Customer Reviews

Return of the Mack

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

 

 

I got this CD because I loved Morrison's "Return of the Mack" song and was hoping that he could continue that type of quality music throughout this LP. I wasn't disappointed as this is a solid album filled with a mixture of R&B and Pop. Mark's funky British voice is the highlight of the album as his voice sounds different than anyone else's. The album on the whole is mostly upbeat songs that get you groovin'.
Most people know "Return of the Mack", as this was a huge international hit and is as catchy of a song as they come. "Crazy" is not as well known, but is side by side with the latter as a great upbeat song. Morrison diverses his subject matter more in songs like "Moan and Groan" and "Horny", which aren't the typical song you would hear on the radio, as they are more explicit in their subject matter and lyrics. He also rounds out his album with a really good song that is more emotional in "Tears for You".
The only thing I didn't like about the album was the "Return of the Mack remix" as it is nowhere near as good as the original. Other than that the other songs are well done and Mark's original and captivating voice gives the album a lot of individuality. Whether you are a fan of R&B or Pop music you should enjoy this album.

Forget all about Marks personal life. The facts speak for themselves.
The first British Black male to have a number 1 in the nineties.
A number one hit which spent 6 weeks in the top ten and four follow up top ten hits- with a further top twenty hit, Lets get down.
After these facts the best song his ever recorded has not even been released in the charts- probably beacause it does suit his image, Tears for You -that is.
The acheivements may have suprised some who have been reading but just imagine he actually wrote and produced most of the tracks himself!
The Facts: 5 Top Ten Hits
3 Further Top Twenty Hits

Not bad from One and Half Albums, and people call this guy a joker!!

When this single was first released, it truly was the [best]; the additional remixes are less than useless, of course, but when the lead-off single is as good as this, it doesn't really matter. Silky smooth, great delivery, classic production, and a suitable beat make this single a must-own.

Definite one-hit wonder status will plague Mark Morrison for the rest of his life, but his position on forthcoming 'Hits of the 90's' compilations is secure.

I bought this cd about a year ago because i heard the song; "Return of tthe Mack" a lot on the radio. I loved it. When I popped it in my cd player, I was amazed to hear the first track(Crazy remix) nearly better than Return of the Mack. I knew that there would be more awesome songs on the way. And I was right, there were. Crazy, Let's Get Down, Trippin', and Horny were all excellent songs. But Return of the Mack is the best song. I recommend that you get this!

British R&B artist Mark Morrison emerged in the mid-90s with a few huge hits and one album before quickly fading into obscurity. Although "Return of the Mack" is a strikingly uneven album, there is something strangely fascinating about it that makes it an album I hold in high esteem to this day. His unusual nasal voice can stray offkey and wouldn't normally lead to his being labeled a particularly great vocalist. The lyrics are run-of-the-mill, insubstantial, and predictable, and over the course of the 12 tracks there are some hilariously bad songs that are horrid sonically, musically, and vocally. But the music has a unique sound, and when Morrison and co-producer Phil Chill capture a spark, the results can be magical as they make some surprisingly good songs.

With notably crisp instrumentation, inventive percussion, and rich soundscapes ripe with synths and electronica, the album moves at an upbeat, danceable groove. The vibe is unusual and thus even a bit futuristic, yet the end result is oh-so-90s. "Return of the Mack" is frequently corny, yet the obvious missteps are actually part of its charm. Morrison is a one-hit-wonder who worked with a formula and aimed for the charts; at its best, it can be of a spectacular quality, and at its worst, it's bad.

The title track is simply a tremendous song from any standpoint. The album version is a lush eight-minute arrangement leading in with a piano solo and culminating with an extended breakdown and DJ scratch. The groove is gorgeous, Mark's breathy verses are incessantly catchy and the song's entire vibe is awesome. While it may just be a quirky 90s dance-pop hit, it's also musically ingenious.

Nothing else quite approaches the glorious level of that classic, but the album is far from disposable and tends to succeed in many of the same areas. The opener "Crazy (D-Influence Mix)" is a harmlessly infectious track with wonderful production, and the smooth "Let's Get Down" is equally endearing as Mark employs a softer delivery over clever instrumentals. "Moan and Groan" and "Trippin'" are strong bedroom slow jams that sound like Keith Sweat b-sides, and the original mix of "Crazy" as well as Da Beatminerz' "Return of the Mack" remix are both nice.

As for lowlights, "Get High With Me" and the awkward "Candy" take the cake, songs so sonically bad that it's hilarious. "Horny" was ill-conceived as well.

"Return of the Mack" is a fun album of danceable 90s soul that succeeds on clever production and songwriting. It has a unique sound, good style, and a few magical moments that make even the worst filler completely bearable. Its frequent corniness is part of what makes it fun. I recommend this album--Mark may have been a one-hit wonder but "Return of the Mack" is truly charming despite its flaws.

....the Bro spits them lyrics like Sugarfoot of Ohio Players, Mike Cooper of Confunkshun, or Blackmon from Ca-me-oh! "Oww! Watch Me Flow...Tooppp of th' world!" Vibe it, Vibe it. Vibe it. Get it and n-joy!

Even though this CD did not get positive reviews when it was released, I think it is one of the better male R&Bs put out in 1997. And the guy crying about "most of the (songs) are either about sex or getting high" shouldn't be writting reviews in the R&B genre. My .02

I heard the C&J version on my local radio station a few years ago and was blown away! The regular version of the song is one of my favorites, but if you haven't heard the C&J mix yet, you don't know what you're missing! Add a Beatminerz remix, a chance to hear the raw product (Morrison's extraordinary, penetrating voice, needless to say) in the "Accapella of the Mack", and two remixed versions of the song "Trippin," and you have a CD that makes you wonder why Morrison hasn't come out with a third CD. (I'm considering this CD his second one, since it's an accomplishment in and of itself).

I use to Bump this Jam back in 97.i wanted the Original&the re-mixes.didn't expect alot of His Album but this Jam got much play on my stereo system&the jam still gets pumped up in the House.

i had never heard the song "return of the mack" before my cousin & i went to a movie theater and heard it playing over the movie tunes. at first, i thought it sounded pretty stupid but as i heard it more often, i began to LOVE it! i originally thought the guy that sung it was the same guy that sung the theme song to "Kirate Kid" but i was wrong. i don't have the money to buy the CD so i can't tell you how great it is. But just having "Return of the Mack" on the CD should give you a prelude to the GREATNESS of it!