Customer Reviews

Charlie, Last Name Wilson

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The main reason in this review is to express my amazement and disbelief in several individuals reviews discrediting C. Wilson for his cover of "Let's Chill". This whole album is banging, and for you young cats, here's a little history:
"Let's Chill" was released by GUY in `90/'91, (of course everybody knows Teddy Riley's name - if not, come on now, you need to educate yourself on one of the top 5 producers of all time...). Who in GUY sang "Lets Chill"? Aaron Hall. Who was Aaron Hall's inspiration? Matter of fact - who was Aaron Halls ENTIRE vocal style based on? Who did Aaron Hall himself admit to admiring growing up and mimicking his style? CHARLIE WILSON. It's even been quoted that "...even his vocal distinction is strangely similar to that of Charlie Wilson, a member of the R&B/Funk group The Gap Band". If you are a rookie, please listen to the old GAP BAND albums, and you will see who Aaron Hall sounds exactly like - lead singer Charlie Wilson. I actually give more props to Charlie Wilson for STILL being able to continue to release albums and make hits, while Aaron Hall seems to still be in that black hole of nowhere for quite a few years. Moving forward, with the new "Lets Chill" remake, Charlie is really just putting it down just like GUY did, except with the same style that Aaron Hall bit off of him. Man, maybe it's just me, but I think a lot of people putting reviews on here really don't really know their music...

UNCLE CHARLIE IS THE MAN THIS CD IS OFF THE HOOK NICE & MELLOW FOR THE GROWN & SEXY

Charlie Wilson has re-ignited soul and romance in this album for me. I have followed his music since the Gap Band and this album gets more play on my Ipod than any other. "No Words" is the most emotional, perfectly soulful ballad since "Reasons". I think a woman must have written this song for him. He sings it with such fiery passion while empathizing with an understanding of a woman's feeling by being neglected in a. Song after song I am stirred and moved. "What if I'm the One" brings to mind the second guessing on choosing if this person is the one you were meant to be with and the consequences of making the wrong decision on choosing your life mate. Charlie speaks to my heart and my faith in soul music is refreshed just by listening to this man sing with his beautiful way of singing. His soulful, powerful voice conveys warmth, love and romance with that masculine sexy under tone that only he has.

After spending a "kings ransom" on music lately, I almost didn't buy this cd. I walked past it several times(on different days!), and then as always, gave into temptation. I'M SO GLAD I DID! I am so impressed with his development.You can "fo sho" taste that R. Kelly seasoning! Yes, I'm from the "old school" 70's generation, and I do remember Charlie singing lead for the Gap Band. I also know that since those days, he briefly slid down the slippery slope of "y'all know what", had some hard times, and bounced back from the pits of hell! Charlie, you did well, and I'm proud of you. Fans, I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy this great accomplishment.

As the first track implies, legendary R & B man Charlie Wilson returns with an album that should appeal to longtime fans and those unfamiliar with the singer's 80's triumphs as front man for The Gap Band. The ten-track release hits the right blend of ballads and up-tempo jams, destined to satisfy all ears.

Like he did with Ronald Isley, executive producer R. Kelly has a respect for Wilson and provides him with songs that not only fit the singer's distinctive voice but helps solidify Wilson's image as the cool "uncle" that is club-savvy and knowledgeable of the relationship "wars".

The best cuts are the ballads ("No Words," "Asking Questions," "What If I'm the One," "Thru it All," a cover of Guy's "Let's Chill," "My Guarantee," and the spiritually-based "Cry No More"), though Wilson jams with the dance tracks "Floatin'" and "You Got Nerve".

Now, if Wilson would just reunite with his Gap mates, the contemporary musical landscape would be so much fuller.

Charlie Wilson's album is just dynamite! Few longtime R&B male singers sound this dynamic after leading a succesful funk group yet keep up with today's sounds like Charlie has. All the ballads are wonderful here, but Charlie can be tearing it up on the funky numbers with Twista, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and another song. The three R. Kelly-produced songs are dynamite. I love Charlie's nice remake of Guy's Let's Chill--sounds like Charlie should have sung it first instead of Aaron Hall and Guy. It's like we're hearing who started it first before Aaron, Anthony Hamilton, R.Kelly and others had their reign and Charlie is just a better singer on this effort. Snoop Dogg pairs very well with Charlie on the defensive You got Nerve--he has been responsible for keeping Uncle Charlie out there by putting him on his albums. Some of the standout ballads are No Words, Asking Questions (Gregg Pagani's effort gives the R. Kelly and Underdogs ballads here some stiff competition) and Thru It All. Perhaps Wilson feels that he should stay with mostly adult-based ballads without getting too overly trendy and it fits with him here. The last number Cry No More is inspiring and soulful vocally--it's as if he's writing about his life and telling the Lord thank you for getting through his successes and difficulties. This is his best post-Gap Band period album, period!

For those of you who weren't around when the Gap Band was making hits, you may not understand. But this man's voice has grown, matured into grown man status and it is as rich and deep as the ocean and he utilizes it to it's greatest potential. The Man is Still A Hit. And looks like he hasn't aged one day. Pure Flavor. I enjoy it from Magic to Cry No More. Favorites: My Name Is Charlie, Magic, No Words, Asking Questions. There are no bad songs on this joint. Those of you who enjoy good R & B music will love this one.
Go Get That!

This CD is great, I love it. Im 34 yrs old and I loved the Gap Band Then, & still love Charlie now, he is doing his thing...STILL! If you cant relate then don't rate....

PEACE:

I am mad at myself that I was not able to buy this CD the DAY it came out, because I was definately waiting anxiously for it! I even paid to upload the "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" single from Yahoo Music.

The entire CD is wonderful. Being OLD SKOOL, I really don't care too much for the "get naked"/"meet me at the club" type of lyrics. But I understand that this is a R. Kelly production, and one has to appeal to the younger generation.

But that song "What if I'm the One" had me almost in tears.

Charlie Wilson, you are STILL the MAN!

LM

...which is a good thing if you're a fan of the R Kelly style (which I am) I could tell from the first track (Magic) that R Kells had something to do with this! Charlie made a good decision though to have Kells exec produce his comeback effort...this album instantly pinpoints todays R&B market. While I am old enough to to have enjoyed and danced to the the Gap bands albums (yes..albums!) in the past, I was able to enjoy this effort also. Its good to have Charlie back...dont forget, HIS sound was first..Not Guy! . Just check Lets Chill...it was always his anyway!