After the Storm

Monica | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 17, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: J-Records
• ASIN: B00006BSW3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (274 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,714 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. After The Storm (intro)

2. Set It Off

3. So Gone

4. U Should've Known Betta

5. Don't Gotta Go Home (featuring DMX)

6. Knock, Knock

7. U Deserve

8. Breaks My Heart

9. I Wrote This Song

10. Ain't Gonna Cry No More

11. After The Storm (outro)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"New Monica!" shouts Missy Elliott on the single "So Gone," one of five cuts she co-wrote and produced for After the Storm, the singer’s first domestic album since 1998. (An earlier, much different version of the record is available as the import All Eyez on Me.) Drama is the key word here, from the disc’s title on down. Miss E, of course, brings much spark and grit, but even some of the non-Elliott cuts are virtual arias of romance and self-fulfillment, with Monica Arnold pledging her devotion on one track, demanding her key back on another. The album’s success puts her career and artistry back on track, while encouraging hope for more collaboration along the lines of the exciting Missy stuff here. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Forecast Is Clear... (3.5 Stars), June 17, 2003

By 

Andrew Jacob (Brooklyn, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After the Storm (Audio CD)

5 Years after chirping "The Boy Is Mine", Monica matures a great deal and comes back with her third effort, "After The Storm". During those 5 years out, Monica Arnold went through many tribulations, including witnessing her fiancé commit suicide. This album is sort of the reflection or chronicle of her emotional journey through the hard times, something she eventually overcomes, hence the album title "After The Storm".

The best tracks includes the lead single, "So Gone", where sings about appreciation. It's about a boyfriend that neglects her, making her feel like she's unneeded. "I Wrote This Song" is about her deceased fiancé. The song is meant to be sort of a therapy for Monica. The lines "I love my baby so, but he's not here no more, hard for me to understand, so I wrote this song" sort of sum things up. "U should've known" is sort of her vow of loyalty to her lover. "Breaks My Heart" is about how she never realized how much she was loved. It's a song proclaiming that she knows now, but the fact that she didn't know in the past hurts her. "Ain't gonna cry no more" is sort of the aftermath of "So Gone". It's obviously inspired by Mary J's "Not Gon' Cry" and also shares the same concept. "Too Hood" (one of the bonus tracks) is a song about how she's too good for a guy. It comes off arrogant, but when you understand certain terms, its really not that bad. "Searchin'" (another bonus track) is an uplifting song about finding the answers to problems. "Don't Gotta Go Home" has a nice guitar rhythm, features DMX, and is about an affair. It's kind of the aftermath of "Ain't Gonna Cry No More". Monica's position shifts from being the one cheated to the one cheating; She kind of gets revenge in a way.

But, not all is good. They're a few things I didn't like about this album; one includes the generic-ism. "Go To Bed Mad" is a little bit "been-done" and cheesy. Monica and Tyrese sing about how they need to end a fight. The chorus also includes the line "We need to find a resolution like that Aaliyah song". I give them props for good intentions, but it's really unneeded. "That's My Man" is a little immature. It's not good when you take a step back of progression. Its way too generic and its something I expect "the foolish one" to sing. Another problem I have doesn't have to do with Monica instead, its Missy Elliott. On the songs she produced, she has a tendency of... not shutting up. I understand that she wanted to be part of the songs, but that eagerness sometimes tends to hover over Monica's voice. And if Monica's voice weren't being heard, there wouldn't be a point for the album.

The big problem I have with the album is the repeated subjects. She shifts between 3 main points; 1) The -I'm not taking this BS anymore- ("So Gone", "Knock Knock", "Ain't Gonna Cry No More", "What Part of the Game"), 2) The -sorry, I didn't know- ("U should've Known", "Breaks My Heart", "What Hurts The Most", And 3) the -I don't want you to go away- ("Don't Gotta Go Home", "Go To Bed Mad").

Other than that, I adore this album. Monica's album arrived at a time when innovation was scarce (as in, you heard the same people and same songs). The repeated subject problem is very minor, but I make it a big deal because I take creativity/originality & lyrics very seriously since I go further than just the appeal. I commend Monica for sharing her emotions to us but hate the fact that she finds the need to be commercial (generic subjects). But nevertheless, no matter what Monica sings, whether it's about cheating men or sentimental stuff, it always works. Why? Blame it on Monica's divine voice; that alone can sell any record. There other R&B wannabes out there need to watch their backs, because Monica's about to "Set it off".

