Customer Reviews

Groove Theory

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In 1994, Urban music (particularly R&B) experienced a resurgence in popularity that hadn't been felt on mainstream media outlets since the height of the New Jack Swing era in 1990. By fall of 1994, acts such as R. Kelly, Brandy, TLC and Toni Braxton were enjoying soaring popularity, and Boyz II Men had just released their sophomore project "II"; that album would go on to sells millions of copies, largely fueled by the mega-hits "I'll Make Love To You", "On Bended Knee", and "Water Runs Dry".

The trend continued in 1995, paving the way for this self-titled debut album by Groove Theory - perhaps 1995's most shining example of neo-soul artistry. Featuring delectable vocals by chanteuse Amel Larrieux and consistent production by collaborator Bryce Wilson (formerly of the techno/R&B /Hip Hop group Mantronix), this album remains a classic for most die-hard R&B headz (like myself). Although the biggest hit from this album (and act, for that matter) was "Tell Me", the 'Groove Theory' album does indeed have more to offer.

Beginning with "10-Minute High", we hear an anti-substance abuse track (featuring a jazzy string bass and a head nod-inducing percussion) about an individual in despair. "10-Minute High" sounds the most like the material Amel would record years later in 2000 for her 'Infinite Possibilities' album (which is also a good - albeit slept on - listen, if you already haven't heard it). Next up is "Time Flies", a decent track. "Ride" has more of a funky vibe to it, but doesn't stray from being classy. "Come Home" is more mellow sounds for the soul.

Now, this version of "Baby Luv" isn't the radio version with the "Just A Touch Of Love" sample; this one has more of a 60s feel that I originally thought was another remix when I heard it played on the radio once. I've spent years looking for it only to discover that when I finally purchased the album, this version had been sitting right here waiting for me to hear it the whole time! Needless to say, I was very pleased. You'll be charmed to know that Amel wrote "Baby Luv" for Sky, her then baby daughter.

"Tell Me" will sound fresh and new for years to come, and it is still one of my favorite songs of all time -- if "Tell Me" doesn't scream "Urban Elegance", then I don't know what does. The vocal push-and-pull between Amel & Trey Lorenz (anyone know where the heck he went?) near the end of the song never ceases to please this listener. "Hey U" (a lush nu-soul midtempo-ish ballad) is nice as well.

"Hello" features feather-lite, ticklish vocals by Ms. Amel, and in my opinion would have made a nice "closing" single, if not a charming B-side. The next song "Good 2 Me" is classic mid-90s neo soul, and contributes a smooth, uptempo groove; kind of reminds me of the late Aaliyah's "Giving You More" from her stunning 1996 sophomore project, 'One In A Million'. One of the happiest, sun-shiny songs on the album would have to be "Angel".

"Keep Tryin" is decent, as is "You're Not The 1", but my absolute favorite song on the album besides "Tell Me" and "Baby Luv" is the next one, "Didja Know". On "Didja Know", Groove Theory is at its best on both fronts - musically and vocally. The vibe on this song reminds me of something produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (my favorite producers!) on a good day. The background vocals sound heavenly, and I find myself hitting repeat on this song without fail at every listen. "Didja Know It" is the jaaaammm.

We close this disc of "urban elegance" with another head-nod track called "Boy At The Window", this song also sounds like it would fit right in on Amel's eventual solo album, 'Infinite Possibilities'. All in all, I'm giving this album five stars for being so consistently good. This R&B isn't necessarily "hit" music that might get a little stale after a few listens -- rather, the Groove Theory album is all about experiencing a distinguished vibe: urban elegance at its best...

Andrew Knyte

Possibly one of the best of the New Jack soul albums ever released, Groove Theory's self-titled debut album is an amazing listening experience, providing the listener with blissful, smooth grooves that will bring one to a higher state when it comes to music appreciation. The album, released during the mid-1990s was famous for it's classic R&B single, "Tell Me," a song that still is as catchy today as it was back then. The album, which incorporates various modern musical styles such as R&B, electronica, and soul.

This album's other memorable tracks include "10 Minute High," and "Time Flies," both which incorporate electronic sounds and smooth vocals. I was especially mesmerized by the album's final two tracks "Didja Know," and "Boy at the Window," both which easily transported me to a calm, soulful, and glamorous realm of what classic R&B/Soul should be. Truly one of the decade's most talented duets, this album and any future Groove Theory Album should become part of your collection. Talented, Gifted, and Amazing, this group is the s--t. One of the 1990s best albums!

