Customer Reviews

Masterpiece Theatre

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I find it strangely curious that everyone doesn't think this is the best R&B album ever. Well maybe if En Vogue weren't done in by their record company, everyone might have. But how was everyone to know when the heralding single dropped two weeks before the album did. Two weeks is not enough time to promote an album, ELEKTRA -- shame on you.

Never have I heard mainstream music so well-crafted. The time it took them to complete this album is more than justified. Riding on the coat tails of classical pieces was a brilliant concept: DANCE OF THE SUGARPLUM FAIRIES; MOONLIGHT SONATA; HABANERA; etc. It is so unfortuante that very few were either still interested or even knew about En Vogue's then new album.

This effort, in my mind, blew every other album out of the water. The operatic height they soared on this collection is amazing: LOVE WON'T TAKE ME OUT; the vocal complexity of SAD BUT TRUE; the cute and odd NO, NO, NO.

It would truly have been a "masterpiece" were it not for the ill-placed LOVE SUITE, afterwhich makes me want to turn the album off (it feels too much like the end). While NUMBER ONE MAN is an alright song, it and LATIN SOUL mar the overall classical, vocal styling and well-written feel of this album.

The girlgroup aspect was the only viable comparison to the original En Vogue and Destiny's Child. Destiny's child is interesteing to hear and look at, but the comparisons always confounded me: Destiny's Child is not a harmony group; there is no lead singer of En Vogue; every member of En Vogue has had a hit song singing lead vocal; every member of En Vogue can and has had her chance to sing her ass off. Im not feeling the new line-up or music of En Vogue, but hopefully they'll soon get the original members back together in the studio, as promised.

I've ignored SOUL FLOWER because I'm awaiting the real EN VOGUE to return what is sorely missed in R&B: rich, harmonized, classy music that sings of love, not sex.

Cindy (no more kids, LOL, we need you)
Max (girl get it together)
Terry (Miss Faithful can't do it alone)
Dawn (girl you'd better stop playin')

"Masterpiece Theater," the fourth studio album by En Vogue, is the most challenging, yet refreshing collection they have ever made. It finds the group reunited with their original production team, Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, who put the group together back in the late '80s. The result is a combination of modern R&B sounds and classical samples from Beethoven, among others. The album's best tracks are simply the ones that incorporate these classical sounds, and En Vogue takes us to their suite with "Love U Crazay," the difficult classical harmonies of "Sad But True," and "Love Won't Take Me Out," and "Whatever Will Be Will Be," all emphasize the beauty of the classical piano and luscious harmonies. The group eventually turns it up with the funky "Latin Soul," and their first single off the album, "Riddle." Other notable tracks include a neo-soul-like "No No No (Can't Come Back)," and "Those Dogs," the latter which takes a few listens to get used to. En Vogue steers away from the sounds of modern, male/female-battle-oriented R&B, and give us their Masterpiece Theater...

We last heard from En Vogue a few years ago sans Dawn Robinson. Critics said they couldn't do it. They had a few hits from EV3 but nothing more than that. But that was 1997, now it's 2000 and En Vogue is back with Masterpiece Theater.

This album is perhaps their best effort yet (save 92s Funky Divas). Using a classical theme with the music of Beethoven and other masterpieces, En Vogue has wrapped a concise and cathardic album around a rather interesting theme. The girls go back to their R&B roots and add a dash of rap, hip hop and a lot of soul.

Choice tracks include the opening Riddle (currently their first single). Using emotions that make you stand up and shout, "yes that is exactly how I feel" En Vogue has included songs about love, lost love, and new love. Crazy Love is perhaps one of the most daring tracks, but you know it works, and it works well! Love Won't Take Me Out will soon become an anthem for women across the country..."there is no room for that in my world." The lyrics are poetic and justifably so. The "En Vogue Love Suite" ends with a remake of Que Sera Que Sera is a good attempt with an R&B groove. After the suite is over, the girls pick up with Beat of Love. A song with an awesome backdrop of a horn...the girls mold their voices around the beating of the horn and makes the horn quickly become a complement to them.

And with most artists nowadays getting into the Latin groove, En Vogue is no exception, included is a ditty titled Latin Soul...I think a killer remix by Hex Hector could make this a dance club smash!