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Monica comes out on top!, June 24, 2003

By 

Robert W. Wiley "reddawg515" (Charlottesville, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: After the Storm (Audio CD)

Disc 1:
1. Intro - It's got Missy, it's funny, and it's the first hint that this is a completely mature album for Monica.
2.Get It Off - Whoa. The beat is hot to death, Missy is all over this track, and Monica has her game face on. This song is on point, it's very hot, and a great start for the album. The refrain is the best part. Reminds me of the title track of TLC's "3D". score: B+
3.So Gone - You all know this song, one of the bigger R&B hits of the last couple years. score: A
4.U Should've Known Better - Kept from the scrapped "All Eyez On Me" album, and with good reason. You can start to tell that Monica's new album has some meaningful lyrics, and songs that tell stories. Not just vapid trash that says oh baby I love you, or why did you do me wrong. score: B+
5.Don't Gotta Go Home (f/ DMX) - This is actually a slower tempo joint. The lyrics are different, it also tells a story. DMX voice sounds too harsh for it though. But that's made up for by the fact that the hook Monica sings is slick and catchy, very nice. score: A-
6.Knock Knock - Missy's stamp is all over this one. Monica's delivery is unique; her voice is stronger than ever and, if possible, she has more control of it than ever before. This song is incredible though, it is true R&B and somehow sounds like Motown and Dirty South at the same time! Monica and Missy are working on a remix to this song as we speak. score: A
7.Breaks My Heart - Held over from the scrapped album, not a surprise at all. It's hard to make a ballad today that doesn't sound either trite or the same as a hundred other ballads. This is an amazing one though, dare I say on the scale of "For You I Will". Flawless vocals. score: A
8.I Wrote This Song - Also held over from the scrapped album, this song stands out. When's the last time a song, moreover an R&B song, had such revealing or poignant lyrics? Listen to them. Monica wrote it herself. The beat is also very original. score: B+
9.Ain't Gonna Cry No More - One of only two songs out of the sixteen on the album that has standard lyrics. It truly does sound reminscent of Brandy's "What About Us?" but the vocals are still strong. The beat is actually infectious, and the chorus is nice. score: B
10.Go To Bed Mad (f/ Tyrese) - Okay, let's see. The chorus takes some getting used to because it is so understated. But when was the last time we had a duet like this... the lyrics are memorable, Tyrese and Monica sound like they were born to sing together. This has to be one of the prettiest songs I've heard in ages. score: A
11.Hurts The Most - I still love this song (it's held over from the scrapped album), the guitar on it is awesome, the lyrics are mature, and I think it has some of Monica's best vocals on the album. score: A-
12.That's My Man - This song might be considered "neo-soul" and it definitely sounds like India.Arie could have done it. Monica's delivery is original and plays nicely with the guitar. It has the least popular appeal, but I'm feeling this song.
score: A-
13. Outro (So Gone remix) - Some of you may have heard this on the radio, or on the internet. The versions floating around on the internet do not do it justice. Here on the album you can hear it better and it's even more amazing. A great remix, approves on the original. That's why it gets this score. score: A+

Disc 2:
1.Too Hood - Held over from the scrapped album, was actually the second single but it flopped. Definitely the worst song anywhere on this album, but still not awful. score: C+
2.Down 4 Whatever - Monica actually wrote this one. It's got one of those beats that uses a water drop, that should explain just about everything. Except that once again the vocals are very nice, she did 100% of them herself and it works really well. This isn't single material but it's an awesome album track. score: A-
3.What Part Of The Game (f/ Mia X) - The beat isn't anything special at all, but Monica is doing one of the rap/singing things on it, and Mia X's rap is very good. In fact the lyrics are pretty entertaining. Not single material again; maybe that's what this second disc is all about. But it's enjoyable. score: B
4.Searchin' - Held over from the scrapped album, it's a gospel song. Monica can sing gospel. And she also wrote this song. If you know anything about gospel you know that it's about feeling the joy and the pain, and showing the emotion. Monica can do that, you better believe it. score: A- if you like gospel, C if you don't.
5.So Gone (Video) - Who doesn't like this? Monica makes good videos. score: A

Recap: Monica has grown up, in every way. But not only that, she's gotten BETTER. I'm impressed with this album; I knew I would love it no matter what, I'll be honest. But I found myself jamming along with the fast songs, grooving to the slow jams, and loving the ballads. And I can tell that she's done it again, only more so. This album in all fairness should do better than her last two, because it's easily her best. It keeps the best values of "Miss Thang" without losing the qualities that made "The Boy Is Mine" great while bringing more to it. Vocals are stronger, lyrics are WAYYY stronger, and she was provided with top notch production. As you all know, that means it's a great album. I expect multiple Grammy, Soul Train, Lady of Soul, MTV, BET, and Billboard award nominations for this album. And hopefully some wins, too.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars All eyes are on Monica, "After The Storm", July 17, 2003

