Customer Reviews

Chain Letter [Vinyl]

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Chain Letter, an album that emcompasses a quirky Outkast flavor, is an ecclectic record that is too long overdue. Brooke takes it to the streets with Girl Fight, gets so emotional with the euphonic Cover Girl, empowers the broken-hearted with I Want Him Dead, while Taste of Dis has the Missy Touch all over it, Long As You Come Home simply says loving you ain't wrong, and Laugh Til I Cry will choke you up! Packed with beats to make you bounce and harmony that touches your soul, Brooke's edgy voice, style and range shows her versatility. Don't pass it on, COP YOUR OWN! You will not be disappointed. Chain Letter is a bona fide hit in the leagues of CeCe Peniston, Jody Watley, and Crystal Waters. It's reminiscent of Aaliyah!

19-year-old Brooke Valentine is one of the newest members to the R&B game. Since I don't get to watch videos as much as I used to, I didn't really know who she was until I saw that her album, Chain Letter, debuted at an impressive #14 on the Billboard 200. Not long after that I heard her song "Girlfight", which isn't the greatest song in the world (especially with Big Boi's mailed-in verse), but love it or hate it, you have to admit that it's rather unique.

The thing is, though, if you don't like that song, you're probably not going to like the rest of the album. Because several of the songs use that you-don't-want-none-of-this style, like "Whatcha Lookin At" and "Ghetto Supastarz" (by the way, the small skit depicting a tryin'-to-be-cool-but-isn't girl at the end of that song isn't funny). With songs like these, it almost makes you wonder if Brooke is still in high school.

It's not much better when she changes the subject matter. Some of the songs are too creative for their own good. "American Girl" takes a lot of television show references and turns itself into a completely incomprehensible song, and "Blah Blah Blah" (featuring the late Dirt McGirt) is full of just that. "Long As You Come Home" has Brooke saying that she doesn't care if her man sleeps around or doesn't love her as long as he comes home to her, and I don't know how many other women will be able to relate to that. And as soon as I heard "I Want You Dead", I was like, "Who the F wrote this?"

I really didn't know how to rate this album. I was thinking about giving it a 2 because more than half of the songs are questionable, including failed party joints like "Taste of Dis" and "Playa" (I mean, come on; even Jermaine Dupri outshines her in that song). But then I wanted to rate it a 3 because despite all that, Brooke does have a nice voice (see the impressive ballads "Cover Girl" and "Laugh Til I Cry"). So it looks like I'm playing it neutral by rating it 2-1/2. Basically, this is another one of those albums that seems tailor-made for 106 & Park, so if you're not from that generation, then you probably won't want to be the one to catch this chain letter.

Anthony Rupert

Brooke Valentine's Chain Letter probably has the best assorsment of songs I've ever heard on a CD. She has a voice that most wish we could imitate. Every song to the last beat is off tha chain!

1) Girlfight(feat. Big Boi and Lil Jon)-Great club banger. Nice to listen to, and will make u wanna dance. 10/10.
2) Taste of Dis-Okay beat, really nice lyrics. Another song to dance to, as are most of the tracks on the CD. 8/10.
3)Long As You Come Home-Probably the best song on the CD. Really sad, love song. The lyrics are also bananas. 10/10.
4)Blah Blah BLah(feat. Dirt McGirt)- Moderate song...really killa beat...But McGirt MURDERED the lyrics! 8/10.
5)Cover Girl-Best slow song EVER! Really country vibe. Breathtaking lyrics and voice. Always find myself singing or hummin this to myself. 10/10.
6)Playa(feat. Jermaine Durpi)-The beat and lyrics are satisfactory...Loved Durpi's part though. Another one I like to sing to. 9/10.
7)Ghetto Superstars-Really nice vibe, loved the ending! Very funny. 9/10.
8)Tell Me Why You Don't Love Me-Amazing lyrics. Great beat you'll automatically bob your head to. 10/10.
9)Million Bucks-(feat. Queen Deliz)GREATEST SONG ON THE ALBUM! The beat is so crazy and the lyrics are really addictive. 20/10!
10)I Want You Dead-Agressive as hell! lol. Really tight lyrics though. Sort of funny in a sick twisted way...10/10.
11)Dying From A Broken Heart-Lyrics are really incomprehensible except for the chorus for me. Love the voicing regardless though. The pitch was on point. 9/10.
12)Pass Us By- Really sweet song. Nice vibe going with it too. Voice was satisfactory. 9/10.
13)Laugh Til I Cry-SADDEST SONG EVER!*tear, tear* **SNIFFLE** Another really good song. BEAUTIFUL LYRICS AND VOICE TO MATCH. 20/10!
14)American Girl-Okay song, but unclear to what it's about...I take a guess of dissing America. Cool pop-ish beat. 9/10.
15)Whatcha Lookin At(feat. Kilo AKA J.R.K.)- BANANAS BEAT. Another song to have you bobbin ur head. Really short though. 20/10!

