CLASSIC ALBUM: I WANT YOU

Marvin Gaye's 1976 smash hit single "I Want You" was a slick fusion of disco and quiet storm that ultimately confirmed his transition from social to sensual after his 1973 landmark album, "Let's Get It On" served as just an introduction into Marvin's new musical direction. Quincy Jones refers to this album as "musical ear candy," and it surely is.

The entire album has a light-rhythmic, slick quiet storm feel with lyrics about love-making and more love-making. Each track has a similar tranquil, cosmic sound element, and Marvin's layered and echoed, multi-harmonized vocal parts add a glaze to every track as well.

This piece of work is simply genius and speaks to Marvin's ability to interpret someone else's song in the case of this album just as well as he interprets his own. This entire album was produced and written by Leon Ware, long-time Motown contributor and rookie artist at the time, with additional contributions from Diana Ross' brother T-Boy Ross. It is rumored that Leon Ware presented this album completed to Motown president Berry Gordy, and he suggested that the young entertainer give the album to Marvin Gaye to record instead in return for a recording contract. Ware did so, and "I Want You" was brought to life. Nonetheless, Leon's contributions helped Marvin expand his artistry and Ware's influence on Marvin can be heard on subsequent works because Marvin's clear idea of quiet storm before Ware came was bluesy-esque ballads that reflected his days of singing Doo-wop with the Moonglows, ie. "Let's Get It On" and "Come Get This." In retrospect, in a way, Marvin made disco viable with this offering because of its duality to appeal to the dance floor listeners and soul and jazz purists since most of the album is cosmic yet rhythmic.

NEW MUSIC: MARY J. BLIGE

Here is a new song entitled "Said and Done" from the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, produced by Ryan Leslie. The track is dope, like an updated classic Mary joint circa 1994. The bass-driven, heavily synthesized cosmic beat sounds like typical Ryan Leslie, but it works for Mary. Her vocals are very in sync with the track and the song-writing is decent.

There is no word if this song is a single or an actual track slated to appear on Mary's ninth studio album "Stronger," due out in November. I hope this song makes the album but from the material Mary has put out thus far I don't get the direction of the album. "The One," "Stronger," "Good Love," and this track are all different musically which leads me to believe that this new LP is going to allude to "No More Drama," which had a similar potpourri sound.

Mary is one of my favorites but I can honestly say I'm not overly excited or anxious to hear her new project anymore. I was really hoping that the overall concept of her album was vintage soul, then when she came out with "One," i was confused for a second but then receptive because I figured the album was going to give me a "What's the 411" vibe. However, "Good Love" and "Stronger" were big disappointments. I feel as though "Stronger" should not be included on the album because it's Pop, and i wanna hear Mary raw not polished. And now "Said and Done" just confuses me. Believe me, I like the song and think its hot but I just know I don't want to hear a Mary album with a bunch of random songs that are sort of cohesively put together after sly sequencing.

NEW MUSIC: DIRTY MONEY

THIS IS STRAIGHT FIRE! Here's a clip of Dirty Money's first single "Love Come Down," from his overly hyped new album/movement "Last Train To Paris." Not gonna lie, I thought the group's music was gonna be total garbage from watching recording sessions from "Making His Band." However, Diddy has clearly brought magic. The beat is bananas and everyone does their thing on this track, including Diddy. The song has a slight old-school vibe like mid-90's bad boy glory, yet its futuristic, funky, and fresh at the same time. I know the video gonna be on point!

PERFORMANCE: WHITNEY HOUSTON

Here is the uneditied performance of Whitney Houston's concert for Good Morning America. It's horrible, point blank. She blames her Oprah interview for this bad performance. I don't buy it. You can be the judge; please comment.