The girls end the album with Number One Man, how fitting for an album wrapped around love.

En Vogue used Masterpiece Theater to take them back into the spotlight. The three remaining girls prove with this album they have what it takes and I think one listen and you will agree.

En Vogue's "Masterpiece Theater" is surely one of the most daring, original, and best albums I've heard all year. In many ways, it may be their best album yet (although Funky Divas is a classic!) , and one of the most challenging ways to reintroduce them to the mainstream public!

Part of what makes this album work is how it veers creatively from the formulaic sound pop and R&B music has become these days. You can literally cut out the figure, stick a different one in, and still have general success. What makes "Masterpiece Theater" unique is the fusion of Classical tunes to an edgy urban sound, with tight and complex harmonies leading the way throughout the album. It's a kind of fitting comparison to juxtapose and mesh the most known and loved classical music with one of the most definitive groups of the rock era (and most certainly the 90's).

What astounds me on this album is how perfect McFoster and Elroy and En Vogue work together. Part of the reason EV3 was subpar is because previous producers could not adapt or utilize En Vogue's great harmonies and versatile voices (though Ivan Matias was good with what he did). McFoster's and Elroy's vocal and musical arrangements make these familiar songs sound vibrant and new. And the harmonies... I didn't think that En Vogue would sound as good without Dawn Robinson, but I am thoroughly pleased that I was proven wrong with this album. The voices are more rich, mature and textured... can't say enough about it...

On an initial run through of the album, it may raise eyebrows because the sound is very different. But after a second or third rotation, you'll be singing along to some of the standouts like "Love U Crazay," "Sad But True," "Beat of Love," "Number One Man," "Latin Soul," and "Those Dogs." Honestly, I am not too thrilled with the lead-off single, "Riddle," which is definitive of En Vogue's sound. But it is probably their best entre into pop music's current sound...

Although it will probably be overlooked by most major mainstream radio markets, it is a must have for the sheer virtuosity and diversity of beats and fusions throughout the album. Once again, with En Vogue proves with "Masterpiece Theater" why they are the definitive female singing group of the last twenty-five years!

En Vogue must have skipped class when R&B singers learned that in order to have a good record these days you must have childish lyrics, hip-hop beats and appearances by trendy rappers...

...and your parents told you nothing good ever came from playing hookie...

It is about time a R&B group strayed from the beaten path of drum machines and synthesized voices... This album is totally different from the formulaic R&B albums that dominate the airwaves...and for that alone it should get 5 stars...

It is funny though...I've complained so much about how all R&B albums sound the same and I've said many times how I wish someone would come out with something that sounded different....but when someone did ("Masterpiece Theater") I had a hard time listening to it...During the entire album I was waiting to hear Timbaland, or Swizz Beats bursting from a track...The first time I listened to the CD I kept saying to myself "What is this?"...I guess when you are so used to hearing <insert profanity here> you have to get adjusted to hearing something decent...

The second time I listened to the album I really enjoyed it...It really is a dynamic album...and these three women can really sing...I am not going to say I liked all the songs...(Some of them were a tad bit wack)...but for the most part I really enjoyed what I heard...By far my favorite song is "Sad but True"...(I must admit that I am a little biased because Moonlight Sonata is my favorite piano piece)...

If you have been a En Vogue since they first came out...(by the way...why is Terry still so fine...sorry I couldn't help myself)...As I was saying if you have been a En Vogue fan since they first came out this is just another great album from this quartet turned trio...(Terry...fine)...

I don't think this album will burn up the charts or have hit after hit on the radio...but that has never been an intelligent way to rate the quality of an album...and it probably won't have the mass appeal needed to grab the younger Hip-Hop/R&B generation...but once again that has definitely never been an intelligent way to rate the quality of an album...

If you like what you hear on the radio (ad nauseam) and would love to hear another CD full of mediocre singing and overdone beats then this is not the album for you...If you have a desire to hear something different (but good) with very mature singing then grab this masterpiece...

