Customer Reviews

Denials Delusions & Decisions (Clean)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I listened to this album for the first time yesterday and for a debut, it's not bad. The Roots provide live instrumentation with appearances by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Bilal. As we have seen on Jay Z's Unplugged and in those infamous Coke commercials, Ms. Wright's voice is full of power & range. I heard so many comments about this joint which prompted me to check it out for myself. She definitely has a soulful/smooth flow and an "in yo face" delivery.

Why the 3-star rating? I have to say the cursing peppered throughout the lyrics and even track names raised eyebrows, not to mention the "endearing" liner notes. I know folks are trying to "keep it real" and things but do we really want to know how much she hates her in-laws and family members? or how she hopes her brother rots in hell because he is "nasty to the core"? I was reading that negativity and shaking my head. And true to form, it came out in her music. One song she is calling someone a ... threatening to beat her down and the constant usage of [profanity] is not cool at all. These factors are going to keep her music off the radio for fear of offending the wrong people. This is definitely not an album you can play at work or around your kids, lest you get the "clean" version. (curiousity got me)

I'm not trying to bash Ms. Wright and maybe with a few more listen throughs I'll change my mind but for now I'd have to say D, D & D is not what I expected. Also, the lengths of the tracks are so short! Once you start getting into a song ("Stay" for example) the fade out came. A two and a half minute song? That's an appetizer. Not a meal. She does a remake of "Love Need and Want You" which is nice, but again, the fade out comes just as your getting into her adlibs. It's like starting on a big juicy steak and someone snatches it away after the first few bites.

I think Ms. Wright is trying so hard to prove that she is "real" and what you see is what you get so deal with it, but whatever happened to letting your talent speak through the vocals and lyrics? Don't need the attitude and the inside scoop of at-home-drama. If this is a publicity/marketing attempt to draw more listeners, think again. There's only one Millie Jackson and that's enough. Ya feel me? K. That ends my review, and hey! don't hate, I'm just "keeping it real!" *wink*

Like all the other reviewers, I think the album would be a lot tighter if she didn't curse so much. It takes away from the quality of the album. One reviewer says that it's a double standard issue, but it's not. I think that this kind of language is trashy and uneccesary regardless of who does it. R. Kelly, D'Angelo, Avant, Montell Jordan, Jaguar (not Jaquar) Wright, whoever.....it's ignorant no matter who does it. They all have dirty mouths. She can talk like the people where she comes from all she wants, but if she's trying to sell her album to other people, then she needs to use a little tact. Not everyone speaks like that. Some of us have the vocabulary to say what's on our minds. It's a good album that should've been great. And though all the swearing wasn't the only reason for her commercial failure, it was definitley one of the most noticable ones.

I had heard of Mrs. Wright prior to her appearance on Jay's MTV Unplugged recording, and so i was pleased to be able to actually see and hear her courtesy of that recording.

I just got my cd today, and I can say that after listening to it i'm really happy i bought this! The music is great and there is a nice flow to the album. As the Amazon.com reviewer noted, Jaguar Wright can SANG! and she delivers all of her vocals with energy and verve. Unlike the reviewer, however, I think that she doesn't need more energy and doesn't "fail" to deliver vocally. An album of ALL passionate wailing would get monotonous, and what we get instead is variety. Like Jill Scott, her lyrics let you know that she's got smarts, mad flavor and is sometimes ghetto but not gutter (and there is a difference).

Its not often that i can listen to a cd on the first time through and just let it flow and not feel like i need to skip to the next track because a song rubs me the wrong way. When a cd is great the first time through, you know that you've made a good investment, and i feel great about sending some love her way by paying my money (as Jaguar herself puts it in the liner notes).

The first 5 songs on the album are my favorites thus far and make the album a good investment for me. Tracks 6 and 7 are my next favorites. Track #1 "the what if's" is a very funky slow-to-mid tempo cut with sultry vocals by Jaguar, and #2 "country song" picks up the pace and has a nice guitar riff that carries you through the song. There are layers of vocals in this track that are very nice ear candy. Track #3 "Stay," is a fast tempo but smooth flowing track, very nice bass line driving it and more luscious vocals ... Then there is track #4 -- a very good cover of a soul classic "love need and want you" (P Labelle). At this point, you've heard 4 great songs in a row and you are glad you bought this disc!

