Customer Reviews

Soul Flower

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I must commend Terry and Cindy for "Holding On" to their dreams and not giving up on En Vogue, for this CD is truly amazing, as are all LPs with the name EN VOGUE attached. Rhona is a GOD-send and I hope she's here to stay, the lady's got chops and adds a special spark to an already legendary group.

Every song is immaculate from track 1 to 15 and show alot of heart and soul, which En Vogue is known for. All the songs are great, but my personal favorites are OOH BOY, DISSED HIM (a future hit), I DO LOVE YOU (PIECE OF MY HEART), ALL YOU SEE (a future hit), LOSIN' MY MIND and A MILLION DIFFERENT WAYS. But again, the entire CD is on fire.

The ladies show that age is not a factor in their delivery of each song, as their voices sound as good today as they did with their debut album, BORN TO SING. Rhona adds her own flavor to the group by being fun and sassy, while remaining a lady. She's an incredible actress, singer and songwriter and I'm glad she's a member of my all-time favorite group. In person she's quite beautiful and exotic looking, so if the music thing doesn't pan out, she'd make a great runway model (no lie!).

Even through all the line-up changes, Terry and Cindy are still the voices of En Vogue, weathering some storms and even harsher criticisms to keep the group going, but coming out smelling like roses in the end. I thank them for their persistence and dedication to what they love, performing and singing. To really appreciate these talented women, every fan (and use that word loosely) should treat themselves to seeing the ladies perform live, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED, 'cause the ladies still got it!

Again, thank you Terry, Cindy & Rhona, you are true SOUL FLOWERS in every sense of the words. Love you and love the album, keep it comin'.

An eternal fan and supporter,
James.

As an avid En Vogue fan since their first album in 1990, I always look forward to a new record from the ladies. Although, the Christmas CD failed to capture a synergy which i now assign blame to their temporary member, Amanda. EV, with new member Rhona, seem to get this one right and their voices gell to produce a harmonous sound.
I've listened to this Album about 10-15 times and must say I really enjoy it. The Album does not take chances...which is just fine by me because it's one enjoyable 15 song ride.
Ooh boy (track 3)is definitely geared toward mainstream and sounds best while being played loud. At home, in your car or on a dance floor, it is best served at high volumes where the bass can go deep (and it does). Track 4 is a nice diversion and cleverly written (my favorite).
If your an En Vogue fan, don't hesitate--buy it, if your a smooth R&B fan---its worth the price of admission, if your just looking for music that will make your head bob and weave--- get it.
Overall, EV has delivered a witty, well produced and fan satisfying 15 tracks of good music and I can't ask for more. Thanks EV3 and keep it coming!!

I have been a fan of Envogue's since their first Album Born to Sing. I have watched the line up change and stuck with them through it all. When i heard they had a new album out I immediately ran out to buy it without hearing any singles. I am pleased i did. This is one of their best records, its up there with "Born to Sing", and "Funky Diva's"

The stand out songs are:

All You See
Ooh Boy
Everyday
Losin My Mind
Stop

They even did a remake of the old school "Guy" jam, Piece of my love. Its not as good as the original but its good. The new singer is a fantastic addition. Her voice blends very well with Terry's and Cindy's. If you were ever a fan, get this CD you wont be disappointed.

En Vogue's new CD was more than I had planned for. When I first heard "Losin' My Mind" I wasn't too impressed. Rhona has a BEAUTIFUL voice, but I wasn't able to hear the other girls. I decided to just listen to the music and voice without all the expectation of hearing all of the women from En Vogue and I loved the song! When I bought this CD, I wasn't sure what to expect. The clips that they have on this site don't do the CD justice at all!! When I first put the CD in my car sterio, I was absolutely AMAZED!! Here are my favorites:

All You See
Ez-A-Lee
Ooh Boy
Losin' My Mind
Dissed Him
Ooh La La
Everyday
Million Different Ways
New Day Callin'

This CD is #1 in my collection. There hasn't been a day I haven't listened to it since it came out on Feb 24th. It's worth it!

I am no En Vogue officiando or historian. What appears to be happening with En Vogue is the same thing that happened with the Temptations. Members come and go, but the group soldiers on. Unlike The Temptations, En Vogue haven't lost any fire. The harmonies are still lucious and vibrant, tranporting you from slinky slow jams, to a jazzed up church choir. En Vogue sound best when testifying on torch songs, or spewing attitude about self-respect and lousy lovers. They lack when trying to sound "modern and hip." What people fail to realize is that although Dawn and Maxine are absent, En Vogue has the ablility to create quality r&b music, and in listening to Soul Flower, even devout En Vogue fans will be saying 'Dawn and Maxine who?' Up and coming female vocal groups should take heed of En Vogue's staying power techniques. For those wondering about the quality of their newest studio effort, look no further than the thumping, slinky beats and beautiful harmonies on the song "Dissed Him". En Vogue can still get down, as evidence on such jams as the ultra-funky 'Ooh Boy' and 'Ez-a-lee.'

