Customer Reviews

Chapter 4: Labor Pains

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is HOT! I purchased a copy from iTunes (because I couldn't wait) and when I say I am pleased - that's an understatement. I really think Syleena is better off on her own record label because I really think she expressed herself well on this album. There is something for everyone on this album. The explicit lyrics - I only hear a few *hit and *amn words - I don't know how they determine the explicit lyrics. Anyway, it is worth the buy - don't wait - purchase it here NOW!!!

Syleena Johnson fan since Chapter 1!!!!! Great job, Syleena!

The only thing painful about Chapter 4: Labor Pains was the wait. After initially hearing that Syleena Johnson would be releasing this last year in September, I was hurt when she delayed the release and doubted it would come out.

I'm sorry for doubting Ms. Johnson and I will never do that again.

Syleena Johnson did an excellent job putting together a well balanced album on her own. She has the same classic, sassy, sexy, meaningful, gut-wrenching, bold, truthful, and above all...soulful voice and lyrics.

But what I enjoy the most is she took a creative risk with her choice of production (it's fresh, funky, dramatic, and exciting). The production gets your heart pumping as well as relaxes you. Once again well balanced

I enjoy listening to Chapter 4, it just depends on what mood I'm in. Syleena Johnson always has one song on her album that makes me cry...Your Love is the song on this album.

I could go on and on about this album, but I want to leave the actual listening experience to those who haven't heard Chapter 4: Labor Pains in full length.

But I must say...I'm highly amused and amazed at what Syleena Johnson has done. It's a must have and it's already one of the best albums of this year so far.

Syleena Johnson has already been nominated for a Grammy. She needs to be nominated again...and win.

I don't even know where to start.... Perhaps saying THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ALBUM is the best way to begin. I've been waiting for it forever. After Syleena left Jive, right after she released Chapter 3, i was really worried. I didn't know what she'd do. Cos the truth is she's a soul singers, and soul singers are not easy to market. Her fierceness and attitude almost remind me of legends like Aretha, Candi Staton and Shirley Brown.

Fast forward. Labor Pains... Okay. So maybe the album title is very dramatic, but so what???? This album is packed with excellent songs and excellent songs only. The album is not out here in South Africa yet, and I have no time to wait. Hence my purchase on line.

For me, Chapter 3 is still my favourite, but this one iit showcases Syleena's vocal growth and her maturity as a singer and a songwriter.

Songs that stood out for me (5/5):

Your Love (this definitely deserves a video)
Maury Pivich (The most creative and dramatic song ever)
Go Home (I'm digging this song, man. Syleena's vocals are on point)
Shoo Fly (as only Syleena can do it. Tellin it like it is)
Freedom
You Let Me Down

There are ONLY two songs that I didn't quite get: the Interlude and Redstorm Domestic Lesson. And maybe that's because SJ isn't actively singing there.

It's such a pity that radio plays a whole lot of pop junk. But sometimes, you just want real music with real lyrics, and this is it. 20 years from now, my grandchildren will be playing it.

I know I probably sound like a mad South African obsessed about Syleena and her music.... I AM OBSESSED!!! Tell everyone... R&B's best ke

I had no intentions of purchasing this CD but after reading all of the reviews, I caved. I prefer this one over her Chapter 3 release but not by much. Syleena comes off as childish and immature and with a name like Labor Pains, I was expecting something strong & deep instead, you get tracks like Maury Povich, Shoo Fly and Is It Because Im Black, to name a few.... Huh, WTF?

I am glad that Syleena has branched off into her own label to do her thing but if this release is why she chose that route, then I can understand the split with her former label. I am sure she will capture legions of new / younger fans but IMO, she totally neglected the people who came to love her from her Chapter 1 & 2 releases. I gave an extra star because, well - she is Syleena & I don't want to say I don't like it but if I had it to do over again - I'd definitely pass on this purchase.

I have all four Syleena cd's, and I love them all. She has a soulful and smooth voice. She sings songs of love,empowerment, and truth. This cd will not let you down.

I'M A TRUE SYLEENA FAN, I DON'T THINK SHE COULD EVER MAKE ANY MATERIAL I WOULDN'T LIKE, HER VOICE IS ANGELIC. I'M A 39YR OLD MAN,AND I LOVE TO HEAR HER SING, SHE IS REALLY IN MY OPINION "THA TRUTH". I HAVE ALL HER WORK AND COULDN'T WAIT FOR THIS NEW ALBUM. (P.S. THIS IS JUST IN TIME FOR THE SUMMER BOOM'IN IN RYDE)......

i think this is a great CD. I'm glad she started her own label as well. i don't think she gets the attention she deserves. I've seen her live twice and she is amazing! I still have the poster she signed for me for my B-day when i lived in chicago. This cd has a variety of songs about life and relationships. Her vocals are so soulful and you can relate to what she is talking about.....love it..love it...love it!

Being a fan of Syleena Johnson from Chapter 1 I approached this album with a very serious sense of trepidation after the terrible Chapter 3.

Finishing the CD with a smile on my face and a sense of deep relief as this is the Syleena I know and love. Her powerful voice shines through and the songs are ideal for showcasing her amazing talents.

Finally starting her own record label might have been what she needed to be herself as suggested on Track 6 - Be Me. Pouring her heart into every song I love the way she works her experiences into creating a story that both saddens and inspires.

Chapter 2: The Voice is still my favorite for now. Maybe after a few turns around this will grow stronger as that one did. Highly recommended even if you have never listened to anything by Syleena Johnson before, you will not be sorry.

As much as I enjoy a good Syleena Johnson disc, the problem here was that I got spoiled by CHAPTER 3: THE FLESH. I have all her cd's and it was the 3rd one that I played the most. As much as I liked CHAPTER 4, unfortunately, it didn't pack the same punch and left me a little deflated. However, that's not to say that I didn't like the project in full, cause if you are into R&B, then it has a little something for everybody. Her voice is still masterful and her range hasn't wavered at all. The material, I feel, wasn't up to the standards that THE FLESH presented, and when I say material, I mean the writing and production of the songs. All in all, a very good release and will be awaiting her next one, cause I'm still a SJ fan!

I really like the title of this album: "Labor Pains." It's just so unique! After I heard Syleena Johnson on Kanye West's song, "All Falls Down", I wanted to really familiarize myself with her for some reason. I thought she could sing and I think part of me thought she was special: I was correct in that assumption. Syleena Johnson is indeed gifted and I enjoy listening to her. Her voice is not your average voice, but it works somehow. She has the type of voice that would be able go get away with singing just about any genre of music, much like Tina Turner and Pink. Johnson holds her own vocally on all seventeen tracks, and she should be commended for that.

"Labor Pains" as a unit is a decent album, but there is not much memorable material. What I have found with Johnson's albums is that there will be one or two tracks that completely jump out at you. With this album, those songs are "Be Me", "Personal Trainer" and "Go Home." What great songs these are! Lyrically, "Personal Trainer" is the most creative track on the album. "Shoo Fly" has an 1980s feel to it. Johnson is telling a woman that she is fooling around with her man and she will not stand for it. The ever-popular vcoder is used on "Where is the Love." This is a good song, but the vcoder brings it down for the simple fact that it is heard is one too many songs nowadays.

I like this album alright but I'm not enthusiastic about recommending it to anyone. It's alright, but just as no woman wants labor pains, you might also want to pass this album up. Get "The Flesh" instead.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Go Home"
2. "Be Me"
3. "Personal Trainer"
4. "Shoo Fly"
5. "Where is the Love"