Groove Theory's album is one of the best. It's indescribale. The beats on this album are so tight. I love "10 Minute High" (good jazz feel to it), "Time Flies" (this song rides out), "Come Home" (the beat is bumpin' and you can ride out to it), "Ride" (that song has the bombest beat), "Baby Luv" (one of the best dance songs ever, ranks up there with Chaka's "I Feel For You"), "Angel" (love the chourus), "Hello It's Me" (beautiful sounds), "Good 2 Me" (you can ride out to this song), "Boy At The Window" (powerful message), "Didja Know" (great song), "Hey U" (the bass pounds on this song), "Keep Tryin'" (it stays in your head), "You're Not The 1" (love it!). This CD is incredible. I can go on about it for days. Amel and Co. have done a wonderful job on this album and I wish they'd do something else, but this album will always remain timeless. I strongly, highly and PROFUSELY recommend that you buy this CD or just listen to it. You will fall in love with it, well I can't speak for you, but I fell in love with the album when I heard the song "Baby Luv" I kept playing it over and over and I'm still not tired of it. This album has longevity and it's something that won't tire out like all the CD nowadays. I thank Groove Theory so much for making this beautiful album and sharing it with the world. I love putting this album in my stereo, turning of all the lights, and just dance to this album and feel it. This is not only an album, it is an experience.

This is one of my favourite albums, and I've been playing it for well over 4 years. The duo have a great formula: Bryce concocts some serious head-nodding beats, which is complimented by Amel's sweet vocals. Highly recommended to those into hip-hop and r&b. Can't wait for Amel's solo album....

This CD is my favorite of all time not by far, but it is currently #1 with me and it has been since 95. I am straight fiendin for the next CD to come or at least hear something else by them on a soundtrack or something. From track 1 to 14 it is just pure soul, the melodies on this album are classical and it is a nice change from today's R&B. THe haunting and tragic tales of "10 Minute High" and "Boy at the Window" are very genuine and the up tempo "Good to Me", and "Angel" are my type of hype. If you appreciate good production, and a voice that definitely stands out than this CD is for you . This CD can calm the Savage Beast.

I just purchased this CD the other day, being leery of it for years because of a possible one-hit wonder stigma. I was pleasantly surprised, liking the album from start to finish. Very strong vocals and production. I was extremely impressed. The hit song isn't even the best on the album, and "Hello" is a nice re-make of the Todd Rundgren song.

It appears the group has disbanded the lead singer is off on her own now, right? I hope there's more in store in the future. Great stuff.

When I was in fifth grade back in 1995, I vividly remember the single "Tell Me", by the duo (Amel Larrieux & Bryce Wilson) Groove Theory being played on the radio. I was happy to discover when I purchased this album last week with my best friend (another music freak) that not only was that track still golden, but that the record itself was satisfying in 2005!

There is a great sense of melody & groove here. Utterly infectious, beat driven, yet not hollow. I wouldn't call the music heavy handed, but it isn't to soft either. Lyrically, the words move from romantic to urban fairy tales; not all of these ending happily, but always with a glimmer of hope. Amel's voice is gentle, yet doesn't get lost in the arrangements. Almost like a chameleon on a wall changing colors rapidly, Amel voice matches the lyrics & musical production (good job Mr. Wilson, where are you now?) of each track.

So, to cap off this extremely short & 'fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants' review, if you like quality RnB, pick this up.

I actually wanted to give it 4.5 stars but since I enjoyed many more songs than not, it got the full 5 star rating from me!

I pulled this disc out and couldn't believe that it's been a little over 10 years since it's release simply because this duo's music stands the test of time. Bryce & Amel did the type of music that they obviously love and that WAS truly ahead of its time in 1995.

Their unique blend of jazz/funk/r&b indeed opened the door to the 2000/2001 "neo-soul" movement,[...]

This entire disc is enjoyable to me and while there is not one bad song, there are several that stand out to me because on all levels from vocal production/music production/lyrics they work:

Time Flies

Ride

Hello It's Me (now THIS is how you tackle a remake, make it yours, make it unique, love this track)

Good To Me

Keep Tryin

Didja Know

Come Home

Tell Me

If you're looking for something a little more substantive than what's being crammed down our throats as "the hottest/newest/latest hip-pop" crap, then you will be very pleasantly surprised if you give this creative & talented duo's album a chance.

When looking for R&B that stays real to it's roots, check out Groove Theory, one of the most popular and gifted R&B groups to come out of the 90's. With the help of the production of Bryce Wilson (former rapper of Mantronix) and the beautiful vocals of Amel Larrieux (who went on to release two solo albums which are truly gorgeous) you receive some real soul music here that touches on a lot of jazz, classic R&B, latin, and hip-hop (which includes some scratching) beats. This is one album that remains ahead of it's time and yet true to it's roots. One of the most beautiful R&B/soul albums, not only out of the 90's, but throughout history

I have had this album for almost five years and it is still my favorite soul album.I would hate to use the term R&B to classify this album. Considering what R&B has become today, it would be a disgrace to associate it with this album. Soul is what defines this album. Every song is a gem that gets better with each listen. Bryce's production and Amel's vocals create the some of the greatest chemistry that I have heard from a duo. I love every song, but my favorites are: 10 Minute High, Time Flies, Hey U, Hello It's Me, Angel, and Didja Know. This is a timeless album that I will appreciate for years to come.