Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Rhythm & Blues Editor, Rickey Wright R&B was as relevant as ever in 1999, even as albums worthy of the sea of great singles sometimes seemed a rarity. But digging a little deeper--through reissues and even a kids' album--proved more than worthwhile, yielding some of the year's best releases in any genre. Listening not only to K-Ci's soothingly gruff tones and TLC's vehemently chiming ones, but to the consistent audacity of the Isley Brothers as represented on a career retrospective, provided key moments of enlightenment and sheer joy. And the Persuasions album of children's favorites showed that wholesomeness can be soulful, too. 1. "It's Real" K-Ci & Jojo http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JCB1/entertainmentsit In a year when the Mississippi-based Malaco Records celebrated itself with the six-CD "Last Soul Company" box, these former Jodeci members proved that the region's soul tradition was still alive. And that it could be made relevant to every generation through strong songwriting and deeply impassioned vocals-- traits "It's Real" boasts in abundance. 2. "It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers" The Isley Brothers http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K29F/entertainmentsit What is there left to say about the Isleys? Well, this three-CD set did prompt more than one hearty "Damn!" from this corner. You know the story: pioneers in everything from gospel-drenched doo-wop to rock-hard funk, key moments in the history of Motown and quiet storm, 40-plus years in the biz. But do you know "Move Over and Let Me Dance," a lost classic featuring the guitar of one James Marshall Hendrix? If not, you need this. 3. "On the Good Ship Lollipop" The Persuasions http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IQ1C/entertainmentsit The Music for Little People label has become one of the most durable in children's music, in no small part because their albums are so good to grownup's ears, too. This set by the veteran a cappella quintet may be their best yet, with the fellas breathing new life into "Teddy Bears' Picnic" and turning "On Top of Spaghetti" into a doo-wop ballad classic as indelible as "In the Still of the Nite." 4. "Mary" Mary J. Blige http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JWQH/entertainmentsit Blige's penchant for connecting her personal drama with those of her fans continued unabated on her fourth studio disc, which also played down her links to hip-hop without seriously damaging her sound. Duets with former flame K-Ci and eternal role model Aretha Franklin gave "Mary" some extra oomph, but in the end, the message and the music were hers. 5. "Back at One" Brian McKnight http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001QGLB/entertainmentsit Brian McKnight made his biggest claim yet on the R&B ballad style with "Back at One." Not only exquisitely sung, with McKnight overdubbing all lead and harmony vocals, this lush disc is full of evocatively written songs. Fans of romantic soul will surely treasure this album for years to come. And watch for the title tune to become an across-the-board pop ministandard. 6. "I've Got News for You" Hadda Brooks http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I7JJ/entertainmentsit Bluesy singer-pianist Brooks, now in her early 80s, once again insinuated herself into listeners' lives with this two-CD collection of recordings made between the 1940s and 1998. Her tart vocals on "That's My Desire" and "You Won't Let Me Go" are complemented by a full disc of boogie-woogie instrumentals. Good news, for sure. 7. "Fanmail" TLC http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000DFTD/entertainmentsit As with Blige, this trio states what's on its minds and the world listens. And loves. Rumors of a possible breakup seemed especially sad in light of this album's strengths, which featured everything from the instant anthems "No Scrubs" and "Unpretty" to some up-to-date production moves that hook up the difference between def and deft. Great singing, too. 8. "Soul Serenade: The Best of Willie Mitchell" Willie Mitchell http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001R3HQ/entertainmentsit Before Mitchell became the production mastermind behind Al Green's supersmooth '70s sound, he was a Memphis trumpeter and bandleader specializing in soul dance music not unlike what the MGs might have done if they'd built in a horn section. Fans who dig the stripped-down funk of "I Can't Stand Myself"-era James Brown and the early Meters will love this. 9. "Staying Power" Barry White http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JJN2/entertainmentsit The title track referred to both White's career longevity and bedroom stamina and served as a kind of all-purpose inspirational anthem. The updated but still smooth production here proved good for everything from covers of Sly Stone and War to sultry duets with Chaka Khan and Lisa Stansfield. 10. "Blue Streak: The Album" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K1JP/entertainmentsit The hip-hop/R&B party connection was in full effect for this souvenir of the Martin Lawrence film; the CD took on its own life outside the theater with Jay-Z's hit "Girls' Best Friend." Even more significantly, though, "Blue Streak" provided something of a ready-made dialogue between the sexes. Intriguing. ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's R&B and Soul Music section at R&B/Soul ******
Search:
Keywords: