Customer Reviews

Journey of a Gemini

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although, I liked "In The Hood" and Donell Jones' remake of Stevie Wonder's "Knock Me Off My Feet", I still wasn't sure if I should purchase Donell's debut CD, "My Heart". It wasn't until 3 years later when Donell Jones released "Where I Wanna Be" when I knew that I would be a fan of his for many years that I finally purchased "My Heart". When I saw Donell's video for "U Know What's Up" w/Left Eye (R.I.P.), there were no doubts at all that I would purchase this CD. Once I did, I was glad that I could play the CD in its entirety.
My favorite tracks ended up being "Shorty Got Her Eyes On Me", "Have You Seen Her", This Luv" and my all time favorite Donell Jones track, "Where I Wanna Be". Three years later Donell Jones dropped "Life Goes On". The CD's first single was "You Know That I Love You" and that ended up being one of my favorite tracks on "Life Goes On" as well as, "Where You Are", "Still" and the title track.

This time around, Donell Jones is back with his 4th CD, "Journey Of A Gemini". Although, this CD hasn't got alot of promotion, "Journey Of A Gemini" is right up there with "Where I Wanna Be" and "Life Goes On". The 1st song that I heard from this CD was the uptempo "Better Start Talking" w/Jermaine Dupri. Ryan Leslie & Sean Garrett did an excellent job with the track and Donell Jones does the rest with his vocals. If Donell Jones doesn't release a slow jam as his next single, then this track should be the choice. The 1st single from this CD, "I'm Gonna Be" is definitely the best song on "Journey Of A Gemini", in my opinion. Tim & Bob took a break from Bobby Valentino tracks to lace Donell Jones with some heat. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a video for the track and the song isn't getting the promotion that it deserves. This midtempo track is right up there with "You Know That I Love You" and "U Know What's Up" as Donell has no problem telling his woman what he would do and what he doesn't mind doing to do things for the woman in his life. There is also a version of the song with Clipse towards the end of the CD as well. Clipse & Pharrell have a certified banger out right now entitled, "Mr. Me Too". "My Apology" is just that as Donell wants to explain to his woman he does the wrong things at times and he even goes as far as blaming the well known "Split Personality Astrology sign" (Gemini) to explain why he treats her the way that he does. "Spend The Night" is a stellar uptempo track that will give you another reason why Donell has been in the game as long as he has. Donell gives you straight forward lyrics and Mike City provides the tight track. "Portrait Of A Woman" falls right in line with R Kelly's "A Woman's Threat" and Joe's "Treat Her Like A Lady" as Donell gives his spin on why a woman should be cherished and not left hanging to dry by "us" men. Donell gets deep on "Cry" as he talks about 2 unfortunate situations that happened in particular when families didn't pay attention to each other. This is a change of pace for Donell Jones but the formula works for me. "Ooh Na Na" and "Apple Pie" are self explanatory but these seductive slow jams work for me, since I have always liked Donell Jones' slow jams. Tim & Bob produce another banger in "Feelin' You". When I first listened to this CD, I must have played this track atleast 3 times back to back. Donell blesses us with another slow jam on "Can't Wait". He describes a situation where he had been with a particular woman and how it was hard for him to keep waiting without trying to "Dew The Do". Donell always makes songs that any man can relate to, which is one reason why I like his music. "If U Want" features Bun B from UGK and is produced by Ryan Leslie and Sean Garrett once again. The track is pretty good but Bun B's rap starts to fade once he gets to the middle of his 2nd verse. Bun B is better when he sticks to his "Get Throwed" formula of just being the "King Of The Trill" and not trying to be the king of an uptempo r&b track. "Another Life" has Donell talking about a situation where he was with a particular woman where there were just so many things going on that things just didn't work out. If things could be different or as Erykah Badu would say in the "Next Lifetime" we could be together.

I can honestly say that there aren't too many faults that I can find with this CD other than Track 1, "Special Girl" where there was nothing special about the song at all. "Baby It's You" is going fine until Rico Love gets on the track and does the song no justice at all. The problem that some Donell Jones fans may have is that some of the songs sound very similar so after awhile it may sound like "Journey Of A Gemini" is just one long track.

