Customer Reviews

E Life

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I remember when Mint Condition first came out with their unforgettable hit song, "Pretty Brown Eyes." What made that song shine was lead singer Stokley's smooth voice and that great live instrumentation which accompanied him. They would go on to have other hits like "U Send Me Swangin'", "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" and "You Don't Have to Hurt No More." Fast forward to May 6, 2008, and the men of Mint Condition have released new material; an album entitled "E Life." I always go to Amazon to find out who has released new music for the week, and when I discovered that these fellers had a new album, I had to purchase it because I recognize true talent when I see it.

"E Life" is a good album, but lacks consistency. Stokley's voice is still good and he makes sure he gives us enough doses of his likable upper register, but some of the tracks on this album are boring and forgettable. However, there are several songs on here with replay value. The ultimate highlight and easily the most memorable moment on this album is "Nothing Left to Say." This song is nothing short of amazing. This mid-tempo is beautiful for it has an outstanding beat, melody and Stokey delivers it well. "Right Here" is another strong moment found on this album. This ballad is classic Mint Condition. It actually brings "Pretty Brown Eyes" to mind for some reason. Perhaps because of the great quality of the song. "Something" and "Back and Forth" are two of the album's missteps. These songs weren't especially easy to get into, and, although not terrible material, it simply falls short. It feels like they were inspired by other bands but not in a good way.

I recommend this album to Mint Condition fans because I'm sure you'll find something which is pleasing to you.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Nothing Left to Say"
2. "Just Can't Believe"
3. "Right Here"
4. "Moan"
5. "Goldigger"

Once again Mint Condition has done it with an excellent CD.....Now on their sixth release and who knew these guys would still be around since R&B musicians are RARE.....Plenty of funk and mid tempo songs and just the right amount of ballads for all of you to fall in LOVE with.....My Favs: Just Can't Believe, Something feat Phonte' from Little Brother, Queen of Come Here Fo Away,Goldigger.....HELL the whole CD is HOT...Thanks MC for bringing REAL music back and not compromising who you guys are as MUSICIANS.....FAN4LIFE here in Missouri.

I guess what I should say about this album is that I was excited when I heard "Nothing Left to Say", and all I could think of was how much I loved "Definition of a Band" and perhaps that's where I went wrong with this album and my expectations. The first listen through, I didn't like anything but "Nothing Left To Say" but after a few more listens (primarily at work where I could actually concentrate and listen) I like a few more tracks off the album to include:
Just Can't Believe
Right Here
Moan
Queen of Come Here Go Away
and I kind of like Somethin' simply because I was excited it had a guest spot from one of my favorite rappers. I just expected more of what MC did before and didn't consider that at some point they would move forward and change some things up. All in all, it's not a bad album - just don't buy this album and expect all "satin draped" tracks of 90's Mint Condition, and give it a fair listen if you do decide to buy it, it just might grow on you.

I am a big Mint Condition fan. I've been a fan since their first album. I will say that this album is typical Mint Condition but something is missing. I enjoy listening to the CD. Its one you can buy and listen to without skipping from track to track. I will recommend this album if you are truly tired of the same ole R&B/hip hop you hear on the radio a thousand times a day.

Its great to see the guys out with another release.

E-Life will gain them new fans and still keep the ones they have happy that Mint continues to hit us off with some great music at almost every turn. Mint Condition as a band continues to function as a well tuned machine with each member and their speciality instrument all flowing together to make what is E-Life. Also although Stokley is the lead vocalist another one of the MC members has a turn or two at leads on the cd which is a different turn.

I find myself enjoying E-Life the 2nd time through even more than the first time. My attitudes have changed and i like a couple more songs than the first listen through.

Favorites on E-Life:

Baby Boy, Baby Girl Feat Anthony Hamilton
Something Feat Phonte of Little Brother
Just Can't Believe (it owns without question)
Golddigger
Nothing Left to Say (another excellent ballad from Mint)
Right Here (MC does it again with an excellent ballad)
Why Do We Try Feat Ali Shaheed Muhammad (different feel to it, but i like)
Moan (it's just what the song says, love it)
Queen of Come Here, Go Away (about a woman that is into him then pushes him away later)

E-Life is another well done release from Mint Condition and as a band or anyone who's been listening to music for years. They all know about Mint Condtion "Pretty Brown Eyes", "You Send Me Swingin", "What Kind of Man Would I Be" and so much more. They stand as a statement of a true R&B group/band and i believe this cd and others in the future will be just as a successful as most of the stuff out there now.

