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Editorial Reviews
2012 release from the Grammy-nominated Soulstress. The maturity Melanie Fiona displays on The MF Life is underscored by her remarkable versatility and cosmopolitan panache. The album showcases a stunning mix of vibrant new sounds from a host of A-list R&B producers and songwriters, each partaking of the originality that has made Fiona a sought-after collaborator by everyone from Cee-Lo Green ("Fool For You") and John Legend & The Roots ("Wake Up! Everybody") to Reggae superstar Stephen Marley ("No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room)") and U.K. rapper Tinchy Stryder ("Let It Rain'').
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It was hearing "Monday Morning" non-stop in Croatia during the summer of 2009 that I finally became deterined to hear who was the artist with the gifted voice delivering such an emotional punch. Melanie's debut album "The Bridge" was good. "Give It to me Right" is an instant classic but overall the songs did not leave a lasting impact....
Three years later and after nearly a year delay; Melanie has returned with the album she has said "truly reflects who I am as a songwriter and artist." The result: sheer brilliance. There are several different genres of music from old skool rnb, to hip hop to dance / club but to her credit this album sounds highly refined, polished and unified. Think of how Adele's 21 was an improvement over 19. The diamond has finally been polished and revealed
"Change the Records" with B.o.b, "Bones" and "4 AM" will be tracks that you will play in heavy rotation.
Caution: Please do not judge the songs by listening to the 30 sec snippets as they will not give you a true picture to the depth and quality of the tracks, Try instead to visit her official website and watch her 2 part short interviews where she explains the story behind each song and their meaning. All the while you hear the each song for over a full minute in the background. This is what impressed me.
Of the 2 versions of MF LIfe, buy the one with the four bonus tracks. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" could easily be released as a single.
My ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT: Why was "Fool for You" a track she sang with Cee-Lo and won a Grammy for not included? It doesn't appear on any of the 3 editions / re-editions of Cee-Lo's "The Lady Killer?" I don't know why record companies do not want to reward true fans who still relish having a physical copy of our favourite music over a poorer quality mp3 digital file!
Three years later and after nearly a year delay; Melanie has returned with the album she has said "truly reflects who I am as a songwriter and artist." The result: sheer brilliance. There are several different genres of music from old skool rnb, to hip hop to dance / club but to her credit this album sounds highly refined, polished and unified. Think of how Adele's 21 was an improvement over 19. The diamond has finally been polished and revealed
"Change the Records" with B.o.b, "Bones" and "4 AM" will be tracks that you will play in heavy rotation.
Caution: Please do not judge the songs by listening to the 30 sec snippets as they will not give you a true picture to the depth and quality of the tracks, Try instead to visit her official website and watch her 2 part short interviews where she explains the story behind each song and their meaning. All the while you hear the each song for over a full minute in the background. This is what impressed me.
Of the 2 versions of MF LIfe, buy the one with the four bonus tracks. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" could easily be released as a single.
My ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT: Why was "Fool for You" a track she sang with Cee-Lo and won a Grammy for not included? It doesn't appear on any of the 3 editions / re-editions of Cee-Lo's "The Lady Killer?" I don't know why record companies do not want to reward true fans who still relish having a physical copy of our favourite music over a poorer quality mp3 digital file!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By J. Bugg
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I write very few reviews because I'm usually not passionate about most things that I purchase. That is usually the case when it comes to music nowadays. I've heard very few R&B/Soul albums that I can be enthusiastic about. This album earned my attention.
I will be as objective as possible. Yes, she is beautiful but that has no bearing on my opinion toward her music. There are plenty of gorgeous and boring or untalented singers out there. She just happens to be beautiful and talented and soulful.
First off, there isn't a bad track on the album. Every song shows some attention to detail, effort in writing and production. THERE IS NO FILLER HERE! Every song on here is better than the majority of the music released these days. Most artists could only hope to create songs with a fraction of the quality that she puts forth. This is not the greatest album I've ever heard but it would definitely go down as notable and worthy of listening to. I've listened through the whole thing about 8 or 9 times, at this point in time, and I find something new to love about it every time I listen.
