Customer Reviews

Met-A-Mor-Phic

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Jodeci member Dalvin DeGrate's new solo debut album, "Met.A.Mor.Phic" proves that Dalvin has talent, not only in producing, but singing as well. While in Jodeci, people referred to him as the "pretty boy", and said he was just there for "decoration", so he finally had his chance with this album, to prove to the skeptics that he is, in fact, talented. The first single off the album, "Why Can't We" (a duet with Stevie J), is a blend of hip-hop and R&B, a great way to grab people's attention. And Dalvin will surprise you with his vocal talent. He is a good singer. And the songs on the album are great too. One of the best songs is "Long Day"...it is a romantic ballad which Dalvin sung very sweetly. The first time I heard it, I thought, "This sounds like Jodeci". The DeVante-produced "Dangerous" talks about the dangers of being love, and becoming too obsessive over someone. This is also something that you might consider sounding like Jodeci (DeVante is even featured in the song, and says "Don't talk, just listen"). It is a very good song, with a different kind of sound to it. It almost sounbs sarcastic. This album also contains plenty of uptempo jams, like "I Got That", "Scandalous", etc.. Not only would some of the songs MUSICAL style make you reminisce about Jodeci, but some of the lyrics might as well. Like, "She Wanted"...the chorus starts "She wanted me to freak it from behind...", and so on. Dalvin also re-sings an astounding rendition of Def Leppard's "Love Bites". All of the songs on this album are GREAT. And Dalvin's producing and singing is terrific. You should go out and buy it! It's worth it!

First and foremost, pay "Why Can't We," the first single from this album, no mind! It's not like the aforementioned song is bad or anything...that song was "OK," but it's nothing compared to this album. This album is very unique, very innovative, very soulful, very creative, very original...you'll love it. This album just reaffirms Dalvin's diverse musical talents and his long time buddy, Stevie J., is an awesome producer and musician. Right off the back, my favorite songs are: the Tim & Bob-penned and produced "Long Day"(my #1 favorite), "Not My Girl," "I Can't Help It," "She Wanted," the DeVante-penned and produced "Dangerous," "More Than Friends," the very alternative rendition, "Love Bites," "Scandalous," and "Til U Get Enough," which is the only song that sounds like a somewhat Mr. Dalvin of Jodeci-type track. He's really surprised the hell out of me with this remarkably excellent release! THIS ALBUM DOES NOT SOUND ANYTHING LIKE THE STATUS QUO OF R&B, THERE ARE NO VULGARITIES, SEX THEMES, AND THERE ARE NO CORNY HIP-HOP RAPS ON THIS SOULFUL R&B ALBUM BY DALVIN OR ANYONE ELSE. This album is about "love." Dalvin produced the majority of this album, with additional production be Stevie J, one song by his brother and the incredible musician/prodcuer/multi-instrumentalist, DeVante, and Tim & Bob did three songs. Can't wait for DeVante, Dalvin, KCi & JoJo to get back together because it will be simply amazing! Buy this album NOW, you'll love it!

For the longest time fans of Jodeci always wanted to know just who is Dalvin Degrate he always the mystery man in the group.. Well all the answers are here in his incrediable solo debut.. Dalvin is a very talented songwriter and producer you dont have to look no further then some of Jodeci's best songs he was responsible for some of the best material on the groups last two albums .Met. A. Mor.Phic is a very entertaining effort one of them cds you can put on and just let it play.. It's hard to categorize his sound because it's not like Jodeci It's a little bit of R&B, pop, Hip Hop, Rock.. he ventures in to all these areas of music with surprising results.. The only cut on this album that will remind you of the days of Jodeci is the tune Dangerous which his big brother Devante appears on the track with him .. Other noteworthy tracks on this effort I Got That, Long Day ( The best of the ballads on here), Till U Get Enough, I Cant Help it, More Than Friends, Why Cant We.. all these tracks are great.. It's a must for any Jodeci fan pick it up you wouldnt be disappointed.. Dalvin is going to be a force to to come

As one fourth of the multi-platinum R&B group Jodeci, Mr. Dalvin rarely sang lead, instead he laced tracks with raps, produced many of their hits, played the drums and was intricate in creating their look and style.

His work earned him an irreplaceable position in the group, but after hearing his vocals his debut solo album, Met.A.Mor.Phic, one can only wonder why his vocal talent has not been exposed until now.

Dalvin doesn't limit himself or strain to fit into one category. He allows the music go where it wants to and brings the listener along. 'Why Can't We,' the first single, is a funky dance track and collaboration with producer Stevie J. This song easily works a dance floor and opens the listener up to a different flow.

The album's groove continues with the mid-tempo track "More Than Friends," but Met.A.Mor.Phic must be about transitions, because Dalvin also shows his ability to slow things down and set a mood. Mood setting is best shown on 'Long Day,' which is guaranteed to be a favorite.

Other ballads on the album include 'I Can't Help It' and a surprising remake of 'Love Bites,' Def Leppard's 1987 metal hit. For those who figured Dalvin did little in Jodeci besides show up, Met.A.Mor.Phic will be an eye opening experience.

For Jodeci fans who are still awaiting a reunion, this album shows the growth and diversity that can be expected when they finally make it happen as a group.