Many times people will ask for comparisons, but in addition to the fact that i don't like to do that, I'm genuinely at a loss as to who Jaguar reminds me of, or vice-versa. To some degree her lyrics remind me of the best of Mary J. Blige's stuff, but when she talks about failed relationships and other people who've brought negative energy into her life she doesn't have that angst ridden thing going on that was Mary J's trademark for so long. And she is musically not far enough on the jazzy or bohemian side to make great comparisons to Jill or Erykah. Although the first 3 or 4 songs are are as good as their stuff and not dis-similar, especially to J. Scott. More like Grenique, but much better overall album, more vocal confidence and more "street" than her (I really like only 4 tracks on G's Black butterfly, sorry). Jaguar is a more fiery and fiesty soul singer than Davina (excellent album!), but Wright has equally consistent vocals and an obvious love of and respect for good R & B.

In sum, this is a very good album to buy for people who like quality R&B from an artist with a unique style. The music is great and if you like real voices, she's got what you want. ... And I just like her vibe!

This CD could've bigger and better than what it was for many reasons, but the two biggest reasons that stand out to me are:

1) The lack of promotion this album got. Me finding this at Best Buy was a complete accident. I didn't even know it was out. I think more of a buzz would've got this album the recognition it deserves.

2) The excessive cursing. She swears more than Andrew Dice Clay.

Remember back when singers actually had to know how to sing? Jaguar Wright is one of those singers....a throwback if you will. As far as her voice goes, I'd even dare to say that it's right up there with (and very similar to) the voice of the great Stephanie Mills. But her foul mouth will prevent her from ever reaching the same status as Ms. Mills. I first heard her sing on a coca cola commercial (like the other reviewers), and I too was blown away. That doesn't happen often. So after that commercial, I waited patiently for her album to come out. I can remember ONE commercial that wasn't a coca cola commercial. After that, nothing. I never saw her video for the awesome "The What If's" until AFTER I'd already bought the album. Her lack of promotion borders on criminal.

Upon first listen to this CD I thought it was great. I didn't even mind the swearing she does on "The What If's", it actually fit there. But where she falls flat is on tracks like "Same Sh*t, Different Day" Pts 1 & 2 and "Ain't Nobody Playin'". Both songs have awesome potential, but it's as if she's just cursing for the sake of cursing. Honestly, that's my ONLY complaint about this album. There really isn't anything else that's bad about this album. When she leaves the gutter speak alone, she produces some powerful stuff. The perfect examples would be "Stay", "Lineage", or her great cover of "Love Need And Want You".

Overall, I think Jaguar Wright still has the potential to be one of the best of her era. The beats were on point and her voice is nothing short of awe inspiring, but she has to lose the potty mouth in order for her career to skyrocket like it deserves to. The CD is still good, but it could've been GREAT. I just can't help feeling like there was an opportunity wasted here.

Standout Tracks: The What If's, Love Need And Want You, I Can't Wait feat. Bilal, Self Love, Stay (My Favorite), and Lineage

I first heard of Jag from a mixed cd I received as a gift, with purchase during Black History month - 2001. There were two impressive tracks on there for me...but the key winner that had me anticipating her release - the title! point blank.
Really, the title alone, was simply thought provoking, she had me at jump.
According to the reviews, and trust me, I read them all. Your either gonna feel her flow or your not. You have either lived that song or have no idea why she sangs it in the first place. To some, her style may seem vulgar and unnessary. But obviously you were not listening very well to her point. She is an artist, and this was how she chose to express herself.
As far as the cussing goes - child, please. Grown folk cuss! Especially when it comes to break ups and drama. I don't know an adult that hasn't cussed during such times. She has used her voice as her headlining instrument, and has taken the time to walk you vividly thru a story. A story I think she has told quite well.
As far as a comparison goes - there are none. Jill is Jill, Lauryn is Lauryn, and so on and so on. - You either feel those chicks or you don't. If you were waiting for Jag to be the next Jill or Lauryn or Erykah cause ya bored with current music - news flash, Erykah's last album was bunk, and ya still gotta wait on Jill and Lauryn. But in the meantime - there is Jag.
Jag - I give you one up love. For real. The remake of Patti's "Love Need and Want You," was off the chain...couldn't have chose anyone betta to blow the pipe line. And 'that's my song!' - "Ain't Nobody Playing" - for the ghetto girl in me that is occassionally resurrected cause of fawl play...I needed a them song! "The What If's"...so true.
People compare her to Mary J. Blige - stating that Mary already song that style of music so Jag should have come up with something else. LOL. But what about the folks that never felt Mary?
There are different artist created to help express everyone's diversity. On that note - CUSS ON Jag! Thanks for speaking on the behalf of the bad a$$ chicks everywhere! Its about time they knew chicks like you existed.