Overall, I am glad that Donell Jones has released another CD. It's a shame that he can't get more promotion for a job well done on a CD. It reminds me of Jon B's "Stronger Everyday" in the way that you have 2 nice CDs but for some reason the marketing departments at these two labels don't realize the product that they have. If you are a Donell Jones fan and you enjoy his previous CDs, then you will enjoy "Journey Of A Gemini" as well. If you are searching for Donell Jones songs that aren't on his CDs then you should definitely pick up the "Love & Basketball" soundtrack for the stellar "I'll Go" and the soundtrack to the remake of the movie "Shaft" to hear the impressive "Do What I Gotta Do"

James' Top 5

1) I'm Gonna Be
2) Better Start Talking
3) Feelin' You
4) Can't Wait
5) Apple Pie

Ranking Donell Jones' Discography

1) Where I Wanna Be
2) Life Goes On
3) Journey Of A Gemini
4) My Heart

Donell Jones, after a 4 year hiatus and recovering from a drinking problem, returns with his 4th eagerly anticipated studio album. With ten years in the game, Donell Jones is most known for his smooth production style and unique songwriting. With many hits under his belt such as Where I Wanna Be, Shorty Got Her Eyes On Me, Still, and U Know What's Up, he looks to shake up the industry again this time around.

New singer Ne-Yo can thank Donell Jones for his success because their styles are very similar but now Donell is back to reclaim his throne. His first single BETTER START TALKING is a masterpiece and it is completely baffling to me how that song flew under the radar of TV and radio. With its light airy summertime instrumental courtesy of Ryan Leslie (Next Selection...Cassie...they bout to blow!) and surprisingly nice rapping from Jermaine Dupri as well as Donell Jones sounding better than ever; this song should have been HUGE! I don't know what happened with the promotion but it may be because he's on JIVE records...so he's pretty much on his own. Whatever the reason, it's a complete tragedy that this song is not bigger than it is.

Continuing on, Donell Jones returns with classic tunes. Every song is nice and the cd can be played the whole way through. I won't hesitate to say that this album is the best of the year so far and will certainly be the best R&B of the summer unless something else comes along that is completely amazing (which I doubt). Songs such as Special Girl (which has been out since last year but still sounds good), Spend The Night, Portrait of A Woman, Cry, Ooh Na Na, and Cuttin Me Off are all stellar tracks. And with production by Ryan Leslie, The Underdogs ( most recently on Chris Brown's album), Mike City, Tim & Bob (Bobby Valentino album), as well as puttin his own signature production touch on tracks, writing most of the lyrics on the album, and his smooth voice; Donell Jones is poised to make some noise with this album. It will be a complete tragedy if this album doesn't do well because Donell has released the best cd of his career and deserves credit and recognition. 5 Stars.

I'm in total agreement with most of the 5 star reviews here, but fans are also urged to
invest in the Circuit City Edition of Donell's new CD, which includes 2 HOT BONUS TRACKS....

16. Baby, It's You (featuring Rico Love)
17. Apple Pie (Featuring Clipse)

*Also, try to locate the mid 2005 Promo CD by Donell Jones. This was an earlier version of his 'Journey Of A Gemini' CD, but it includes the following tracks, which were left off of the 2006 Edition...

1. Lovin' U
2. Marry Me
3. September Love
4. U Make Me Feel
5. Azzville
6. Treat U Right
7. Shut U Down
8. You Didn't Love Me

Welcome back Donell, and thanks for the great CD!! Sorry your record company
refuses to promote you properly...
You deserve MUCH BETTER!!
Peace, SD
(of 'Chaka's World')

So Amazing. Donnell delivers once again on this one. Just like "Where I Wanna Be"...every song on this album can be played all the way through without skipping through a single song. don't believe me, see for yourself. I'm sure you will enjoy this cd as much as I did.



Great listen:
*My Apology
*Spend The Night
*Ooooh Na Na
*Cuttin' me off
*Cry

Donell Jones is unparelled in every facet of the musical world. The emotion and soul he puts in every song far exceeds the mellow and melodic expression that is present with every note, not only on this CD but every song he does, but can be felt in the tranquil state brought over you as a result of the music touching the very core of your spirit.

It's impossible not to appreciate and find yourself nothing short of mesmerized by the harmonic choruses, the stories that Donell brings to life as the song unfolds, and the genuineness that seems to be lacking in most of today's music. One of the countless reasons Donell Jones is able to captivate true fans of R&B is the way that he is able to talk about EVERY part of the experience of love and relationships in a way that captures the essence of the subject he is discussing. His lyrical spectrum is so complete and fulfilling and yet he is able to still find new issues, realities, and experiences that anyone who is fortunate enough to hear this CD (or any Donell Jones CD for that matter) can relate to.

Not only is the sound of Donell the reason that he deserves distinguished recognition (more than the almost nonexistant kind he has received, which is too unfortunate), but also the instrumentals that serves as the foundation to his incomparable stylings and makes him the greatest artist of our time. The percussion, brass, strings, and keyboard compliment the naturally melodic Donell to the point that it meshes in way that literally takes your breath away. You can't call yourself a fan of music until you get this CD (or any Donell Jones CD for that matter), play it from start to end, and be experience the miracle that is Donell Jones. If you haven't been fortunate enough to familiarize yourself with Donell Jones, prepare yourself for the chills that will be running down your spine when he hits that first high note and you come to the realization that this is the reason why God gave us ears.

What can I say, the man knows how to put together an R&B album with no flaws. I truly don't expect to see anything less than 5 stars. Quick question though, why isn't he one of the most biggest selling soul artist? I have no idea. With 4 very strong projects under his belt, Donell makes sure he put his "A Game" on for his recent release. "Journey of a Gemini" is filled with Donell's signature slow jams and catchy mid-tempo cuts, but trust me, its nothing that will bore you or remind you of his previous works. Here my personal break down...

1. Special Girl:5/5 - Great song to set the mood for the album, excellent use of his falsetto. The unknown chick in this song really complement Donell's voice perfect, she sounds really pain and typical but it really works.
2. Better Start Talking:5/5 - Okay, not sure why this song flopped. This is a classic first single from Donell. LaFace not giving Donell the attention and promotion he deserves.
3. I'm Gonna Be:5/5 - Hopefully we can get a success video out of this single, song is very hot, getting a lot of airplay, (In Detroit) but is suffering on the billboard r&b charts. I think a hot video will really help.
4. My Apology:5/5 - Nice writing on this song, really like how he added the concept of being a gemini to the reason he's apologzing. Production really smooth and laid back.
5. Spend The Night:5/5 - One of the few mid-tempo songs on the CD, simple but pleasent and hot.
6. Portrait of a Woman:5/5 - Excellent writing on this song, he really giving it up for the ladies in this track. Mad respect.
7. Cry:5/5 - Very deep song about different jacked up situations that kids are put in because of neglectful parents. Production is very rocked out but soulful at the same time. Of course he sings the hell out of this song.
8. Ooh Na Na:5/5 - Exactly what the album needed to kinda give his slow jams a completely different sound. At the begining, it gives you an R. Kelly feel, but by the end of the song you realize it's just Donell on another level. Very sexy song.
9. Feelin' You:5/5 - Another smokin' mid-tempo song.
10.Can't Wait:5/5 - Classic Donell, what can I say, every dude in the world should be able to relate to this song. Harmony and vocal arrangement is extra nice on this track.
11.Lust or Love:5/5 - Was kinda on the edge about this one at first. Never really hated the song, but it didn't stand out like the rest of the songs. But after I really listened to it, I've had a change of heart. What won me over was not the music, but the way he sings the verses. The harmony is sick, especially in the second verse.
12.If You Want:3/5 - It's alright, doesn't hurt or help the album
the production was a little over the top, seemed too pop oriented for Donell, but it's okay.
13.Cuttin' Me Off:5/5 - Another song that the brothaz can definently relate to, a female runnin off at the mouth and you can't get a word out.
14.Another Life:5/5 - A unique story about a relationship that has to be postponed until "Another Life" due to her child not being happy with them as couple. Again of course, hot vocals, and hot production.
15.I'm Gonna Be (Remix):5/5 - The exact same song with verses from both members of Clipse.