ALBUM REVIEW: TREY SONGZ

And the Grammy award for Best Contemporary R&B Album will go to... "Ready" by Trey Songz. The Grammy deadline was monday, so out all the albums released throughout this past year Trey Songz has one of the best. He has really evolved on this project. During every interview, he mentions how this album symbolizes growth, and it surely does. His voice, delivery, songwriting, and production has risen to another level with is album. It sequences perfectly, and the album cuts are amazing. Singles "I Need A Girl," the Drake record "Successful" and "LOL :)" are all bonafide hits, and after listening to the entire he could have plenty more to come.

Rating: (4/5 stars)

INDUSTRY NEWS: USHER ALBUM RELEASE DATE

Usher's new album entitled "Monster" is tentatively scheduled for a December 8th release. Previous reports said the album would see an October release but December sounds more accurate. Right now, Usher has been in the studio with long-time collaborator Jermaine Dupri, Adam Levine, and even Ne-Yo. Reports say that a new single should be released within the next couple of weeks, so I'll be sure to write a post about it.

Sidenote: I don't understand why Usher would record with Ne-Yo. He's not going to produce or write his best for Usher, so I don't understand the logic behind hiring dude. Someone like The-Dream doesn't even put his best foot forward for competition. Times are hard and singer-songwriters working for their competition has never been rewarding except if the singer-songwriter were Smokey Robinson or Burt Bacharach. Here's a wild thought: Usher should should do a record with Smokey, or remake one of his songs and update it. That would be a Grammy award winning smash without a doubt.

NEW VIDEOS: MARY J. BLIGE'S THE ONE & STRONGER

Mary J. Blige - Stronger

The video really sync nicely with the clips from the Film "More than A Game." This just could win a VMA for best editing or something technical.

Mary J. Blige featuring Drake - The One

The video is on point. It visually conveys the song's aurora. It's futuristic, yet at the same time it reminds me of the "Real Love" video. And one certainly wouldn't believe Ms. Blige (Mrs. Issaccs) is thirty-eight years old right here.

ALBUM REVIEW: WHITNEY'S COMEBACK

The fact that Whitney just released her first studio album in six years is surprising, but the fact that she's back does not fool me into thinking her new music is amazing. "I Look To You" is a good effort, but Whitney just can't produce classic music anymore. The drugs and cigarette smoking has really taken a toll on her voice, and I can't get past it. Her performance on a majority of the songs seem forced, and by the end of the song Whitney sounds winded. Her voice still has a rich tone, but its lacking the crisp and precisely controlled vocals she is known for.

As far as the music goes, I will commend Whitney on always trying in her own lane, and making music that does not conform to industry trends whole-heartedly. Her first two singles"I Didn't Know My Own Strength" and "I Look To You" sound like classic Whitney with their duality as inspirational and contemporary soul records. However, she really surprised with the rest of the album with its touches of euro-pop/dance sounds. She has one song with Akon which has got to be the worst on the album. If Whitney was trying to make a statement, collaborating with Akon is not the right thing to do because that doesn't reflect originality, just desperation to fit in (ie. Mariah Carey at times).

My favorite song from the CD has to be "Worth It." Its a flawless, laid back R&B groove. The R. Kelly-penned "Salute" had a good performance, and after listening to "Million Dollar Bill," it definitely grew on me. The song was definitely an ode back to the late 70's/early 80's R&B era. The bass line on the record is crazy. Although the production from Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys seems a bit off, and Whitney's voice seems empty, like the majority of vocal performances on the album.

Rating: (2.5/5 stars)

NEW MUSIC: MARIAH CAREY COVERS FOREIGNER

A few weeks back, I blogged about Mariah Carey remaking Foreigners "I Want To Know What Love Is" as her official first single for her new album "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel." Well, here it is. Point blank, Her performance is decent. She originally described the song as a gospel-tinged rendition, but I always had the impression that the song already had the vibe with the strong chorus. Although, I see what Mariah means because she switches up the instrumentation a bit by adding the organ.

As far as the vocal goes, Mariah sings the song mostly in full voice. The falsetto is thrown out of the window until the end when she glides through it to hit her signature whistle notes. She really tries to give a performance of albums "Butterfly" and older, but the fluidity and expertise in her voice is missing a bit. The Voice was back on "Emancipation of Mimi," but now it sounds like she is struggling a bit.