I think one of the things that made her last album stand out was its old school feel. She has a more modern sound on this album, although a few songs still reflect an "old soul". She did not sell out, just upgraded. Another quality that she possesses that a number of R&B/Soul artists lack, is the ability to pull off an uptempo song without it sounding forced or corny. She is not restricted to ballads. "Bang Bang" was my favorite song on the first album because it was so rhythmic and authentic.
I was a little nervous initially when I saw all of the rapper cameos on the track listing. Usually when a singer starts to co-mingle their work with rappers, its not good (i.e. Mariah Carey). Surprisingly enough, they all fit well and they all worked for me. Most of the rappers featured, I'm not really a fan of, but they were matched well with their respective songs. There's nothing I hate worse than a rapper cameo that doesn't match the song. Fortunately, they must have all listened to the song lyrics several times before they laid down their tracks. So let me give my opinion track by track:
1) This Time (feat. J. Cole) - All I can say is wow! If this track doesn't grab your attention right off the back, you have no soul! The beat, for lack of a better phrase, "goes hard". The song itself has great lyrics and gets stuck in your head. J. Cole represents on the track and adds to it. On the right sound system, the track is absolutely amazing. Probably my favorite overall. (5 stars)
2) 4 AM - Great song, as most people have already heard. Wasn't crazy about on the radio before but now I love it. Grew on me immensely. The words of the song grabbed me after a while, really captured the emotion. Very unique sound. (5 stars)
3) Break Down These Walls - Could be considered a great folk song. Again great writing and amazing production. I love stringed instruments and piano, so this track has my full attention. The guitar duet at the end of this song is SICK! Even though its a minute and a half, you don't want it to end. Absolutely amazing artistry, like something Kravitz, Santana or Clapton would do. (5 stars)
4) I Been That Girl - Mellow, poignant. This one is for ladies who have been in that not-so-unique situation. Very nice. (4 stars)
5) Wrong Side of A Love Song - Deeply soulful with an old school sound to it. Rich and engaging. Full of emotion. (5 stars)
6) Running (feat. Nas) - Old school uptempo sound. Riding down the street, blasting-out-of-your-car-type track. Nas is no longer one of my favorite rappers but he pulls off an admirable cameo, which adds a lot to the song. He tells the rest of the story that she doesn't have time to do. (4.5 stars)
7) Change the Record (feat. B.O.B.) - You will get sucked in as soon as you hear the opening and then the beat drop. You have to hear it to appreciate it. This contends with "This Time" for hottest beat. And the real surprise was B.O.B. I'm not a huge fan of his but he destroys this track! One of the best cameos I've ever heard. He made an amazing track incredible. Have to listen to this one in the car. (5 stars)
8) Gone and Never Coming Back - If you've ever heard this track, then you know how amazing it is. I wore it out within a week but still love it. I was so impressed with this track when I heard it, that I was afraid that it would be the best track on the album, and overshadow all others. Not the case. If you've never heard it before, then it will probably be your favorite. The only reason that its not still my favorite is because she released it more than 8 months before the rest of the album, and I've played it to death. (5 stars)
9) Bones - Great song, old school feel, kind of cool, kind of creepy at the same time. Just reminds me of how deep some people's feelings can be for someone else. I like it but don't love it. (3.5 stars)
10) Watch Me Work - New anthem for the sexy single person. Old school funk sound. Amazing guitars and drums. If I could have theme music played everywhere I went, this would definitely be one of the songs I would choose. This one stands out from the rest of the album. It appeals to both males and females but it is obviously about a woman. (5 stars)
11) Can't Say I Never Loved You - Sounds like a cross between Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat with that ukelele sound. A lot more soulful than those two. Its not an imitation of anyone else but reminds me of other songs I've heard. Great song nonetheless, really cute and carefree. (4 stars)
12) L.O.V.E. (feat. John Legend) - Kind of cheesy hippie-type song. I admire John Legend but I'm not a huge fan. This sounds like his song featuring Melanie Fiona. Its a great song for MLK day but other than that, doesn't do a whole lot for me. (3 stars)