This may not have the same impact as Funky Divas did, but Soul Flower is a true testament of a group staying true and keeping a creative fire burning long enough to produce quality and truly soulful music.

En Vogue is only as strong as its members, meaning that as each member leaves, the group weakens. With Dawn Robinson exiting in 1996, the group's 1997 album, "EV3", suffered because of that. Now it's 2004 and two more members left (Maxine Jones and newer member Amanda Cole). So, how is En Vogue's new album, "Soul Flower"?

Coming in, it's musically enjoyable. Longtime producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy laced the women up with some less-pop, more-neosoul productions (remember the vibe of 1993's 'Runaway Love'?), making songs like 'Heaven', 'Million Different Ways', 'How Do I Get Over' and 'New Day Callin'' groove nicely. The sounds should satisfy those who like Floetry, Angie Stone or Jill Scott.

But that's the problem: this isn't Floetry, Angie Stone or Jill Scott. This is En Vogue and it'll be very hard to not compare these songs to their past hits like 'Hold On' or 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)', not to mention their first two albums which were both great. Furthermore, it seems as if Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron dumbed down their vocals in order for newcomer Rhona Bennett to keep in tune with them. Once very captivating vocalists, Ellis and Herron never get a chance to let loose except on 'I Do Love You (Piece of My Love)'. This track doesn't beat the original Guy version and the production is stale, but all three girls soar vocally. Also, some of the more lackluster efforts like the Destiny's Child-esque 'All You See' and the mediocre lyricism of 'Dissed Him' could have been left off the album.

If you're new to En Vogue, I wouldn't start with this album, even though this new neosoul sound may get them some new fans. But in order to be a new fan, you have to totally forget about everything En Vogue ever recorded before now because this album would be tolerable if it were En Vogue's debut. However, older fans know what these girls are capable of and only the most loyal of them will support this album.

I CAN'T GET ENOUGH! I purchased Soul Flower a few days ago and have been playing it over and over and over again. This is an excellent CD and a must have for anyone who appreciates GOOD MUSIC. Not a dud in all the 15 tracks! Radio should be all over this one, especially LOSING MY MIND! Good to see the ladies come back so strong.

After the bomb of the awesome album Masterpiece Theatre, I thought that the dynasty which is En Vogue was over, and of course I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that Terry and Cindy had decided to move on with Rhona Bennett at their side. This album Soul Flower is one worthy of Grammies, AMAs, and any other music awards. The voices of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron-Braggs, and Rhona Bennett blend so beautifully on this album that it reminds you of the flawless harmonies of EV3 or the original four.

The voices of the ladies isn't the only bright spot on this album. The production on this album is also something to be admired. F&M, En Vogue's longtime producers have moved from their usual style and brought En Vogue into the modern styles of Neo Soul mixed with a bit of Hip-Hop grooves which has given the ladies something that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Soul Flower, is full of many hits which could easily place the name En Vogue among the list of the hottest entertainers of 2004. I myself recommend the groovy jams Ooh Boy, Ez-A-Lee, All You See, Heaven and Million Different Ways along with the slow jams Dissed Him and Nearly Lost.

Don't pass up Soul Flower, it's one of the best albums of 2004.

Hi, I've been a fan of En vogue since they started in the 90's, I guess like everybody else I was very happy they had a new cd out but sadly it's missing that special something that made them who they were, call it sass, spice, funkiness, whatever, but they don't sound like En Vogue, the cd is good but these girls should've gottten Maxine and Dawn back to return to there former funkiness. Still I continue to be a good fan of En vogue, I wish them the best!!!!!

ive been an en vogue fan from day one. groups that can actually sing are a rarity and this one had 4 extremely talented vocalist. they have gone through some changes through the years with the exiting of max, and dawn but this new album is incredible. great lyrics, infectuous tracks, and killer vocals. its a shame most people wont here to much from this album, because it is way better than a lot of the carbon copy/cookie cutter girl group stuff flooding the airwaves today. i would recommend this album to any fan of music period.
favorite tracks: all of them but top 3 for me: Everyday, Losing My Mind, and Ooh Boy.