I got this CD over 1yr ago & have been patiently waiting for her next one..I also saw her on the Coke commercial & was blown away...I play this CD over & over & never get tired of it...I'd originally got it burned (didn't do it myself!) but got rid of that copy & paid for it because it is worth it!! I heard she was opening for Musiq @ the HOB on Sunset & went to see her...She sounds even better live!! I got to meet her & she is fantastic!! I spoke w/her manager at her label & he said another album was in the making but did not give me a release date..I suggest you get this album & write to her label & demand she get a fair deal for her 2nd album (her first was not promoted & I did all I could word of mouth)...She is great in song & great in person!! She sang "Happy Birthday" to my friend over my phone & part of one of her songs because my frined was sick & couldn't make the concert.

It is a shame Jaquar's album didn't receive as much attention as it deserved. I hope this doesn't sway her from making another one because I loved every inch of this one and I can't wait until her next release. People say her cursing turned them off. I believe there is nothing wrong with how Jaquar handled herself on this album. She is speaking about her own family and her own experiences. She was being honest when she swore and it is only fair to let her express herself the way she wants to. People say cursing doesn't belong in R&B? Of course that's a matter of opinion. It doesn't belong in all artists' songs but then again this was not anyone else. This was Jaquar Wright and she was speaking for herself and singing her lyrics the way she wanted to sing them. I'm sure she won't make every album full of curse words. Personally I wasn't bothered by them because compared to the filthy mouths of today's rappers she speaks like Mr. Rogers. Sometimes society can't handle strong women. No one says anything when men sing nasty or curse in their songs. R. Kelly and Montell Jordan's lyrics can be downright disgusting and nasty but no one says a thing. The minute a woman like Jaquar speaks her mind people can't accept that. The double standard clouds all judgements. I believe any real soul lover should give this a try. If you're offended that's your choice, but sometimes you have to listen to the message behind the words and realize that Jaquar's singing from where SHE came from. Not from where you came from.

I first came to know Jaguar Wright's power from her explosive hook on the Roots track from "The Best Man" soundtrack. Then, last fall, I was pleasantly surprised when she was the opening act for Maxwell at his Chicago concert. I was blown away then by her songwriting and powerful voice, but it still didn't prepare me for the album. Even when she overshadowed Jay-Z with her gospel hooks on his Unplugged album, I wasn't ready.
I tend to disagree with the Amazon.com review, stating that she is at her best when she unleashes her voice into the mic. Jaguar is at her best when she sits down and puts pen to paper. Her songwriting can only be described as in-your-f'ing-face! She is one of the most honest, emotionally charged, wonderful songwriters I have heard - in any genre. Her songwriting is best displayed on the first track - The What If's - which is one of the best relationship songs of all time, where she is looking at all the ways her relationship could be better if things were just slightly different. "What if you paid your half of the rent?"
Oh, and as I mentioned above, she can also sing with the best of them. When I saw her live, she tended to belt everything out full-power, which didn't give you a soft touch a songs like Stay, and Country Song needed. On the album, she learned to back it off a little, and provide some amazing vocals to match her songwriting skills. She has a good feel, on the album, for when to give songs a laid back Sunday afternoon vocal (Stay, Country Song) and when to get in your face (Same Sh*t, Different Day pt 2, The What If's).
The strength of the album lies in it's soul songs, like The What If's, Same Sh*t Different Day, Stay, and the cover of Love, Need and Want You. This is a good thing, because she sticks to straight soul music through most of the album. The other stand out tracks are the Dr. Dreishly produced Ain't Nobody Playin', with a pretty good rap by Black Thought, and the rapid-fire Same Sh*t pt 2.
The only track I was really disappointed in was the first single, I Can't Wait. First of all, it is not a good representation of the rest of the album - so why release it as the FIRST single? Secondly, the song just sounds too cluttered. It's a shame, because it could have been a great track with the talent that is there - Bilal and Jaguar. It was the track I was most looking forward to, but it was a let down.
Still, out of 12 tracks, to have only 1 that I was unhappy with is not a problem. Most albums have the opposite now-a-days.
I can't wait for the follow up!
If you are a fan of R&B at all, get this!

This album is just another reason why I love music. All of us on the Roots scene have been hearing Jaguar for the past couple years. Now she gets a chance to really show what she can do. I consider a CD good if I can play half of the tracks on it, great if I can play most of them, and the best if If I don't have to skip at all. I give this album 5 stars. The radio will never know what they are missing not playing Ms. Wrights CD, but for all who read this review check out Denials, Delusions and Decisions, and add a great album to your collection.

Fitted with a streetwise quality not given on any album that does not feature a rapper and his crew, Jaguar Wright has delivered a CD that speaks volumes on lost and found love and the emotions that are found in the middle. Her voice is strong and clear, and the fusion of jazz and Roots-inspired music make this a disc that's a cut above the rest. Yes, the language can be a little (to some, a lot) to deal with, therefore, take it with a grain of salt. For me, it brings a sense of realism to what a woman may think to herself when found in these situations, even if no words are spoken. A great piece of work. Congratulations!