Customer Reviews

The G Spot

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

On his sixth solo installment, Elektra Records' resident teddy bear, Gerald Levert welcomes loyal fans, and do drop in listeners to "The G. Spot." And it would behoove all of them to take this veteran up on his invitation. Sometimes it's a little difficult to determine just what direction Levert wants to take his sound. But it's clear that no matter where he goes, the sound is definitely his very own. Levert does a lot of live recording in Philadelphia (not his home base Cleveland) on this effort, and teams up with his longtime partner Tony Nicholas, as well as his guitarist Randy Bowland and producer, Flemuel Brown III, for some great writing and producing. Additional personnel is lighter than usual too -- just a few of Gerald's musicians and Tommy "Zero" Johnson, as his only noteable back-up singer.

On `the spot', there is a whole lot of lovin', any kind of way you lick it, I mean, like it. Levert blends "hip hop" [he does "Too Much Room" with rapper Mystikal]; a few middle of the road tracks like "Oh What a Night" with Roy Ayers, and those classic baby-making grooves, like the title track, "The G. Spot". [The latter will single-handedly increased the infant population by next summer.] Less reminiscent of Levert's gutsy vocals and preachy lyrics is his current single "Funny". It's a catchy little tune that is cute and sweet, but short on real substance. However, for a change, it's a Levert tune receiving regular airplay. Perhaps he wanted to capture that "Sound of Philadelphia" that made his father's group The O'Jays famous, or perhaps Levert is just too old school for his own good. [Thank God] To prove he's a by-product of an era less traveled; Levert gets his groove on with the tracks "Since You Ain't Around" and "Your Smile". And since he never misses an opportunity to drop some relationship knowledge, he "schools" us on "Closure", and "Catchin' Feelings", oh, oh, oh (move over Lenny Williams.)

Besides raw talent in his bloodline, a key ingredient to Levert's continued success is his ability to relate to the common man, and his ability to admit when he's [messed] up. But more importantly, Levert always gives props to the strong woman who stands by the common man when he has [messed] up. On the bluesy tune "Backbone", Levert speaks for the "down-on-his-luck brother whose woman loves him in spite of. "He says "my little boy's birthday is coming, and he wants a Play Station II, the rent is due, what am I gonna do? Yeah right, like Levert is a brother who has been in that situation. Nonetheless on some level he can relate, therefore he takes a quarter and calls his woman pleading the infectious hook, "If tonight I'm cryin'. I need you to be strong. Will you be my shoulder? Girl you are my backbone, my backbone". Now that's the Levert we know and no one hits "The G. Spot" [no matter where it is] quite like him.

Gerald Levert has been around for awhile ladies and gentlemen. However, every time he comes out with a CD that he is featured on, whether it is Levert, a solo CD, a CD with his father or the LSG CD, you know that the disc will be of high quality. On his 6th solo CD, (Private Line, Groove On, Love & Consequences, G, and Gerald's World were the others), Gerald sticks to his old school formula of "Gerald's World". In my opinion, "Private Line", "Groove On" and "G", were primarily r&b CDs and on "Love And Consequences" it seemed as if Gerald Levert was trying to attract a younger audience. On "The G Spot", with the exception of "Too Much Room" with Mystikal, it seems as if he just went back to a classic r&b style and an old school theme. His first single, "Funny", is a tight midtempo song for the "G" man. The concept works as Gerald is talking about a woman that he hasn't heard from in awhile and he reminisces to the times that they shared together and talks about the timing of the woman calling him at this present time. "The G Spot" is full of midtempo and slow songs. The majority of the production is handled by Gerald Levert and Randall Bowland, with long time Gerald Levert producer, Edwin Nicholas, assisting on "Wilding Me Out". Gerald Levert always releases quality prouct and his core audience will not be disappointed. Gerald is at his best when he sticks to r&b or old school r&b. On "Closure", Gerald talks about a realtionship that was over but it didn't end the way that he wanted it to. This slow jam is one of the best on the CD. "Top Of My Head" is a sexualy undertoned midtempo song that is a prelude to the sensual and sexy title track. Don't play this track to loud in the office though. Your co-workers will be giving you this strange look. "Your Smile" and "All That Matters" are both old school variations of songs in the past and you will be impressed by both of those songs as well. Other songs worth checking out are the nice uptempo jam, "Since You Ain't Around", the midtempo jam "Wilding Me Out" where Gerald talks about how a woman with good lovin' that has his mind going crazy, the uptempo "Raindrops" and the best song on the CD in my opinion, "Oh What A Night" featuring Roy Ayres. This midtempo song is reminscent of something George Benson or The O' Jays would do. If you are a fan of Gerald Levert then you should defintely add "The G Spot" to your collection. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

James' Top 5

1) Oh What A Night w/Roy Ayers
2) Closure
3) Since You Ain't Around
4) Wilding Me Out
5) "Tie" Funny & Raindrops

I've had this cd for sometime now and it's smooth from beginning to end. Upon hearing the news of his death, at the age of 40 I felt the need to reflect. R.I.P. Gerald

This man is Bad like that! Gerald Levert knows how to deliver music. Every song on this CD is captivating. The first track with Mystikal is tight like that! I love "Funny" also. I have been playing this CD daily since I received it! This man knows how to make ladies feel real special and I'm so glad we share the same birthday down to the year. Gerald, if you read this, continue doing what you're doing and I'll be a fan for life. Peace!

Only one thing to say is when you buy a Gerald Levert album your never dissapointed. Gerald keep on making good music that people can relate to in their everyday living.

What little use R&B teddy bear Gerald Levert has for originality he certainly makes up for in style on his seventh solo album -- no one since Barry White has so effortlessly mastered the slow and slick art of seduction like Levert has.
G Spot knows its place, and stays there: Velvety ballads own this record, with tons of sweet-talking and smooth soul backgrounds ("Closure," the title track, "Backbone"). Levert actually opens the record with three relatively uptempo tracks ("Too Much Room," "Since You Ain't Around," "Wilding Me Out"), but this, like all his discs, is one for the bedroom; the mood is sparse, sexual, and soulful.

Fans will be happy to know that after two records (1999's G, 2001's Gerald's World) spent coasting on his trademark material, Levert sounds like he's having fun with slow jams again; he's particularly up to the challenge on "What a Night," with jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers' cool textures so perfect for a vocal workout that the two even scat together at the album's coda.

Gerald, you never let me down. Another great CD,from another great artist. You are truly one of the best. thank you

Yup..this is when he is at his best...smooth sexy music with sweet vibes. A another collection of senusal, classic Gerald..sit back and rewind..this is a smooth C.D. and ENJOY.
:D

I have all of Gerald Levert's CDs, but, never really took the time to listen completely to all of his songs; just mainly the ones that were hits, or I would like from the respective CDs.

One day, while I was home, I decided to listen to "The G Spot." Now, I am a straight up, die hard Gerald Levert fan, and the Levert Family (i.e., O'Jays, Levert, Men at Large, and Rude Boys). I listen to Gerald's music every day.

When, I became entwined with the G Spot CD, and got into Your Smile, I really love this song; not to mention, that I love Marvin Gaye music as well. As I kept listening to the lyrics, I was really feeling this song! I'm just sorry that there wasn't enough airplay for this song back in 2002.

I miss ya and luv ya, "Big G."

KEEP YOUR LEGACY ALIVE!!

B

This modern R&B stalwart has always offered the perfect blend of dreamy old-school soul textures; jangly, guitar-driven atmospheres; and slick, modern funk grooves. And oh, that voice -- mellow and sexy, seductive to the core. The best "come to beddy bye" tone since Barry White, and so steeped in that era. The vibe on "Too Much Room" artfully merges all of those things and sounds like a modern twist on the O'Jays (where his dad, Eddie Levert, still holds court), but he gets a little ambitious with the sometimes-annoying scowl/screech of guest artist Mystical. "Since You Ain't Around" is all bedroom-eyes fun, his vocals almost a plea. "Wilding Me Out" has a sparse production (mostly just Fender Rhodes and a rhythm track) which allows for one of the clearest vocal tracks on the recording. Levert will hopefully educate some of his fans to the art of jazz with the inclusion of Roy Ayers' vibes on "Oh What a Night." Levert's scatting duet with Ayers is a highlight