After taking one look at the cover of this record you know that this is a different EnVogue. These women look FANTASTIC! Cindy Herron is sooooo Hot, Terry Ellis is classic and Maxine Jones is stunning. Now to the cd Masterpiece Theatre is from start to finish mesmerizing. If Dawn leaving the group was to make the group weak it has only served to make them pick up their game. The first three songs on this record Riddle,No No No (cant come back) and Falling In Love only sets up the listener for the remarkable EnVogue love suite.If you enjoy artist stepping out of the comfort zone of the standard r&b music beats( BUY THIS RECORD ) EnVogue does something that no OTHER girl group has done they have taken their game to the next level, the love suite is filled with four songs back to back Love You Crazay,Sad But True,Love Wont Take Me Out and Whatever Will Be Will Be. These songs are written and beautifully sung over classical pieces of music. The writting and Production is Simply Gorgeous! This is not the EnVogue of years ago this is the EnVogue of the new century( much like Madonna and Ray of Light ) This record Rules. The harmonies are even better and who thought that would be possible with one less a member they dont miss a beat! After the INCREDIBLE love suite concludes we are treated to the infectious Beat of Love which has a out of this world sound and melody to it ( the horn really works in this song ) Maxine and Terry share vocals on this one ( has anyone notice that Terry got BACK check out the inside picture DAAAMN) After this we hear a rare EnVogue on Work It Out which is soo soulful and daring and tells all the guy's this shhhh's getting old we need changes! Next it is time to dance with a groove driven track called Latin Soul which makes even the off beat dancer shake your thang. Then we get a real treat as Cindy Herron turns into Dorothy Dandridge as she opens Those Dogs with a acapella intro and then gets the help of vocal master Bobby Mcferrin. Cindy has really stepped out vocally on this record ( and check out the bod on this woman who just recently had a third child )The closing of the record ends in Number One Man where Envogue yet again stray from the norm with a soulish ballad where instead of bashing us men they tell us no matter what no matter when they will always stand by their man( which is a releif after a year of Bills, Bills, Bills and No Scrubs) All togehter this record will be a classic and a turning point where EnVogue goes from just another girl group to musical pioneers. I expect that other groups will follow suit and do a record just like this and be praised for it but unless they look, sound, write and produce like EnVogue they will FAIL so dont try it. Oh when EV3 was released I had the chance to meet Envogue at Tower Records in D.C. and let me say that pictures and videos DO NOT do these women justice! If you like GOOD MUSIC and you want to be part of a new revolution in music BUY THIS RECORD lay back and let Envogue take you places you never been with their previous efforts before!

With its latest outing, MASTERPIECE THEATRE, En Vogue hasaccomplished a spectacular feat. By using classical music fromBeethoven and Tchaikovsky as the basis for funky R&B gems, the ladies of En Vogue have not only updated their signature sound, they have created a landmark record that is elegant, sophisticated and incredibly infectious.

The unforgettable "Riddle" is easily the best song of the year thus far, which is why it is truly shameful Top 40 radio has not embraced this rare gem. I suggest using Amazon's search engine to locate a copy of the domestic 12" single, as it features fantastic remixes and an a cappella rendition. No En Vogue collection is complete without it.

"No No No (Can't Come Back)" is a deceptively simple song with a cool, relaxed groove that evokes the plaintive splendor of Janet Jackson's "Got 'til It's Gone."

"Falling in Love" demonstrates the remarkably well-executed histrionics of MASTERPIECE THEATRE. The sultry vocals are wonderfully emotive and set to a sparkling beat that best complements Cindy Herron's angelic voice.

"Suite Intro" opens Love Suite, the set of songs set against the backdrop of classical music. The first, "Love U Crazay," is probably the only R&B song with rap interludes set to an instantly recognizable "Nutcracker" theme. How, you'll ask yourself, did En Vogue incorporate threads of rap, funk, R&B, and operatic voices and make it sound so damn sexy? No matter. It's pure brilliance, just like the rest of the album.

"Sad But True" shall become one of En Vogue's signature songs and it's proof that the ladies are adept at delivering ballads. Unlike the slow En Vogue ballads of yore, namely "Too Gone Too Long" and "No Fool No More," "Sad But True" works extremely well on ALL levels, which is why the seamless transition to the next song, "Love Won't Take Me Out," is so incredible. Itself, a seamless blend of operatic majesty and girl-group sentiments, "Love Won't Take Me Out" is as artful and innovative as anything on the album, but, like every track, it is entirely distinguishable from its counterparts, something that is sorely lacking in modern R&B.