In my opinion, I think the song will do well. I don't think it will go to number one on the charts because its a cover and sounds more appropriate for gospel radio than pop radio. It doesn't have any polish to it, and I feel like Mariah only released this song because of the material Whitney put out for her new album "I Look To You." Mariah should not scared of her vision at this point in her career. I feel like this record was a last minute recording, and I would have much rather seen "H.A.T.E.U" released as the new single. It makes perfect sense considering that was the song that got people excited about her new album in the first place. I just wish Mariah knew there are things vocally and artistically that Whitney can't touch, and vice versa. The woman needs to just embrace it, and capitalize off of it.

ALBUM REVIEW: LETOYA'S "LADY LOVE"

Although, its being reported that LeToya will have poor first week sales for her sophmore effort, "Lady Love," she certainly did not produce a poor sophmore album. "Lady Love" signifies growth in my opinion from her 2006 debut, solo album. This album features better vocals, song-writing, and sequences very cohesively. Many of the composition on this album are scaled back as far as antics go, and LeToya makes sure her vocals standout.

Compared to her first album, the only problem that "Lady Love" has is the fact that none of the songs seem very radio friendly. It seems to me that she produced fantastic album cuts, so I predict this album will most likely fade into obscurity unless her third single with Ludacris "Regret" gains attention. However, I highly doubt it since the song's composition is very similar to Mary Mary's "God In Me." "She Ain't Got...," the albums' second single was destined to be a flop because LeToya should have never recorded a dance/pop/rock song without really securing a reliable fan base and following. The albums first single "Not Anymore" was cool, but should have been remixed for radio because its composition was too bare, and LeToya's vocal was a bit nasally. In my opinion, the song "Love Rollercoaster" featuring Mims would be ideal as a fourth single because its just hot, and has a very fresh, old-school feel to it.

It's really a shame that this album won't do well because LeToya's definitely produced a good album, but nowadays people don't buy albums or appreciate solid, cohesive projects unless they have many singles. The only hope that I see for this album is for LeToya to go back into the studio and create strictly singles and re-release the project (Wait! who am I kidding, the label won't go for that).

Rating (3.5/5) Stars

NEW MUSIC: "MORE THAN A GAME" SOUNDTRACK

A trailer for the feature film "More Than a Game" just surfaced on the web and features the soundtrack's lead single, "Stronger." The film is a documentary that chronicles LeBron James rise to fame, with "Stronger" being performed by Mary J. Blige.

The song is clear departure from Mary's catalogue with its guitar driven production and overall middle of the road pop sound with production from Polow Da Don and Chris Brown, whom penned the song and provides some background vocals.

As a huge Mary fan, I understand why she did the song but I personally hate it. Ever since her 2004, Grammy award-winning collaboration with Sting, She's tried to incorporate one or two alternative songs on her albums since, and they've been cool. However, "Stronger" is just whack to me because I would rather hear Mary singing some retro-soul material instead of Chris Brown-esque, euro-pop garbage. I will admit that her vocal is good, and the song will do well regardless of my opinion about it. There is a version performed by Keri Hilson online, and honestly, the song suited Miss Keri baby more so.

MUST SEE TV: MAKING HIS BAND

I'm a little late with this post since Diddy's "Making His Band" has premiered on MTV weeks ago, but I must say I'm impressed with the show because its very musical.

It chronicles Diddy's quest for making a band for his stage show. Already contestants had to audition for inclusion into a house on their specific instrument of choice whether its the bass or vocals. He has also brought in an entirely new set of judges outside of the "Making the Band" circle, and they make weekly decision on who gets cut from the show not Diddy. After making it into the house, contestants have been given weekly tasks of recreating popular songs that reflects the direction of Diddy's new album "Last Train to Paris." so far.