By 

J. Highsmith (Mitchellville, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: After the Storm (Audio CD)

After enjoying 1995's "Miss Thang" and tolerating 1998's "The Boy Is Mine", Monica Arnold has finally returned with "After The Storm". "After The Storm" was originally titled "All Eyez On Me", but after extreme bootlegging, Monica and J Records decided to go back to the studio to create a fresh batch of tracks. After a nice debut CD with hits like "Don't Take It Personal", "Like This And Like That", "Why I Love You So Much", "With You", and my all time favorite Monica track, "Before You Walk Out Of My Life", it seemed as if Monica was destined for success. While "The Boy Is Mine" did well on the charts, it seemed as if the CD was created only because the single with Brandy did so well. Songs like "Street Symphony", "Angel Of Mine", "Inside", "I Keep It To Myself" and the hit from the soundtrack "Space Jam", "For You I Will", kept your attention, but "The Boy Is Mine" was clearly not as good as "Miss Thang". In early 2002, Monica did have a song on the "Down To Earth" soundtrack entitled "Just Another Girl", but we were still waiting for a full length CD from her. In the Summer of 2002, I had started hearing the title track from what was supposed to be her 3rd CD, "All Eyez On Me". The song sampled Michael Jackson's "PYT (Pretty Young Thang)" from his "Thriller" CD and was a true club banger. Then shortly after that another track, "Too Hood" featuring Jermaine Dupri, was also getting radio play. This was another uptempo track that was just as good as "All Eyez On Me". Then all of a sudden you didn't hear the songs anymore. In the Spring of 2003, I heard another track "So Gone" that had a Missy feel to it. I would then later find out that she co-wrote and produced the song. "All Eyez On Me" was scrapped for "After The Storm". Missy had joined Monica in the lab to give the "new" Monica CD a boost. The first real track on "After The Storm" is "Set It Off". The Missy produced track is for the clubs but it doesn't make it a winner this time around. First of all, there is a fake Juvenile rapping like he is straight from the NO himself. Then, they take the sample from the classic "Set It Off" and do the track no justice at all. "U Should've Known Better" is Jermaine Dupri's lone contribution to the CD. Bryan Michael Cox co-produces the song. The track is a nice slow jam but it sounds like they kidnapped Ernie Isley and didn't give him the credit for the guitar solo. "Don't Gotta Go Home" featuring a surprising guest apperance by DMX ends up being one of the best, if not the best song on this CD. DMX gives an impressive performance and Monica's voice flows lovely over the BAM & Ryan track. "Knock Knock", which will probably be the 2nd single, is also produced by Missy and is another nice track but the intro definitely has to go. Also, did anyone know that Monica was a rapper? Me neither, but the track is still worth listening to. Soulshock & Karlin show up to do Monica justice once again just as they did on "Before You Walk Out Of My Life" on the midtempo "Breaks My Heart". The song is well written and put together nicely. They also produce the song that she dedicated to her ex, who took his own life, on "I Wrote This Song" and they produce "Hurts The Most", where Monica is singing about someone that she was with in the past that has moved on to be with another woman. Her label mate, Tyrese, joins Monica on "Go To Bed Mad". The song ends up being a nice collaboartion as Bam & Ryan produce another winner. Track 13 is listed as an "Outro" but it's actually the "So Gone" remix featuring Monica, Missy, Busta Rhymes and a very noticeable Tweet on the background vocals. The only time where I really recognized background vocals from someone that wasn't already featured on a song was when Faith Evans was singing background vocals on Mary J. Blige's "I Never Wanna Live Without You" from her "My Life" CD. When I purchased "After The Storm", I also received a bonus disc that featured the aforementioned "Too Hood" with JD, "Down 4 Whatever", "What Part Of The Game" featuring No Limit's Mia X and a very inspirational slow song in "Searchin'". The best song out of the 4 in my opinion is the Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins produced slow jam, "Down 4 Whatever". In conclusion, "After The Storm" is a pretty good CD. There is no groundbreaking material, but if you are a Monica fan you will be satisfied with the effort that she put into this CD. The only faults that I have with this CD is that Monica shouldn't be rapping even if Missy is writing the raps and does Missy Elliott really have to say "New Monica" on every song that she produces. If I bought a new Monica CD the day it was released, obviously I know that I am purchasing Monica's new CD. However, compared to Beyonce and Ashanti's new releases, you should also be buying the "New Monica" CD.

James' Top 5

1) So Gone
2) Don't Gotta Go Home w/DMX
3) Hurts The Most
4) Breaks My Heart
5) Down 4 Whatever (On the Limited Edition Disc)