13) 6 AM (feat. T-Pain) - Let me start by saying, I am not a fan of T-Pain in the least. Often, I can't stand his buffoonery or coonish behavior, but for some reason this track works. Understand that the only justification for this song's existence is that it is a continuation of the story of "4 AM", basically when her man finally gets home. It is urban contemporary and auto-tuning (not Melanie) at its finest. Great beat, I could imagine dancing to this in a party, right after they played "4 AM". It is a little ignorant on his part but in the appropriate environment, very enjoyable. (3 stars on this album, 4.5 stars in the club)
BONUS TRACKS:
14) Rock Paper Scissors - Old school feel but a little formulaic. Doesn't strike me as the most original song, guess that's why it is a bonus track. I like it, I just don't love it. Nice beat, slightly cheesy chorus. Lyrics are cool when you catch the concept of the song. (3.5 stars)
15) Can't Do This No More - Nice production, great lyrics, great hook. Don't know why this one is bonus track. I would have replace "Bones" or "L.O.V.E." with this one. (4.5 stars)
16) What Am I To Do - Interesting song. Really like the piano. Doesn't really do anything for me but not a bad song. Maybe a little formulaic. (3.5 stars)
17) Like I Love You - Dancehall reggae classic sound. Absolutely love this song! Makes me wanna go to a reggae party. Don't know why this was a bonus track, just like "Can't Do This No More", could have easily replaced "Bones" or "L.O.V.E.". Great way to end the album. She really embraces her Guyanese roots on this track. It will make you want to get up and dance with someone. (5 stars)
Well, that's my overview of the album. If you enjoy R&B/Soul or good Urban Contemporary, you should pick up this album. Drop a few extra bucks and get the deluxe edition, two of the tracks are definitely worth it, you might also really like the other two.
Peace
Good Job Melanie!
I will be as objective as possible. Yes, she is beautiful but that has no bearing on my opinion toward her music. There are plenty of gorgeous and boring or untalented singers out there. She just happens to be beautiful and talented and soulful.
First off, there isn't a bad track on the album. Every song shows some attention to detail, effort in writing and production. THERE IS NO FILLER HERE! Every song on here is better than the majority of the music released these days. Most artists could only hope to create songs with a fraction of the quality that she puts forth. This is not the greatest album I've ever heard but it would definitely go down as notable and worthy of listening to. I've listened through the whole thing about 8 or 9 times, at this point in time, and I find something new to love about it every time I listen.
I think one of the things that made her last album stand out was its old school feel. She has a more modern sound on this album, although a few songs still reflect an "old soul". She did not sell out, just upgraded. Another quality that she possesses that a number of R&B/Soul artists lack, is the ability to pull off an uptempo song without it sounding forced or corny. She is not restricted to ballads. "Bang Bang" was my favorite song on the first album because it was so rhythmic and authentic.
I was a little nervous initially when I saw all of the rapper cameos on the track listing. Usually when a singer starts to co-mingle their work with rappers, its not good (i.e. Mariah Carey). Surprisingly enough, they all fit well and they all worked for me. Most of the rappers featured, I'm not really a fan of, but they were matched well with their respective songs. There's nothing I hate worse than a rapper cameo that doesn't match the song. Fortunately, they must have all listened to the song lyrics several times before they laid down their tracks. So let me give my opinion track by track:
1) This Time (feat. J. Cole) - All I can say is wow! If this track doesn't grab your attention right off the back, you have no soul! The beat, for lack of a better phrase, "goes hard". The song itself has great lyrics and gets stuck in your head. J. Cole represents on the track and adds to it. On the right sound system, the track is absolutely amazing. Probably my favorite overall. (5 stars)
2) 4 AM - Great song, as most people have already heard. Wasn't crazy about on the radio before but now I love it. Grew on me immensely. The words of the song grabbed me after a while, really captured the emotion. Very unique sound. (5 stars)
3) Break Down These Walls - Could be considered a great folk song. Again great writing and amazing production. I love stringed instruments and piano, so this track has my full attention. The guitar duet at the end of this song is SICK! Even though its a minute and a half, you don't want it to end. Absolutely amazing artistry, like something Kravitz, Santana or Clapton would do. (5 stars)
4) I Been That Girl - Mellow, poignant. This one is for ladies who have been in that not-so-unique situation. Very nice. (4 stars)