This is R&B at it's best, Donell has so much amazing talent. Please if you don't have this album, or the "original" copy, please, please, please cop immediately. It is worth whatever you pay for it. We've got to show our boy some love, he deserve so much more. Before I go, I just want to share another thing that set him aside from other R&B artist, is his subject matter is on another level. If you want to hear about real life situation, sung with creativity over some wonderful music...Join Donell on his Journey...You'll never want to come back.

Donell Jones was always a gifted singer even though his first album My Heart was a soso effort. Albums like Where I Wanna Be and Life Goes On show that Donell Jones gets better with time. The first single Better Start Talking is good but it is not as spectacular as Im Gonna Be(the remix with Clipse is a nice touch too)and it does not have the replay value that Im Gonna Be does. Other standout tracks are My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman, Cry, Feelin You(Darkchild better watch his back because Tim and Bob might give him a run for his money with production like this), Cant Wait, Spend The Night, If You Want(great duet with Bun B), Cuttin Me Off and Another Life. Skip material: Special Girl is not a garbage record but it is inferior to the other songs on this album. Bottom Line: Journey Of A Gemini is Donell Jones's best album and is one of the best R&B albums of 2006. The smooth production, the soulful singing by Donell and songs like Im Gonna Be, Cry, My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman etc make this album a worthwhile experience. Donell Jones is in a class by himself.

I'm a Donell Jones music fan, so take heed but he's got another strong, consistent album on his hands.

I think DJ's albums keep getting stronger and stronger. This LP is another step forward from the radio-friendly "Where I Wanna Be" (1999) and the summer soulful "Life Goes On" (2002) ... both classics in their own right.

"Journey of a Gemini" is perhaps 3 songs too long (tracks 12,13,14 I can take or leave). That's my only complaint.

DJ's signature style has always featured smooth grooves, his Michael Jackson-flavored voice and an excellent use/understanding of music (i.e. when to use strings, acoustic guitar, keyboard and/or bass to accentuate a track's mood).

"Journey of A Gemini" is an album you can unwind to, bond with that special person or set the "right" mood (wink, wink) with.

It's waaayyyy more mature than what you'd get from your teeny bopper Usher, Omarion, Chris Brown types ... yet also more sophisticated that your standard love ballad from greats like R. Kelly.

If you understand and appreciate "love music" -- the kind of stuff our parents had kids with, you'll appreciate this LP.

I read an album review a while ago where DJ was saying he wanted to go multi-platinum and get x-number of Grammy nominations.

I personally think this album is worthy of both feats but given today's standard for music and artists promotions, neither may be in the cards.

I hope I'm wrong.

Highly recommended album!!!!!

My top five jams
1)My Apology
2)Special Girl
3)Better Start Talkin'
4)Can't Wait
5)Portrait of a Woman

I REALLY DIDN'T CARE FOR HIS FIRST CD BUT THIS NEW ONE IS OFF THE HOOK. I AM GLAD HE IS BACK AND HE CAME BACK CORRECT. I REALLY LOVE HIS VOICE AND THE SONG
"CRY" BEGINS WITH ONE OF MY FAVORITE TUNES "SARAH SMILE". ALL I CAN SAY IS YOU GO BOY AND I LISTEN TO IT EVERY NIGHT BEFORE I GO TO BED AND I TAKE IT TO WORK WITH ME EVERYDAY.

Donnell!! You did it again! To all of the Donnell Jones fans, da boy is back! I recommend this CD to any and every one. The lyrics tell the story. Listen to it...I bet you have been down the same road of one or two of those joints! Welcome Back Donnell!