Speaking of the new album, the show also has show the creation of Diddy's new project with his new act Dirty Money that includes ex-Danity Kane member Dawn Richard and singer, songwriter Kalenna, who looks like singer Estelle. Nonetheless, the music sounds whack and dated. Maybe if this album were released before Kanye West's "808's Heartbreak" it would sound original but its not. It has Diddy singing all over, and the compositions are euro-pop completely without any traces of Hip Hop.

NEW VIDEO: R. KELLY & KERI HILSON

R. Kelly is back with a video for his new hit single "Number One" featuring Keri Hilson. Its slated to be featured on his upcoming fall album entitled "UNTITLED," which seems like its materializing into a project that will sound like his late 90's music. The project is slated for an October release. I'll be sure to report more information about the R in R&B's new album once it surfaces.

NEW MUSIC: CASSIE

Synths, and other dance motifs make up Cassie's new song "I Need Love." More than likely, the song will be included on her upcoming sophomore album entitled "Electrolove."

The song should have some appeal with its euro-pop sound, but Cassie has not really had a hot record since her 2006 breakthrough smash, "Me & U," and the recent album has been pushed back multiple times due to poor single performance. "Official Girl" featuring Lil' Wayne and "Must Be Love" featuring Diddy were both flops, and its because they were not moving at all - Yes Cassie's voice is not the strongest or biggest, but her debut album was hot for other reasons.

If Cassie wants to really make some music that's going to garner attention, she needs to link back up with Ryan Leslie because he produces magic for her.

INDUSTRY NEWS: OBSSESSED UNOFFICIAL?

About a week ago, Mariah Carey tweet that her upcoming twelfth studio album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" was being pushed back to a September 29th release.

Now, Mariah's saying that "Obsessed" was not the first official single from "Memoirs...," instead it was just a fun, summer-time buzz single.

The official single is actually a gospel-tinged remake of Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is." The song is already a power-ballad, and automatically makes me think of the Motown 25 special where Diana Ross, Patti Labelle, and others in attendance sing the song.

With a different production style, I feel as though the song could be a nice hit that could appeal to urban and pop radio (more so pop than urban in fact). The song definitely fits the description of the concept of Mariah's album, which is supposed to be in the tradition of "Butterfly" and older albums.

Once I actually hear the song, I'll post and review it.

NEW MUSIC: USHER

Here is a recent song entitled "Be" from Usher that just leaked onto the web. It features production from Ryan Leslie, and will probably be included on Usher's new fall album "Monster."

The song has a really laid-back vibe, and some deep lyrics. I don't know if he penned them, but they seem to be very personal to his own life describing how people should not pass through life without saving memories, which further leads me to think this new album is going to mimic the overall direction of "Confessions." If so, I feel like Usher will have a huge hit on his hands.

I highly doubt Usher and his label will release "Be" as a first, second, third, or even fourth single. The way R&B records are promoted today, I see it as an airplay only fifth or sixth single sent to adult contemporary stations because of its neo-soul vibe. And speaking of the song's production, it definitely strays away from Ryan Leslie's typical production style which makes this work for Usher. On his last album, contributions from male peers like The-Dream and Ne-Yo did nothing for Usher except make his songs sound unoriginal and bland.

UPDATE: MARIAH'S ALBUM PUSHED BACK

Mariah Carey just tweeted today that her highly anticipated, twelfth studio album "Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel" is being pushed back once again for a September 29th release.

A few weeks ago Mariah had pushed the album back once again after the Grammy deadline for September 15th to her dismay as she had originally intended for the album to come out at the end of August before Whitney's comeback.

All of these push backs worries me about the new album. All of the album preview parties and snippets had generally good reviews. So is Mariah not satisfied with the project or could it be Island Def Jam not be happy with the project? It is known that the label will go forward with projects they do not like, however, they tend to lack on the promotion of it (ie. Janet Jackson's "Discipline"). I Hope this album sticks to its most recent release date and doesn't stray away from Mariah's initial concept for the album.