It was always thought that Mr. Dalvin Degrate was the "non-singer" of the group. He was just there to look pretty, talk, and rap. However, all critics are proven wrong when listening to this superb album. Always a visionary and ahead of his time, Dalvin once again proves his legendary R&B groove. With songs such as "Why Can't We", proves that he can hang with today's artists such as D'Angelo, Joe, and Sisqo. Having songs like "Long day" can be a treasure. My girfriend had the most horrible day quite a while ago. I played this song for her, and it made her melt. She felt so loved and appreciated. "Not my Girlfriend" is a smooth joint which lets all those trifling tricks out there know to NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER call you again. Jodeci, I believe, was the best R&B/SOUL(emphasize soul) group out there. With roots in gospel singing, the Degrate and Hailey brothers brought life and color into the R&B scence. "Dangerous" f/ Devante is a track that brings back the smooth flow of Jodeci days. It sort of has the tune of "I'm still waiting" from Forever my Lady. "More that Friends" works to perfection. It is perfect for friends who are wishing to become a little more. It blends nicely, and the message is quite effective. "Cupid, came down and sat by my side, and that's when I decided that I needed you by my side." Another amazing addition to Mr. Dalvin's groove is "Love Bites". Def Leppard could be one of the best rock bands ever made. I was overwhelmed and so happy that Dalvin remade this track. Undoubtedly, the song is a classic. It's something that R&B and Rap listeners will enjoy. I never really liked rock, but Def Leppard's R&Bisn style got me into a lot more bands. Devante's rendidtion doesnt really do the song justice. In conclusion, Devonte can surely sing. All of the tracks are blazing. It is indeed ahead of its time. I suggest this album for all R&B fans....especially those who have been following Jodeci throughout. PEacE ouT Y'ALL GamBiNo_808

But this CD is good music. I put it in the player when I get home from work, it helps me mellow out and get busy with what I have to do.
I have heard better cds, and I've heard LOTS worse. This is a good CD. Okay, so it's not jodeci, it's still good and it is a pleasure to listen to.

When I first heard that Dalvin DeGrate was putting out his first solo C.D. I was skeptical. For the longest time Jodeci's front men (Vocally) were K-ci&Jo-Jo, So I was like what can D.D. bring to the Jodeci saga that we have not already heard.Boy was I pleasantly surprised upon picking up the c.d. from the first track to the last, even the last track as rock oriented as it sounds was off the hinges! In spite of what some people think, This man can sing. How could he shine when you are in the company of mega powerful voices such as K-ci/Jo-Jo which are no joke. I took a interest in his solo project when I heard a rumour that he was not really singing on this c.d. that told me one thing, that his cd must be nice. And by listening to it,I can see how they could not believe it. Seeing they never heard him on any lead vocals with the group "Jodeci". Don't sleep on this project It is nice, This weekend alone I turned 3 people on to it who went out and purchased it on the spot!

All this time while K-CI and JoJo were shining with their two solid albums another member was laying low in the cut at the studio mixin up some hot tracks.So hot that he had to name his album Met.A.Mor.Phic which is what these beats and lyrics are combined.Only one song on this album could have been left off which is Love Bites the last track.One of my favorite tracks is More than Friends which is very tight.Look for a Jodeci album in the future!

In Jodeci's heydey, Dalvin was the member who all the ladies seemed to like the most. K-Ci and JoJo held it down vocally, and DeVante seemed a bit TOO mysterious to be wanted, even though he did get Dalvin's shine in the beginning. So every member served a purpose - and Dalvin served as the 'cute' one.

As a solo artist, Dalvin is a 'new jack swinger' in the tradition of Bobby Brown, Guy and New Edition. Some of the biggest acts of the New Jack Era weren't neccesarily the best singers - Keith Sweat and Al B Sure being cases in point. Dalvin fits into this category...but this does not mean the music ain't good - cuz it is, at times.

There are three GREAT songs on here. The first and best one is "Long Day" which is a slow ballad that reminds you of "They Don't Know" by Jon B. Next is the Puff Daddy-esque "More Than Friends" which has a Bobby Brown/Mary J Blige a la "Reminise" feel to it. All it needs is a phat verse from Black Rob or Jadakiss from the Lox. The third GREAT song is "More Than Friends"...he almost sounds like Stevie Wonder on the background vocals - yes, the backgroud vocals! Dalvin can do these, and on "Dangerous" with DeVante, you'll be impressed to hear that Jodeci harmony that we fell in love with. That meant that Dalvin really sang when he was with Jodeci...he wasn't lip synching!

It's a decent album really, and I felt like supporting him since he probably won't blow up. He's up against Sisquo, Tyrese, Usher and Ginuwine in the male R&B category, and they're all better singers than he is, with more industry support and clout. But this is a good buy if you buy music based on the amount of effort, heart, and artistic integrity that went into a project, not hype, hot videos and record sales. I think Dalvin really put a lot into this album. Even though I'm not sure whether or not to take "Love Bites" (the Def Leppard remake - excellent song when Def Leppard did it) seriously as a song, I can appreciate the attempt to expand his musical horizons, and I think R&B music will have rock/guitar elements in it again pretty soon as a trend anyhow. (Check Joe's "Rose In A Concrete World" for recent example)

Production-wise, Tim & Bob (Boyz II Men's 'II' and Jon B) do the best ballads on the album. Hey, I got the album...and I may keep it (I do return albums I don't like). This one's pretty good. Borrow it from a friend first and preview it...unless you like being 'different' and getting music that no one else has. It's a 'decent' buy.

Trust me.

I Dig Old Jodeci.but their's a Reason Why Mr.Delvin Never Sung On Their Records.The Material here&His Voice are Both Flat.I Dug The Cut Dangerous with DeVante but aside from that it's Pretty Weak.what's so funny is that He had the nerve to say that he had been Listening too Old Michael Jackson Albums FOr Inspiration? More Like Michael Jackson The Beer Columist.I Hope Jodeci Comes Out with a New Disc&Keep Mr.Dalvin in His Place Away from The Main Mike.