 90's together on one album? Overkill or a great piece of work? If you would have asked me what I thought when I first heard about this LSG collaborative effort, I would have said, definite R&B overkill, but such is not the case here. I am rather late getting around to even purchasing this album, much less reviewing it, but as luck or in some instances un-luck on the promotional teams part, I was in an LSG overplay mode by my local radio stations. All I had to do was turn on any station and there they were. With songs like Curious (a fav.), Door #1, and My Body, these three gentlemen had all the "play" they needed, which is not to say that I tired of them, but what was the rush in buying the album?

Let me start off by saying that this collaboration by these three top-notch, truly powerful vocalists is a welcome addition in my view. I am a big fan of all three artists, from Levert's sexy deliverance to Gill's great and always strong baritone, this group's style's and harmonies are right on time. Though I wish there had been a bit more singing done by Gill, who is a favorite of mine, the entire album consists of strong material lined with good grooves, bass lines and definite R&B seductive flavor.

This album is 12 tracks in all. On tracks like Door #1 the fella's have a little fun with wordplay on some of their individual biggest hits. I thought that was very cute, the meshing of titles which ultimately created one of the more unforgettable tracks from the album. Their first single and most "played" song off of the album, "My Body" has all three members on leads, which seems to be the norm for this album. There seems to be an attempt at equal portions throughout. It is a smooth blend of percussion and synthesized sound. The remixed version of this song which features Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott on rap verses skyrocketed the song itself to phenomenal proportions, it is also my favorite version.

From the album my favorite songs have got to be "My Side Of The Bed", which has Johnny Gill first out. His great voice along with the wonderful lyrics of the song have caused me to hit replay more than once on this love tune. "All The Times", an even bigger collaborative effort with the addition of SWV's Coko, Faith Evans, and Missy Elliott is a really great tune that compliments the vocal qualities of all six members involved. It is a wonderful song with gospel hints to it. A very nice piece of work, overall. Then there is "Curious", another collaboration, which features some of Rap/Hip Hop's biggest and best. LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and MC Lyte make an appearance on this up-tempo track which has become a personal jam of mine. The video for this song is also very good.

The album overall gets a well rounded 5 from me. All of the material is balanced and the entire album is one in which you can play from beginning to end and then rewind once more. For that fact alone, I look forward for more on the collaborative tip from these three men of R&B. It is always nice to have good soul music that lends consistently good sounds to the ear. If indeed you are a true R&B listener add this one to your collection, you will not be disappointed.

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