BUY THIS ALBUM! If you like artists such as Aaliyah, Kelis and Amerie,get this! U won't regret it!

Brooke Valentine is one of the newest artist to appear within the last few months, and let me tell you she is going to be a great huge succes....maybe not this year in particular, but a voice like hers can go a long way. Now to comment on her Wonderful Album chain letter.

Chain Letter is only one of the Many Albums that I genuinely Love Every single song! There is not Filler on this album, and All of them have single Potential.

1. GirlFight-Girl Fight is the leading Single off the Album. It did pretty average radio/video airplay, but I think this song should have been a #1 in the country. It may have not been as good as alot of lil jon produced #1's like goodies for example, but I think it was #1 position quality. The Song is extremely creative, with a nice beat and very creative lyrics, and brooke writes her own songs! She is an awsome artist, and this song shows. 10/10

2. Taste of Dis- This songs reminds me of a Lil Kim/Janet Jackson/Christina Aguilera Song..I love it! It is so simple yet very melodic, and is a nice party song. It's awsome! It reminds me of summer riding around in florida or something..lol, a really well made track from Brooke. 10/10

3. Long As you come home- I think Ihave heard this beat from another song, I am not to sure, but it sound extremely familiar. Nevertheless, this is another awsome song. It's Mid-Tempo has really good lyrics, and really catchy and would definately make a good second single. 10/10

4. Blah Blah Blah- wow! this song is really good, one of the best on the album! It has The late ODB on the album, and it sounds extremely good. And is very melodic and Catchy, and would make a great single. Once again this shows off her great singing voice, and the creativity of the song. 10/10

5. Cover Girl- This is a very Sexy relaxing song, Just hearing this song gives me the chills because brooke's voice is so great and just so sensual. I love this song so much. She could definately be that cover girl if she wanted to, she is extremely beautiful. I love this song brooke and is one of my favorite songs! 10/10

6. Playa- This is one of my favorite songs on the album, this song is extremely good and catchy, and is DEFINATELY single potential. The Beat is wow!..lol, it's like really catchy and makes her vocals really shine, and shows that she can sing any type of song, because this song has a really outstanding and unique melody, that makes this one of the best on the album. 10/10

7. Ghetto Superstarz- Very Very Very Catchy Song! This song needs to be a single, it is soooo creative and great. Brooke Did it on this song! It's one of the more up-tempo songs on the album and the beat is just Crazy! It's just pure Craziness on this track! 10/10

8. Tell Me why you don't love me- Another great song off the album. It is really catchy!!! It's lyrics is not as strong than alot of other songs on her Album, but it has a really good melody, and is a joy to listen too. Not one of the best, but It is great nevertheless. 8/10

9. Million Bucks- Million Bucks is probably the worst track on the cd...BUT!!!! Don't take that in a bad way, becaused in no way shape or form is this a bad song. It just doesn't come up to parr with the others, it is still a great song with a great beat and creative lyrics. 7/10

10. I want you Dead- This song scares the Hell outta me!!!..lol, this is by far the creative song I have ever heard. I have never heard a song like this in my life...it's just extremely crazy!..If Brooke made a video for this song, they would think she was psyco...lol, it's just a really creative crazy song. I love it! Definately one of my favorites on the Album. It shows off her sexy vocals and everything, just awsome. 10/10

11. Dying From a broken heart- Very Sexy and sad song. I hear that this is going to be her second single, and this by far probably the best choice for a single!..It's just so sexy sounding and so loveable. If somone doesn't like this song, they are like crazy. It's an excellent song on the album. Very very nice! 10/10

12. Laugh Til' I cry- This song is another slow song off the album. Once again, this album only has a few slow songs, but the ones that are on here are all excellent! and this one them. Brooke shows off her sensual vocals in this song, with the very melodic beat to follow it. Very great song to fall asleep to if I may say so myself, or just a song to relax too. Just pure excellence! 10/10

13. Pass Us By- I absolutely love the beat on this song. It sounds relly poppy, It sounds really good. It's like the only "Poppish" Song on the album. It's lyrics are onced again, not the strongest or creative on the album, but it is a really great song! 10/10

14. American Girl- Brooke is Representin' Texas! This song is also Poppy, but not ass Poppy as Pass us bye, it seems like an R&b Country song to me. It's really good, and it would be a good jingle to a Pepsi Commercial!!!...lol 10/10

