Customer Reviews

A Man's Thoughts

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

 

 

Ginuwine returned in 2009 with "A Man's Thoughts", an album that's surprisingly mature considering the subject of the review. Most of Ginuwine's songs have been oriented around sex, but around 2001, he lost both his parents, so "The Life" was understandably somber in that regard. Now here it is... a new album, a new label, and a new perpective on life. A lot of his longtime fans may hate him for his new musical direction, but he's doing something different. You see, he is a married man in his mid 30's, so most of the songs are going to be about that aspect of his life. He is making grown man music and for that, he should be applauded.

Many of the songs are relationship oriented- at least from a married man's point of view. The ups and downs, the happiness, the sadness... it's all on here. While his peers continue to live their second childhoods being in their 40's (Jamie Foxx, R. Kelly) 50's (Charlie Wilson) and even 60's (Ronald Isley during his "Mr. Biggs" phase), Ginuwine takes the high road to adulthood and is all the better for it.

I was happy to see Ginuwine's new release "A Man's Thoughts." It appears that the time he spent away from the music industry, gave him what he needed to bring us the music we expect. I was a bit disappointed with Ginuwine's last two releases, although I found a song or two on them to keep me interested in his music. I first heard the lead single off this album, "Last Chance," while watching music videos. The song didn't catch on with me at first, but after I heard it a few times, it grew on me. I purchased this album as a result, and I always buy Ginuwine's albums, even the last two that I didn't like so much. I listened to this album carefully, and I am pleased to let you know that he's back. Ginuwine is not the same young guy who gave you songs like "Pony," at the beginning of his career. He still maintains the Ginuwine sound on this album, but with a more mature effort than he's made in the past when he was most popular. The most well known producers on the album are Bryan Michael Cox and Timbaland. Bryan Michael Cox makes a nice effort while Timbaland does not add much, even with assistance of Missy Elliott. The song he produces is the same pop stuff he's been doing for Nelly Furtado and FloRida. I hear that will be the second single. The stand-out track to me is a slower song produced by OAK called,"Close the Door." That song is one I play over and over again. Another favorite track is the midtempo "Trouble," and a super duet with him and Brandy called, "Bridge to Love." Overall, this album for me is Ginuwine's comeback. I haven't liked more than three songs on his albums since his album, "The Life." His first three albums were imcredible, and then something bad happened for the last two. Those of you who are Ginuwine fans will not be disappointed. This is a mature Ginuwine album, but he's an older artist now than when he made, "Pony." Give him room to grow, this is real R&B music. Ginuwine is back!!

Ginuwine is back and his cd is pleasant. There were more songs that I liked then I didn't like. I wish he would have pushed harder because he has the voice to do it and since this is his first actual album in four years I was hoping for more. The songs and his talent still shines through but since he's been out for 13 years I was hoping for more of that experience to come through and that's where he came up a little short.

On a positive note his songs `Last Chance', `One Time for Love' and a few others really show his range and the reason we fell in love w/Ginuwine in the first place. I'm not really feeling `Get Involved' w/Timberland and Missy. Sounds like a song Timberland wrote and Justin Timberlake said he didn't want so they handed it to Ginuwine. I heard this was gonna be his new single, hope not but if it is I will keep my fingers crossed that it is a hit for him.

I just downloaded this last night, and I have to say, this is one of Ginuwine's best. Yes, this is a CD that is a bit different, but I am playing this CD over and over! I'm glad I read some of the reviews and downloaded it based on the fact that I have always thought that Ginuwine is a talented individual. Of course it's good, which is why we didn't even hear it on the radio (who programs for them these days? This should have at least been on a after dark/quiet storm list! Or do they even do them anymore?)

Loving this! I'm planning on completing the rest of my Ginuwine collection and get his last two CD's as well.

I enjoyed this cd. Ginuwine shares his experiences and thoughts as a man, which I appreciate as a woman who wonders "what was he thinking?" After listening to the entire cd I've concluded that he is a married man who has been torn between playing the field knowing the stability of home is best. Unfortunately that is typical, but still good music. It's my favorite of all his releases. I like all but one song on this cd.

I took a break from R&B for a while....but I absolutely loved G's "The Life," from back in the day, and I'm a fan of "The Senior," so when I decided to come back to R&B I was excited to catch up on Ginuwine's recent efforts. I actually bought Back II Da Basics and A Man's Thought's together, but the latter shipped first....