5 Star cd from Mint Condition

The 2009 Grammy nominations are out, and, not surprisingly, Mint Condition is not among the list of nominees. That is a further indictment against a system that applauds superficiality over style and substance. For Mint Condition is, and has been, one of the best bands in the music industry since it burst out on the scene almost two decades ago.

"E-Life," like its predecessors, features tight musicianship from the band members, thought-provoking lyrics, and the most unique voice in all of music, as embodied in the one-and-only Stokley Williams. His is an instrument that should be the envy of others of equal and lesser talent. He brings life to every song that he leads, making it truly a wonder to hear.

As can be said about most Mint Condition albums, there is no filler. ALL of the tunes are award-worthy, with special recognition going to "Golddigger," "Baby Boy, Baby Girl" (featuring Anthony Hamilton), "Moan," "Nothing Left to Say," "Why Do We Try," and "Somethin'."

Hopefully, the music-buying masses will wise up and "discover" this stellar band. Until that time happens, however, those of us with discriminating tastes will have to be content that we appreciate something really special.

"Girl you gave me/a lot of attention/somehow the feeling turned/into crazy possessive/it was always there/but I didn't look deeper/if I would I'dve seen a limit"...
- "Nothing Left to Say"; Mint Condition

Nothing is left to say about this group. Anytime I hear they've produced something new, I'm buying it. I've never been disappointed even if something had to grow on me. As a TRUE fan, I will allow for them to be creative and let me in on their passions as musicians even if I am a layman to playing. BUY THIS ALBUM IF YOU LOVE MINT!!!!! Also check out their performances on the Earth, Wind, & Fire "Interpretations" album; they did "After the Love is Gone" true justice. Also, from back in the day "The Sixth Man", check them out doing The Isley's "Make Me Say It Again".

I can't really demonstrate how talented these musisians are....I been a fan of them since their debut and they haven't lost their magic. Though, there are couple of songs that were a bit corney (produced by Odell...he could have stay with rock music) but you can not sleep on favorite hits like "Queen Come here, go away, Back and forth, Why should we try (one of my personal favorites) and ofcourse golddigger". This album kind of missed some fusion jazz and rock, but album is good neither the less.

Once again these guys are the best. With all of the so-called singing over beat machines & samples it is so very refreshing that we have Mint Condition to save us. They have withstood the test of time & continue to produce music which is a joy to listen to. This along with all other MC albums is a must have, you will not be disappointed. Outstanding!!!!!

The cover art alone of this album is very amusing. It looks like a cereal box type boy band CD giveaway type job,depicting a sea of people with different phone cameras treating the band as if they are media puppets and them looking completely confused. Of course it's a concept loaded with irony as Mint Condition have largely a cult/live concert following. And it's fitting too seeing as this probably represented what most people saw as a commercially viable band at the time-one more ready for to be with the stars than in the studio. They've always values their art more than commerce. And a few too many uneven albums aside,they've at least stuck to that ethic. The most interesting thing about this album is really an excellent follow up to Livin' the Luxury Brown when you get right down to it.

One thing it does have with modern soul is it has it's share of guests,something Mint Condition were never known for. As if this review it's a somewhat dying trend. But at the time of this realese it was still almost a given. However Anthony Hamilton is well chosen on the neosoul type boogie of "Baby Boy,Baby Girl" which celebrates family life and the brooding,jazzy funk groove of "Why Do We Try" works equally well with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Otherwise it's one of the bands better efforts especially the sophistifunk of "Gratitude" (not the EWF song) which is one of my favorites here. "Just Can't Believe","Nothing Left To Say" and "Right Here" are superb balls and there's also the sexy slow funk of "Moan" and the elaborately chorded "Queen Of Come Here Go Away" and "Wish I Could Love You (Pimp Juice)" with a sleek funky soul rhythm.

It's not nearly as theatrical or epic an album as the previous studio set they did. And the one song that does embrace that overused and annoying electropop style "orchestra setting" synth sound "Goldigger" uses this as mostly fanfare before introducing each of the bands members. Overall it's a very soul/funk oriented set. It doesn't have any jazz/afro-latin oriented songs or interludes and is altogether lacking in that occasional rock touch the band embraced pretty much from the start. And again where the album does occasionally falter is in the typical repetative chorus style of songwriting and lyrics that aren't always very original or daring. Basically though it's one of their stronger releases with enough of the bands individuality and musical flair to make everything work well and completely.