Basic Black

Basic Black

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 19, 1990)
• Original Release Date: August 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B000008D93
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #87,954 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. She's Mine

2. Give Your Love to Me

3. What Ever It Takes

4. Nothing But a Party

5. Special Kind of Fool

6. It's a Man's Thang

7. Don't Make Me Fall in Love

8. Baby Can We Talk

9. Now or Never

10. Stupid

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Guy Clone!, December 10, 2003

By	A. Lawson (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

Basic Black was not a Guy clone. Sure, they derived from Gene Griffin, who worked with Guy among others, but Basic Black had their own sound. Darryl "Dezo" Adams did not sound like Aaron Hall and Griffin certainly didn't mimic Teddy Riley's "new jack sound". Sure, remnants of Teddy are heard, but for the most part, Gene created a new jack outfit on his own.

Even with all the accusations and false statements, Gene produced a pretty well-rounded album. The highlights include the seductive "Special Kind Of Fool", the emotional "Now or Never", and the energetic number "Don't Make Me Fall In Love". Other noteworthy tracks are the lead single, "She's Mine" featuring Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth and their follow-up single "Nothing But a Party". Both are bass-pumpin, rump-shakin new jack cuts.

Basic Black never reached their commercial potential, mainly for the "guy clone" accusations, and disbanded shortly after their debut release. It still does not mean the album is not worth purchasing. If you are a definitive new jack fan, Basic Black's only release is a must-have. For the slow jam fans, save for the flawless "Special Kind Of Fool", you might want to pass on it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "I miss you" ....., June 3, 2005

By	Bridget J - See all my reviews

I went to school with Lloyd Turner and Kelvin Bradshaw and watching them in our high band was a treat in itself. When their album dropped back in the day I was proud to say "I know those guys".
"Special kind of fool" is still my jam 'til this day and I have been searching high and low for a copy of this CD.
"Skip" & Kev, man I miss ya'll and with the talent you guys had I feel the world should still be hearing you, it was pure, clean and just fun. I miss you.

Bridget J
CHS Class of '86

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Special Kind of Fool..., January 10, 2005

By	yygsgsdrassil "yygsgsdrassil" (Crossroads America) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

...is a rarity that classic R & B radio fails to play. I love it a lot. Additionally I'll Do Whatever You Want should have been a hit, but who knows what happens from the studio to the radio playlists? Now, can everyone finally tell the difference between Gene Griffin's New Jack 90's style and Teddy Riley's style? This will help you discern them.