I'll admit, the first run through I did of the entire album left me feeling very disappointed. Only 2 tracks stood out to me: "One Time For Love," and "Open The Door." I was expecting G to go strong and animated with his vocals like he did on his earlier albums. I dismissed his smoothness and suave-ness as him having weak vocals and admittedly I wasnt even listening to the lyrics at all.

The second listen a couple more tracks grew on me, and by the time I listened for the 3rd time, I realized that this album, for the most part is a great piece of mature, R&B art.

"Interlude"
Not really a strong album opener IMO, but I get the concept

"Show Off"
An ok track...I like the way he opens with it, real smooth with the piano, then the beat drops. The concept is cute; a man encouraging his girl to show off her assets for him alone when they go out, and "let the haters get mad cuz they aint that bad/ Why u gotta hurt em like that??/ Show off"

"Trouble"
This one is also ok...a faster paced song about a girl dancin up on G in the club...not an original concept, but still a nice groove. Frankly, I'm disappointed that this was released as a single versus:

"Last Chance"
Grown folk music starts here. "If this is my last chance to love you, I'm gonna play it like a grown man supposed to/ if I only got one shot to win you, then call me Jordan 4th quarter in 92" I love the lyrics, I love how G is talkin about bein a grown man, doin what he needs to to save his relationship. This single didnt get the airplay it deserved!

"Interlude/One Time For Love"
My second favorite track on the album. The Interlude gives an inside look about how men struggle to do right by their women, but the fact is that men will fail us. "Dont be mad ladies, we love you, with everything in us..." So honest, so real...THIS interlude should've been the one that opened the album. "One Time For Love" sounds the most like amazing, throwback Ginuwine. He sang it beautifully...I'm like "Yes, G, I WILL stay one time for love!!"

"Open The Door"
My favorite track on the album. Great groove, great lyrics, great Ginuwine!! Ginuwine is sooo smooth wit it on this one... "All I want is you, open the door/ you can be my lover, you can be my friend / Just open up girl, and let me in / Let me be your baby, I wanna be your man / Here I come girl, O let me in." Love the production! Even tho G is not as "hype" as he was on previous albums, he sang this with the perfect amount of soul to get his point across...Open the door!!!

"Get Involved"
Ok, so I actually wasnt feelin this track AT ALL when I first heard it. I dont know...I guess I was still comparing it to his old stuff ("Same Ol G")...but actually this track is hittin...it's the only club song on here, while everything else is straight R&B, but it grew on me. I can do without Missy on this one, but I like G and Timbaland on it enough to like the track as a whole.

"Orchestra"
Another creative way to say that G is a beast in the bedroom LOL...I like the production on it, and how it starts off w/ the piano, then the bass and beat drops. G sounds smooth here again...overall good stuff.

"Touch Me"
Love the 90's R&B vibe/groove this track has...vocals on the chorus actually reminded me of Jodeci...but of course G gave us his signature smooth vocals singing the verses...loved it!

"Lying to Each Other"
The realest, most mature for G on this album in terms of lyrics. Great song about communication issues between a man and a woman.

"Even When I'm Mad"
Another good one...G professes his love for his lady even when she works his nerves and they're goin through it.

"Bridge To Love (feat Brandy)"
Wasnt feelin it at first, but it grew on me. I did feel like G toned down his vocals a bit as to not overpower Brandy's...but it's still a good track with great lyrics and they sound really good together. I also think this would've done well if it was released as a single.

"Used to Be the One"
My second favorite on the album...a beautiful dedication to his wife

"Show Me The Way"
G ends the album with more grown folk music. He asks his lady to show him how he can love her better...Dudes need to take note! This is how mature men think and speak...good stuff

Overall, a great album that showcases G's maturity as a man and an artist...Ginuwine fans will enjoy it...and for those who are new to G's music this isnt a bad album to start with.

I bought it for the song "Last Chance" but found a couple of other bangers. Thanks!

Took a chance, as never bought anything by him before. Didn't stop to preview sample and this as a mistake! Wasted my $!

I think this album is a good and mature foolow up of the former work of Ginuwine,....I sincerely am a fan for 13 years and respect the man, though I dont always agree with him in the Biblical sence,...anyway God bless him!!

A Man's Thoughts by Ginuwine is a good music cd. The music is nice. The lyrics are good to listen to. Ginuwine has done it again - another GREAT music cd. I recommend Ginuwine's music cd - A Man's Thoughts to all Ginuwine music fans.