"Whatever Will Be Will Be" is "Que Sera Sera" reinvented. Fittingly, this heartfelt and moving homage closes the Love Suite, but its successor is no slouch. "Beat of Love" is a sultry invitation to sample En Vogue's decidedly more mature direction and its exotic musical landscape is dangerously inviting.

With "Latin Soul," we could easily assume En Vogue is exploiting the current latin-pop trend for some quick sales. Not so. This lush gem ranks with Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" as a catchy tribute to the magic of Latin music, not an exercise in tired cliches from the likes of Marc Anthony or Ricky Martin.

"Work It Out" doesn't compare with "Riddle" or any of the songs during the Love Suite, but it is spirited fun, nonetheless.

"Those Dogs" features the trademark "human beat-box" vocal stylings of "Don't Worry Be Happy" singer Bobby McFerrin, himself a pioneer in the arena of classical music. (He currently conducts a symphony on the East Coast.) To contrast with the loving tribute to the symphonic sound, En Vogue inserts its trademark attitude with exciting results.

"Number One Fan" closes the album and it is instantly evocative of some of the wonderful jazz standards of late. In fact, like all of MASTERPIECE THEATRE, the song is a perfect balance of contemporary attitude and respectful tribute.

So, you may ask, is there anything unlikable about En Vogue's latest? No. However, I do have some qualms about the cover art. As a member since its inception, Maxine Jones shouldn't be virtually unrecognizable. It's rather ironic, because I believe that Miss Jones contributed much to the overall ambience of this record. As of today, she is officially my favorite member of En Vogue and I have her and her group mates to thank for my favorite record of the year thus far.

Initially, I agreed with what critics here and published in magazines said about this cd, but after a second listen my opinion changed drastically. This cd is definetly a standout. The ladies do indeed work with the same producers as they did in their previous albums, but this time they add a twist to it; several of their songs have classical music motifs. These girls do not simply sample the music, they acknowledge it with their home-spun harmonies that only experience can muster, and a true understanding of the words expressed in each song. The standouts for me include their first release Riddle, Sad But True, Love Won't Take Me Out, and Those Dogs. The last track I mentioned has a very familiar melody which I won't reveal here, but once you hear it you will identify with it immediately, and the way it's used in this song is very witty. Actually, I think these girls took a chance and explored music from a completely different genre which is very admirable. Unfortuantely, sheer vocal talent tends to at times take second fiddle to a good beat and a catchy lyric. With all the girl groups out there, no one stands up to the diverse, challenging and strong voices of En Vogue. I haven't heard harmonies sung this well since The Emotions, and if critics would take more time acknowledging this, En Vogue would deservedly receive better reviews than those of say TLC.

En vouge is back on top with this one. I think this cd is the most creative cd musically in R+B thats out right now. After this you will know why their name is so big. The first single "Riddle" is good and is a solid R+B cut that shows their usual style. This song dosen't prepare you for whats to come. A good example is "Sad but true". They use one of beethovens songs that most will recognize in a way u wouldn't think of. A lot of their songs combine classical songs with hip-hop , funky rhythms that keep u listening from track to track. I think this is their most creative cd yet and for not having dawn they are still holding their own. Funny they should drop their cd the same time that lucy pearl came out. To pull this off you have to have true singing skills......something en vouge dosen't even need to prove...just listen to the cd and you will have no question about that. Other good tracks: "Those dogs"(listen to the hook..taken from a well-known play), Love u Crazy(Nutcraker),

"Fallin for u", "latin soul", "best of me". Overall en vouge came strong on this one. They went back to their own style while making something totaly new........stands out from everything out now. I understand why they call this masterpiece theatre. they use a lot of classic old songs and put it togetehr to mkae one master cd. Listen..don't just take my word and u will see what I mean.

Classic! ...get it!

What a great album that steers away from commerical radio. The women are back not girls but WOMEN! I know they will not get radio air play with this album but this is originality at its' utmost. In a year when we have D'Angelo, Angie Stone, Grenique, Rapheal Sadiiq (Lucy Pearl) mainstream music is being redefined by talented musical experimentalist. One thing, give a brotha' a chance, pls. Other than that "WELCOME BACK YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED"!