15. Watcha Lookin' at- What an excellent way to end thealbum..wow, she just like ended it with a bang! This is a really good song, and a really good way to end such a good album, the beat is extremely creative..and very well made! and just an upbeat dance-like song..It's really cool and one of my favs. 10/10

145/150 Point= 96% Which Equals an A. Brooke Valentine def. Worked Extremely hard to make her album a success.. I think everyonce should have a copy of her album in there homes. Go out support this hard working women!

i am very displeased with this cd. the 1 star is because she can sing but otherwise the cd is boring, the beats are wack and girlfight will be her only big hit. very huge disappointment.

This is a good debut album from the 19 year old singer/songwriter from Houston, who co-wrote all the songs in one four month period. Combining R&B, Crunk and Hip Hop, all the songs reflect a woman's point of view, sometimes taking extreme points of view as in "I Want You Dead", which is about revenge for a broken heart.

First single "Girlfight" brings us the catchy Crunk drum machine rhythms made popular by Lil' Jon (the Crunk king) and which can also be found on the Ciara album. The song was produced by Lil' Jon and features Big Boi of Outkast.

Other tracks to note are "Long As You Come Home", the catchy "Blah Blah Blah" with the late Ol' Dirty Bastard, the Janet Jackson style girl power song "Taste of Dis".

Though all the songs are quite good, there's nothing particularly outstanding or different to distinguish Ms. Valentine from the other talented female singers around, and it will be interesting to see where she goes from here.

Amanda Richards, October 15, 2005

THIS ALBUM IS A GREAT ALBUM THE ONLY REASON I BOUGHT IT IS CAUSE THE SONG GIRLFIGHT.THE WHOLE ALBUM IS GOOD BUT THERE ARE SOME SONGS THAT ARE GOOD AND OTHERS THAT ARE OKAY.IM GONNA RATE THE SONGS 1 THROUGH 10.

1.GIRLFIGHT(9/10)ITS A GREAT SONG BUT ONCE YOU HEAR IT LIKE 30 TIMES IT GETS BORING.

2.TASTE OF DIS (7/10) IT HAS A GOOD BEAT BUT ITS A BEAT LIKE THE 90'S.

3.LONG AS YOU COME HOME (10/10) ITS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS IN THE ALBUM. IT HAS A BEAT OF THE OLDIES AND SHE SOUNDS GREAT.

4.BLAH BLAH BLAH (9/10) IT HAS A GREAT BEAT HER VOCALS SOUND GREAT.

5.COVER GIRL (6/10) PEOPLE SEEM TO LIKE THIS SONG BUT I REALLY DONT SHE SOUNDS GREAT, BUT ITS NOT MY STYLE.

6.PLAYA (6/10)IT HAS A GREAT BEAT BUT THE SONG IS OKAY SHE COULD OF DONE BETTER.

7.GHETTO SUPERSTARZ (10/10) ITS HAS AN AWESOME BEAT ITS A PARTY SONG.THE ENDING IS THE BEST PART SHE MAKES FUN OF BLONDES/OR WHITE GIRLS BUT ITS NOT OFFENDING ITS FUNNY.

8.TELL ME WHY YOU DONT LOVE ME (14/10) ITS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS IVE HEARD ITS GREAT HER VOICE IS GOOD. THE BEAT AND RHYTHM IS GREAT.BEST SONG!

9.MILLION BUCKS (8/10) ITS AN OKAY SONG ITS KIND OF A RAP BEAT THERES A SPANISH RAPPING PART IN IT ITS GOOD.

10.I WANT YOU DEAD (5/10) ITS MORE OF AN 80'S BEAT SHE SOUNDS KIND OF HORRIBLE IN IT BUT THE SONG IS VIOLENT AND MEAN,BUT THE GUY DESERVES IT.

11.DYING OF A BROKEN HEART (20/10) IM NOT EXAGERRATING IM SERIOUS ITS THE BEST SONG! THE BEST THE BEAT HER VOICE IS PERFECT.I GO TO SLEEP WITH THIS SONG.ITS A GREAT BALLAD

12.LAUGH TILL I CRY (10/100) ITS ANOTHER GREAT SONG ITS A SLOW BALLAD ITS THE SECOND BEST SONG.

13.PASS THIS BY (8/10) ITS A GOOD SONG NOT THE BEST BUT GOOD.

14.AMERICAN GIRL (2/10) THE WORST SONG IVE HEARD IN YEARS ITS NOT GOOD OR OKAY ITS HORRIBLE ITS A GIRLIE SONG ANNOYING.