INDUSRY NEWS: FANTASIA GEARS UP FOR THIRD ALBUM

According to the AP, American idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino is ready to come back with a new album. Her 2006 album, "Fantasia" was moderately successful, receiving a gold certification and yielding the number one R&B hit "When I See You."

After a three year hiatus, Fantasia is in the process of recording her third album which should be due out in the fall. She says she loves the way old albums deliver a live sound, and would like to record her new album in that tradition. She plans on bringing in a live orchestra, and will more than likely record the new album in takes instead of today's methods of recording a song in parts.

Already, it seems like Fantasia's album is going to be good for the simple fact that she is releasing a third album with all of her recent financial problems going on. Musically, I'm expecting this album to have an updated vintage sound that is raw yet infectious. If Fantasia can produce some interesting, commercially viable singles in the tradition of Lauryn's Hills "(Doo Wop) That Thing," Fantasia could have a hit album on her hands. I hope she does some remakes on it as well (Barbara Acklin's 1968 hit "Love Makes A Woman" would be a nice cover for Fantasia to do).

I will definitely be positing any and all information regarding the development and release of this album. Fantasia is very brave for taking risk when she is clearly not the hottest chick in the game as far as commercial sales go. All in all, she's making music to make good music not sell records, and I can respect that any day.

Sidenote: I wish Mary J. Blige would have gone this direction with her new album due out this fall.

NEW MUSIC: RICHGIRL

Here is a new song entitled "Uncharted Waters" from R&B's newest quartet RichGirl. This piano-driven ballad features Bryan's Michael-Cox typical production style with a late 90's sounding twist, and lyrics from Johnta Austin most likely.

The song's total vibe is a complete 360 compared to the group's debut sing "He Ain't Wit Me Now Tho" that featured production from their mentor Rich Harrison. "Uncharted Waters" shows that the girls can handle tender ballads and sing the hell out of a melody. Their vocals are superb on this song, and definitely in sync with the overall aura of the song which leads me to the conclusion that they are vocally a cross between Changing Faces and old school Destiny's Child.

There is no word of when their debut album drops, but I will definitely be giving it a listen because I believe these ladies are very talented. They were personally invited by Beyonce to open for her on the American leg of her "I Am... Sasha Fierce" tour, and have had several cameo appearances in music videos. Additionally, I'm not sure if this new song is a single,if not it makes for a nice album cut.

CLASSIC ALBUM: HOT BUTTERED SOUL

"Hot Buttered Soul" stands out as a landmark album in Soul Music today. Back in 1969, Isaac Hayes rose to fame with his four track masterpiece despite the release of his debut album in 1967, and songwriting credits on some of Stax records most definitive records.

This amazing set begins with a re-envisioned version of Dionne Warwick's 1964 smash "Walk On By," in which Hayes transformed this song into a twelve minute magnus opus featuring an entirely new arrangement and full background vocals with slight changes in lyric and time. Warwick's version of "Walk On By" was already a musically progressive song in its own right for 64', but Hayes completely remolded the record into a psychedelic soul piece out of this world with more emphasis on the composition than lyric. The new track on the album gave listeners a taste of funk and blues. "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic" is unusual in every way but hip, cool, and fresh. "One Woman" and the eighteen minute rendition of Jimmy Webb's composition "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" show Isaac's tender side as a real Soul balladeer. The songs are carried by their compositions and lyric with Isaac and his background vocalist giving amazing performances that are truly in sync with everything else going on in the songs.

This album really stood out for its time. There wasn't much production at the time that had so much force and depth as Hayes work in addition to it being ahead of its time. Its a culmination of Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, and has some pop appeal. It's influence can greatly be seen in some of Norman Whitfield's production work for the likes of The Temptations and Gladys Knight and the Pips and later work from Barry White which in succession influenced the creation of disco. The influence of this record not only touches just one decade after its release but also has been used for sampling on several Hip-Hop records. Nevertheless, this album is timeless and will always sound fresh and interesting.

Here is a video below of Isaac performing the radio edit of "Walk On By" on TV in 1969: