Jaheim | “Another Round”

Rating: 5 out of 5

Release Date: February 9^th, 2010

“Ain’t Leavin Without You”

This is the opening track to the album and it was a smart decision because this track is great. Jaheim’s voice flows on this track like we are use to and gives you that old school R&B vibe.  Throughout the song Jaheim kept up with his usual style of singing.  Almost like a reintroduction of  him and his style.

“Finding My Way Back”

This is another hot song!  A true slow jam love song, Jaheim’s voice once again flows over the beat and is sure to melt any young woman or man listening to it. This track is one of my favorites. It tells a story of an anxious Jaheim trying to find his way back to his woman’s heart.  It’s that type of song that one can put on, really low, while entertaining your perspective partner for the night, and chill!

“Whoa”

Here is an up tempo love song which tells how a woman can make a man say ‘whoa’ over her, ‘cause nothing else can explain how you feel. It’s a true woman empowering love song, as he keeps everything positive with nothing vulgar or explicit pertaining to her body or what she is capable of doing in the bedroom, just good old emotions!

“Till It Happens To You”

This song makes you happy as soon as you hear it. It’s a song about love and all the happiness that comes with being loved and being in love. We often find love in unfamiliar places and times in our life and when it happens to you, you can help but to embrace it. Jaheim channeled a lot of real life situations in this song and the transition from one story to another is done exceptionally well!  A true inspirational song about love and happiness!

“Bed Is Listening”

This song has a feel of another song of his off one of his previous albums. The beat goes in and out, it’s sort of a mid tempo kind of song. It talks of how a woman can be so quick to turn her back on her man. Going around gossiping with friends and family members at the first sign of trouble but forgets all the things the “bed” has seen and heard. This is a relationship type song where it seems like Jaheim is proclaiming that he can fix the issues him and his woman has with sex..? I’m assuming the sex must be that great!

“Impossible”

Now this is really an old OLD school track, with the beat, arrangements, and background singers to boot. It’s very nice and calm, another love song. As one can see, that is the theme he is going for which is a good look for him as it works well with his voice!

“Another Round”

The only club banger of the album, this song has an upbeat tempo. I’m not sure who made this call to write and produce this song but it works well as it’s not over done or overly cheesy. But the lyrics speak on how Jaheim keeps getting these girls at the bar drinks in hope for ‘another round’ back as his place. Overall, it’s cool but not what I was expecting.

“Her”

This friendly upbeat track praises a woman and how her man can’t be without ‘her’. It’s written very beautifully and screams the fun times of being in love. He is really bringing love back!

“II  Pink Lines”

If you haven’t caught on, the title ‘II Pink Lines’ stands for the two lines on a pregnancy test. This song is the future father’s song of the decade! I’ve never heard such a song that praises fatherhood and the joys of waiting and anticipating the arrival of a baby. It makes me want to run out and have a baby! PAUSE… Nah!

“Otha Half”

This should or could be a hand guide to all you men out there letting your women go without truly saying what’s on your mind. Jaheim speaks on losing his woman, how bad he misses her and all the emotions and tears that were shed. His “otha half” is gone and isn’t coming back.

“Closer”

Another song that speaks on feeling lost and incomplete without a woman by his side; this song is hot. The slow tempo of this song gives a 90’s R&B feel to it. ‘Closer’ brings me back to that era of music where things weren’t so trashy and explicit but where people sung their hearts out on a track!

“In My Hands”

This song is something like a modern day wedding song; it tells a REAL LOVE story.  Jaheim came hard on this one and his emotions can be felt on this song. The beat stays slow in tempo as he sings his love for his woman which he is about to marry. For all those couples out there that plan on marrying anytime soon, I think this will be a great contender for that perfect wedding song.

“Ain’t Leaving Without You (Featuring Jadakiss)”

This has the same lyrics of the original song but has rapper Jadakiss on the track. Nice remix, but I prefer the original.

Overall, “Another Round” is one of today’s best R&B albums that I have heard in a while, even beating my choice Robin Thicke’s latest album! I hope Jaheim sells well but in today’s market of overly saturated crap music and bubble gum singers, real hardcore love songs and good R&B music just doesn’t sell. This album is coming out at a perfect time; Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Please go pick up a copy of “Another Round” in stores February 9^th, 2010!!!!!!

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Jaheim | “Finding My Way Back”

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

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“Shakin’ It 4 Daddy” – Robin Thicke feat. Nicki Minaj

Robin Thicke is dropping his fourth studio album, “Sex Therapy: The Sessions/The Experience” on December 15, 2009. In a recent interview with MTV he said, “A lot of people are telling me it’s the best album yet, so I’m really excited. I hope that they’re right!” This undoubtedly stellar album boasts sex, SEX, SEX! The album features some the today’s greatest Hip Hop and R&B artists such as Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Nicky Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and Game. And producers such as Polow da Don, Teddy Riley, Pro-Jay, Jeff Bhasker, Rich Skillz, Dre & Vidal, and Robin Thicke are to name a few that’s on the album.

Robin Thicke shows a more explicit side on his album, “Sex Therapy: The Sessions/The Experience”, singing sensual falsettos and sexually induced harmonies over futuristic R&B beats. His music is nothing like the usual male R&B singers (i.e. Justin Timberlakes, Ushers, and Marios), instead he is sticking to what he is good at and perfecting that.

“Sex Therapy: The Sessions/The Experience” is an ambiguous plan to avoid Robin Thicke from being categorized solely as an “adult” R&B singer. This album is clearly targeting the younger crowd and the collabos he has with such rappers should solidify that even more. Thicke’s CD from start to finish tells a story. The “playful good nurse/ bad doctor” theme he set in the opening track continues throughout the whole album.

The crafty distinction of his masculinity and timid-light falsetto are in full effect. Sometimes the outcome are a cliché, as on “Meiplé,” where  Jay-Z does his thing as Robin Thicke sings about him and his wife traveling across the world. Jay-Z also gives his old lady a shout out as well.

The album does not show a complete loss of character that has linked to the singer’s adult fans. The song “Mrs. Sexy,” based on Eric B. & Rakim’s Al Green-sampling “Mahogany” (even so much that Thicke doesn’t even change the line that mentions his skin color) is harmonist and graceful, much like anything else he’s recorded.

In his song “Million Dolla Baby,” he takes another Marvin Gaye song, “Trouble Man” as its background. Jazmine Sullivan lends her background vocals, giving the song not too much but just enough. One actually has to listen very hard to even hear her on the track! On this song, he continues to put one of the best voices in R&B to good use.

For me this album started off pretty slow, even the song with Jay-Z bored me a little, and at one point I forgot Thicke was on the track. However, the album picked up when the song “Shakin it 4 Daddy” feat. Nicki “Stick shift the ding-a-ling” Minaj came on. Thicke does take a note from his R&B counterparts in “Shakin it 4 Daddy”, where he tells his listeners that “she’s lifting up her ass and dropping it to the beat”.  He kind of does a Trey Songz “Ohhhh” and a little K.C. & JoJo “Ohhh yeaaa!!!” it’s quite comical.  The ass-shaking beat from Polow da Don bangs in the backdrop and Nicki Minaj does her usual sex-crazed, fast rapping for the two verses she’s on.

Robin Thicke seems to be enjoying his new ventures into his new establish stance in R&B music. I am not the biggest “Robin Thicke” fan, but I can truly appreciate this album as being the best male R&B albums to arrive in my inbox THIS YEAR! Support good music and GO BUY THE ALBUM!

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI

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“Fallin’ Down” – Chris Brown

On December 8, 2009, Chris Brown will release his highly anticipated album, “Graffiti”, which I’m sure the “dedicated” fans of his can appreciate. The album has a VERY “tacky but shady apologetic” theme throughout. One can’t blame him for being sorry, but it’s a bit much to be doing song after song. I feel he made the wrong decision when trying to go the Rihanna route about addressing the issues between them two.

One thing he did NOT do that she did was to make a COHESIVE “tell all” album! He is really all over the place with this album. Brown is said to have written about 80% of the songs on “Graffiti”, so these are mostly his words and not those of other producers and songwriters.

In his own defense, he stated that he wants to move past this and go on with his life. Maybe this is his way of doing it, but most of Brown’s songs say otherwise. He’s expressively harsh, conflicting and cynical and shows no signs of apologetic ex lover.

I will admit that “Graffiti” has some songs that from a musical standpoint I like; “I Can Transform Ya (ft Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz)”, “Pass Out (ft Eva Simons)”, “Fallin’ Down”, “Movie”, and “Chase Our Love”. Most of the songs on his album, besides the ones listed, aren’t worth mentioning as they are filled with overly apologetic clichés and/or  shady lyrics.

“I Can Transform Ya (ft Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz)”

Brown’s lead single, written, and featuring Swizz Beats along with Lil Wayne. The thick beat is contagious and makes you move. The drums are constant for the duration of the song, and don’t slow down during the chorus. This is one of the better songs on the album as it has no relation to half concocted apologies or a hidden underlining of shade.

“Pass Out (ft Eva Simons)”

This song gives a bit of “Disturbia” and “Forever” smashed into one song.  It features Eva Simons an up and coming singer from the U.K. and is produced by Brian Kennedy. It’s an up tempo dance track that warrants the body to the dance floor. “Pass Out’s” Pop/Dance feel will be a major hit Europe and clubs alike worldwide.

“Fallin’ Down”

On “Fallin’ Down”, Brown sings about him trying to maintain the real CB, his pride, and ego while living in this cruel world. He sings “….I’ve given up everything in exchange for being alone. I’m Shaking these demons underneath all the pride… Can you imagine the weight of the world, placed on your shoulders? Trapped in this world, no one can reach you, so no one can help you!” This song has the best lyrical content and delivery to me on the whole album. Shoutouts to producer Charlie Bereal for this one.

“Movie”

“Movie” is a part of the deluxe edition bonus disc of “Graffiti”; this song sampled the piano from Janet Jackson’s song “Again”.  The Jevon Hill produced track gives the perfect scene; the actors, the wardrobe, the script, and everything in between as Brown gives intimate details of a hot erotic night with a suspecting lover. The slow tempo song has the right mixture of current production beats but keeps it very classic, old school R&B. If you listen closely, you can hear Brown pay homage to New Edition’s song “Can You Stand The Rain”.

“Chase Our Love”

Here is another deluxe edition bonus disc track. Produced and written by Chris Brown, along with Jean Baptiste, Michael McHenry, Nick Marsh & Ryan Buendia, this song is a very fun mid-tempo dance track. It nestled in futuristic beats, heavy snares, and synthesizers. It’s it giving me a summer track vibe. I can picture it now, Brown in a video with his boo on the passenger side of his ride, laughing and having a grand old time. There is nothing like a happy love song; riding high and in love.

Unfortunately, Chris Brown’s album isn’t as cohesive as my playlist of favorite songs. The damaging incident between Rihanna and himself will out rule the work he put into this album. Although I’m not a fan of this album, I do believe it was a great attempt by Brown to put his emotions and feelings into music.

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI

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“So Happy I Could Die” – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has released yet another stellar album called “The Fame Monster” on Nov. 23, 2009. According to reports, Gaga devoted the new material to exploring the darker side of her fame. First off, let me say that I love this album but is she channeling Madonna throughout this whole CD?! Do I smell collaboration in the future?! Or just a straight up Copycat? You be the judge. Many will find that the “messages” on “The Fame Monster” are entrenched in thick beats and synthesized in that unique style that is Lady Gaga!  Since this is an 8 track album I decided to do a track by track review! Get into it!

“Bad Romance”

Yet another colossal hit for Lady GaGa, “Bad Romance” continues to be more contagious after listening. It has heavy synthesized beats during the chorus which evoke the ears. Gaga pays homage to Madonna’s “Vogue” in the spoken piece and the video is stellar.

“Alejandro”

This song sounds like Madonna’s song “Is La Bonita” that has been given a Lady Gaga twist. It has Spanish influences, with heavy synthesizers. The leaked version is not the same as the album version, which I loved, but it still has the same sound and concept.

“Monster”

This is a mid-tempo dance track that reminds me of the beginning of Madonna’s song “Sorry”. Lady Gaga is using some autotune here that is not over done but is very tasteful.  On this song, we get to hear Gaga ACTUALLY sing over this 80’s sounding Pop track.

“Speechless”

This would be considered the Hardcore Rock song of the album. Gaga belts out everything she has over this heavy rock ballad like a true Rocker. This track has everything you could think a Rock song would have equipped with the electric guitars and heavy drums.

“Dance in the Dark”

A powerful message reeks on this song; most people will probably not get it as the mid-tempo beat makes you want to dance. The song basically talks of a girl that has the “saline” and “silicone” all for the love of her boyfriend that, still, doesn’t think she’s good enough. You’ll find that she does the spoken word thing again (channels Madonna).

“Telephone feat. Beyonce”

This song leaked the same day as “Video Phone (Remix)” did and, personally, I think this is way better. “Telephone” is another mid-tempo dance track that’s about hitting the dance floor, partying, not caring what your man has to say, and to stop calling you! Beyonce’s verse is short and sweet but complimenting. She delivers with a strong aggressive tone that commands attention, it’s cute, I love it.

“So Happy I Could Die”

I’m hoping this will become a single of hers. It’s really nice and fun with a touch of R&B to it. Lady Gaga sings about lesbianism, sex, masturbation, vanity, etc. Everything you could think of a celebrity and how they try to make themselves happy with worldly things. She goes to say, “I am as vain as I allow! I do my hair, I gloss my eyes, I touch myself all through the night! And when something falls out of place, I take my time to put it back, I touch myself ’til I’m on track!”, which is funny and true at the same time.

“Teeth”

This song is about sex, sex, and MORE sex! Gaga talks about taking command of her sexual desires and unleashes them unto her partner, she states, “Don’t want your money, just want your sex.”  This track reminds me of that old ‘juke joint’ type of music. “Teeth” is lyrically profound and a unique song but it’s hard to really get into upon first listen; after a few listens, the lyrics make sense.

In a nutshell she gave a different perspective this time around with this new CD “The Fame Monster”. It definitely shows what she’s learned while being in the industry; the greed for money, the sexual desires, the plastic surgery, the fakes, the drinking, the drugs, etc. She delivered and conquered her vision with such excellence but also made you dance at the same time.  Go pick up a copy and enjoy!

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI

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Mario – Get Out

Look at what the Hip Hop/R&B machine crewed up and spit out, its Mario’s new album titled D.N.A. and it hit stores Tuesday, October 13, 2009! Now, I wasn’t checking for Mario due to a number of things. One of those being that I have not gotten into his style of music since “Braid My Hair” and now that I look back onto it, I don’t know why the hell I was loving that song! LOL  The other one was that all the tracks that leaked were lacking a true focus of what the album was going to sound like.  But anywho, the album D.N.A. has a list of hot, current, producers like Sean Garrett, The-Dream & Tricky Stewart.

With that said you would think Mario’s album would be jammed packed with hit songs out the ass but sadly enough it isn’t. #IJUSTDontSeeIt I’m so SORRY for those that were counting on him being the savior of R&B music because of his exceptional vocal ability and decent range. I just do NOT see it happening for him anytime soon with these more than OLD industry washed out songs. MALE R&B singers, we have to do better! I mean come on!!!! I know its hard out here to garner attention to your craft without selling your soul but if you are going to go that route please come with it and less with these “remixed” sounding songs that have been sung by other artist. There are so many song/artist references on this album that it hurts to listen to it #BAM!!!!

I don’t believe I have a favorite track but, the one’s I can bare to listen to are “Starlight” and “Get Out”. “Starlight” is reminiscent of an 80’s Michael Jackson song; I want to say “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” remixed 2010 version! #POW! LOL The lyrics talk of a girl that Mario is trying to “sack”, but it sounds more like he’s pleading for a one night stand! LOL But who am I to judge? I love the production but some of the adlibs and techniques he’s doing with his voice are a bit much and lose me in this song. When “Get Out” first leaked it had Ludacris on it at but since then his verse has been removed on the album version, which to me is neither a good or bad thing considering he didn’t help any! #BANG I like it because it has a heavy beat and it’s something you could possibly ride out to. I’m not really into the lyrics as they are generic, he states “this ain’t love, this ain’t human, this ain’t real, so what the fuck is we doing…?” I mean really though… is he serious? I guess so chile!

So I am asking you all to be the judge on this one. If you’re the diehard fan you claim to be then please go buy Mario’s album and support him as I believe he will need it. I do not hate him, I just don’t like his music as of lately. He has talent but what he’s doing with it is something I can’t get into #ImJustSayin!

Jake Jacobs VI

Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI

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“Betcha Gon Know” – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s days of belting out high notes and powerful lyrics are here to stay.  This new album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” is set to hit stores Tuesday, September 29, 2009! This is going to have the kid’s #GoingOff!!!! #POW (Twitter reference! LOL)  With the exception of one, Carey wrote and produced the entire album in collaboration with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. “Each song is like an intimate conversation or entry in a private diary” says Carey.  It really shows that she has had major input in this album too.  As I was listening to the album more and more, each song had me gasping because her vocal ability is SIC-N-ING.  Even her recent live shows are getting better.  This self proclaimed “diva” is bringing it for those that doubted her and to once again prove that she is deserving of all she has garnered throughout the years.

Her arrangements on this album are STRAIGHT foolish and gave me the life I was in need of!  Carey’s vocals glide over the instrumentals as she sings every song with so much passion and dedication.   Instantly memorable melodies flow from track to track, while the lyrical content leaves you in awe and gagging!  Songs like “Betcha Gon Know”, “Impossible”, “It’s A Wrap” are my favorites and they GO OFF!!!

“Betcha Gon Know” tells a story of a hurt and surprised Carey finding out and dealing with her cheating man.  She then goes into intimate details of their conversation blow by blow and how she plays it off but all the while she’s saying to herself “Betcha gon know how this feels… even if it’s the last thing I ever do… to be continued”, #POW, she better go off on him!!!!

The song “Impossible” is like a freaky love song-letter to her lover.  Carey once again sings over the track so softly and smooth that it makes you melt into a musical coma of blissful harmony and love.  They tell a story of how her man makes her feel and how much she loves him.  She goes to say that “You did the impossible, you rescued my love. You did the impossible, see I had almost given up, and now I love you like summer time…”  Awww, it makes me think of dating someone new that sends you on a drug induced love high that you don’t want to come down from.  I guess Mr. Cannon was her inspiration when she wrote/co-wrote that song.

“It’s A Wrap” sets another tone for the album as it focuses more on a mature sound, something like the oldskool Motown genre.  The gagging part of the whole song to me was her telling her soon to be ex boo “See, I, know you seeing me calling and calling, I should crack you right in your forehead!”  #DEAD!  LOL Where did this angry Mariah come from?! But I love it and her!

The album in its entirety is very cohesive marginally due to it having a duo team of producers, The Dream and Tricky Stewart.  I love the fact that she put out a well rounded album that should be loved by older and younger listeners.  She pays homage to her throwback days but yet keeps it modern and up to date.  “Memoirs” showcased that her vocal ability isn’t lost and in fact she is capable of doing more.  Her new sound, vocal arrangements, textures, range, and trademark whistle register were all put into this album.

Please support the artist and pick Mariah Carey’s album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” in stores today!

Jake Jacobs VI

www.Twitter.com/JakeJacobsVI