15.WATCHA LOOKIN' AT (10/10) A SHORT SONG BUT ITS GREAT THE BEAT IS GREAT. ITS A GOOD SONG TO DANCE CRAZY! ITS GREAT.

OTHER THEN MY RATINGS THIS IS A GREAT ALBUM YOU WONT REGRET IT ITS GREAT HELP HER OUT ITS WORTH BYING IT.

Brooke Valentine is definitely a breath of fresh air, no doubt. She'd not another singer that's trying to be Ashanti, Ciara, Beyonce', or whoever else most new singers are being compared to. She has the musical diversity and the voice to be appreciated in the music business...however, some of the material on this album is extremely lacking.

I'm not saying the album is a complete waste. I did enjoy some of the faster joints, like "Taste of Dis", which actually had me moving to the beat before Brooke started singing. It sounds really jumpy, and has that Missy Elliott feel to it that makes it work. "American Girl" shows us Brooke's rock edge, something you don't see too often in females these days, and it's a pretty decent song. I like how names of TV shows were included into the lyrics...a nice twist. "Playa", featuring a less-than-impressive Jermaine Dupri, sounds like the female counterpart to Usher's "Yeah!" and actually works well with Brooke's voice. "Million Bucks", featuring a nice flow en Espanol from Queen Deliz, is worth listening and will get you jumping!

Speaking of her voice, Brooke gets her time to shine on the slower numbers. "Dying of A Broken Heart" is probably the best song on the album vocally and production-wise. Brooke sounds like she really is dying of a broken heart in this song. Nice! Also, "Laugh Til I Cry" is definitely worth more than one listen. She also sings her heart out and the lyrics are quite deep. The line 'all the hits you gave should have been hugs' was QUITE deep. Check out "Cover Girl", a song about a girl wishing that she could be a cover girl for her man. A nice listen with some good lyrics. Also, "Long As You Come Home" sounds really good and is worth a few spins.

Now, I don't see what everyone else is seeing with this album, for a lot of it is quite unbearable and unlistenable after a couple of tries. "Girlfight" has some nice vocals but it tries too hard and sounds forced. "I Want You Dead" and "Pass Us By" tries but the vocals sound off-key and uninspiring, and "Blah Blah Blah" featuring the usually on-point late Dirt McGirt sounds equally unmoving. I tried to sit all the way through "Ghetto Superstarz", "Tell Me Why (You Don't Love Me)", and "Whatcha Lookin' At", but each had its own wrongness to it that I just couldn't help but to skip them.

With some better lyrics and a couple of more ballads, this album could have been a lot better. Not to say that it's bad, but hoepfully one of the ballads can be released as a single or else this album will be in the quarter bins in no time flat. Without a ballad being shown, Brooke could easily be a one-hit wonder. PLEASE Brooke, you're too talented and gifted vocally...don't let that happen.

Chain Letter is the debut CD from the Virgin solo artist Brooke Valentine who seemingly came from nowhere but Brooke has been on her grind for some time. Her single, "Girlfight" has been getting a lot of spin on radio and on video outlets, especially BET's 106 and Park. The song is catchy and features Big Boi from Outkast and Lil Jon. There aren't too many ways to describe Brooke or her style, she is unique and the album has a sound different than most of the R&B albums out today. Some songs like "Thrill of the Chase" have a rock edge and then "Laugh Til I Cry" starts off sounding acoustic. She has such a hard edge and a strong voice that she really doesn't remind me of any other female artists. Maybe Sunshine Anderson. "Long As You Come Home," has real hit potential, using some of that Camp Lo "Luchini" on the track. This would have been a great first single but maybe the label felt that track had been used one time too many, but the song is hot. The song, "Blah, Blah, Blah," featuring the late Dirt McGirt is so catchy and Dirty is at his best. "Tell Me Why You Don't Love Me," is another song with crazy production. This song would be a great second single and the lyrics and Brooke's singing on this song make it quite catchy. The songs 'Taste of Dis," "Ghetto Superstarz," and "Million Bucks," are decent. The song "I Want You Dead," is sure to be a favorite among broken hearted young women seeking revenge. It's quite hilarious. The song "Pass Us By," is just really awesome. This song has an 80's funk/pop sound too it like a song by Shalamar or Jody Watley. If you want something different and enjoyable pick up Brooke's album, it's a perfect album for warm weather as there are many tracks you can dance too.

