Customer Reviews

Material Thangz

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I got a taste of "Sweet November", "All I've Ever Known", and "I'll Send You Roses", I knew that I had to get this cd because "crapster" and "lamewire" are NOT cooperating. Released in the spring of 1985, this was the first album that allowed Babyface to really shine. Sadly, the only hit singles from the album were the funky Midnight Star-like title cut (#14 R&B) and "Suspicious" (#61 R&B) which were great, but were inferior to the slow jams I mentioned, plus the danceable album opener, "Let's Work Tonight" headlined by Dee Bristol. This album (and the group) should have gotten the recognition it deserved, but by 1985, R&B fans were sooo focused on other black artists like Prince, Kool & The Gang, New Edition, Tina Turner, and Run DMC plus synth-funk was steadily being replaced by pop oriented R&B, more Hip-Hop, freestyle, and Pre-New Jack Club/dance (strong with percussion) in the black music circuit. On the other hand, SOLAR label was'nt promoting their artists as much as they use to and all the artists (except for Midnight Star) were not producing the hits they use to because of the fierced competition.

By their next album (Eyes Of A Stranger), most of their music takes a break from the streets and takes it on to the rising mainstream lovers with "Two Occasions" and "Shoot Em' Up Movies" which were ok. In my opinion, I find many tracks of the Eyes Of A Stranger album too sappy and the danceable songs too generic and outdated (for 1987-88). Because of that alone, I find Material Thangz superior to Eyes Of A Stranger, but inferior to Street Beat of which I will purchase in the future! I suggest all Babyface fans and fans of 1980's funk/R&B/slow jams to get Material Thangz and stop off to pick up Street Beat

If you are a fan of 80's R&B music, this is definately a collector's item. This album has the song Sweet November which became a radio favorite back in the day when I was in high school growing up in Detroit. Also, Babyface sang the lead vocals on this song. A real classic. Also, there is another great slow jam on this album called I'll Send You Roses. This album is also an item to have for anyone who's a Babyface fan.

Not nearly as good as their 1987 album "Eyes Of A Stranger," but does contain their best slow ballad ever, the enchanting "Sweet November." "All I've Ever Known" is also good.