2005 saw the introduction of many new female R&B singers, as well as the return of several favourites. One of such newcomers was 19-year-old Brooke Valentine, who co-wrote all songs (except "I Want You Dead") over the course of four months. Most R&B singers attempt to fit themselves into a mould in order to gain success, releasing albums that fit with this persona but are no different than any other singers attempting the same role. Many quickly passed Brooke off as trying to be tough, due to the nature of her first single, although her debut album has a variety of styles, showcasing her creativity. It can be argued that very few of her songs deviate from the normal topics covered in R&B, however so many of them are covered in such a creative way that they do not sound like typical R&B.

Lead single "Girlfight" has Brooke threatening to fight another girl for stealing her man, as mentioned in the rap by Big Boi of Outkast. ("The one on the right's the girlfriend, the one on the left's the other woman"). Speaking of Big Boi, his verse isn't all that great, but it is decent enough. Upon hearing this, people were quick to pigeonhole Brooke into the "gangster girl" image, only to find that none of the rest of her album supports this. "Taste of Dis" shows Brooke playing the confident single girl out at a club just to have a good time. This song goes on just a little too long, however it is fun and sassy enough to pull it off. "Long As You Come Home" talks about a woman so in love with her man that she's willing to put up with him lying as long as he always comes back to her. Not the best message (and one most probably won't relate to), however Brooke manages to convey it convincingly. "Blah Blah Blah" has Brooke telling her man that she loves him, but his constant questions about where she was drive her crazy. This is the first song to hint at the potential of Brooke's voice. The concept itself is handled with quite a bit of creativity, as very few other singers have discussed it in this way.

"Cover Girl" is the first ballad, and a true album highlight. Somewhat reminiscent of TLC's "Unpretty", Brooke wants to change her image to impress her man. This melancholic song also has her telling about how she loves her man for who he is, and wants him to feel the same about her. The creativity is shown once again here, as Brooke seems to be debating throughout if she is willing to change for him. She switches back and forth from wishing to be his "cover girl" to asking him to accept her for her. The song is simple, yet beautiful. "Playa" is one of the more catchy songs, about looking for a "thug" to be with. It is decent, but not one of the best songs. Jermaine Dupri's rap neither helps nor hurts it. "Ghetto Supastarz" is basically what the previous song was attempting to be. Upbeat, catchy, while still showing off Brooke's voice, it sounds as though Brooke was genuinely having fun with this one. The skit at the end is kind of funny as well.

"Tell Me Why You Don't Love Me" has Brooke questioning why her man cheated on her since she has what he needs. This is another of the best songs, due mostly to the performance combined with the production. This is one that people might be able to relate to. Brooke mentions her man cheated, she forgave him, but he still left. People may be able to relate to this because many still love those who cheat on them, even forgiving them numerous times. Either way, this is one of the highlights. "Million Bucks" is equally catchy, adding some of the confidence and sass of previous songs. I'm not entirely sure why there's a Spanish rap in the middle of this song, but it sounds great so I'm not complaining. "I Want You Dead" is by far the most creative song. It captures the pure anger sometimes experienced at the end of a relationship, describing acts of revenge Brooke wants to take on her ex. This song disgusted most people, however Brooke has mentioned that she would never actually do any of this, and I think it was an extremely innovative song, as I've never heard any other R&B song like it.

"Dying Of A Broken Heart" is a simply beautiful and dramatic ballad, and seems almost like the after effects of the previous song. Once the anger has faded away, Brooke was left heartbroken, or this may be about a different relationship entirely. Either way, it's a stunning song that showcases the true beauty of Brooke's voice. "Pass Us By" describes a meeting with a guy and how Brooke wants to get to get his phone number. The lyrics look bad on paper, but the delivery makes them work quite well. This is another fun song, and seems as though Brooke enjoyed making it. "Laugh Til I Cry" is another ballad and highlight. This one describes how Brooke's man hurt her all the time, and she had to laugh just to keep from crying. Showcasing both her vocals, and a passionate delivery, this is easily one of the best songs on the album. "American Girl" is another fun song that highlights what are presumably supposed to be the best parts of being American. Not necessarily the most artistic song, however it's an interesting concept. The album unfortunately ends on a lacklustre note with "Watcha Lookin At", a short song that seems out of place. Though not completely terrible, it is far from the best that Brooke has to offer.

Overall Mark: 4/5

Overall, Brooke Valentine's debut is one of the most creative R&B albums, yet because of this it often goes underappreciated since it is not what one would expect. However, when about two-thirds of the album are highlights, and the rest of it still pretty good, you know you've found something special. Brooke's sophomore attempt would benefit most from a few more ballads, as all of the ones on this album were highlights, while some of the faster songs were a bit lacklustre. Brooke should also tone down the gangster elements slightly, since it gets a little repetitive.