5) Wrong Side of A Love Song - Deeply soulful with an old school sound to it. Rich and engaging. Full of emotion. (5 stars)
6) Running (feat. Nas) - Old school uptempo sound. Riding down the street, blasting-out-of-your-car-type track. Nas is no longer one of my favorite rappers but he pulls off an admirable cameo, which adds a lot to the song. He tells the rest of the story that she doesn't have time to do. (4.5 stars)
7) Change the Record (feat. B.O.B.) - You will get sucked in as soon as you hear the opening and then the beat drop. You have to hear it to appreciate it. This contends with "This Time" for hottest beat. And the real surprise was B.O.B. I'm not a huge fan of his but he destroys this track! One of the best cameos I've ever heard. He made an amazing track incredible. Have to listen to this one in the car. (5 stars)
8) Gone and Never Coming Back - If you've ever heard this track, then you know how amazing it is. I wore it out within a week but still love it. I was so impressed with this track when I heard it, that I was afraid that it would be the best track on the album, and overshadow all others. Not the case. If you've never heard it before, then it will probably be your favorite. The only reason that its not still my favorite is because she released it more than 8 months before the rest of the album, and I've played it to death. (5 stars)
9) Bones - Great song, old school feel, kind of cool, kind of creepy at the same time. Just reminds me of how deep some people's feelings can be for someone else. I like it but don't love it. (3.5 stars)
10) Watch Me Work - New anthem for the sexy single person. Old school funk sound. Amazing guitars and drums. If I could have theme music played everywhere I went, this would definitely be one of the songs I would choose. This one stands out from the rest of the album. It appeals to both males and females but it is obviously about a woman. (5 stars)
11) Can't Say I Never Loved You - Sounds like a cross between Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat with that ukelele sound. A lot more soulful than those two. Its not an imitation of anyone else but reminds me of other songs I've heard. Great song nonetheless, really cute and carefree. (4 stars)
12) L.O.V.E. (feat. John Legend) - Kind of cheesy hippie-type song. I admire John Legend but I'm not a huge fan. This sounds like his song featuring Melanie Fiona. Its a great song for MLK day but other than that, doesn't do a whole lot for me. (3 stars)
13) 6 AM (feat. T-Pain) - Let me start by saying, I am not a fan of T-Pain in the least. Often, I can't stand his buffoonery or coonish behavior, but for some reason this track works. Understand that the only justification for this song's existence is that it is a continuation of the story of "4 AM", basically when her man finally gets home. It is urban contemporary and auto-tuning (not Melanie) at its finest. Great beat, I could imagine dancing to this in a party, right after they played "4 AM". It is a little ignorant on his part but in the appropriate environment, very enjoyable. (3 stars on this album, 4.5 stars in the club)
BONUS TRACKS:
14) Rock Paper Scissors - Old school feel but a little formulaic. Doesn't strike me as the most original song, guess that's why it is a bonus track. I like it, I just don't love it. Nice beat, slightly cheesy chorus. Lyrics are cool when you catch the concept of the song. (3.5 stars)
15) Can't Do This No More - Nice production, great lyrics, great hook. Don't know why this one is bonus track. I would have replace "Bones" or "L.O.V.E." with this one. (4.5 stars)
16) What Am I To Do - Interesting song. Really like the piano. Doesn't really do anything for me but not a bad song. Maybe a little formulaic. (3.5 stars)
17) Like I Love You - Dancehall reggae classic sound. Absolutely love this song! Makes me wanna go to a reggae party. Don't know why this was a bonus track, just like "Can't Do This No More", could have easily replaced "Bones" or "L.O.V.E.". Great way to end the album. She really embraces her Guyanese roots on this track. It will make you want to get up and dance with someone. (5 stars)
Well, that's my overview of the album. If you enjoy R&B/Soul or good Urban Contemporary, you should pick up this album. Drop a few extra bucks and get the deluxe edition, two of the tracks are definitely worth it, you might also really like the other two.
Peace
Good Job Melanie!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Nhan Dinh
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
For 3 years, I have been waiting patiently for Melanie Fiona's second album, since falling in love with It Kills Me and Give It To Me Right, and the wait has been worth it. This is one of the greatest Soul/RB album I've had the privilege of owning in a long time. The album has a modern soul beat mixed in with a classic oldies sound. Songs like Running, This Time, and Watch Me Work have me up and dancing while others like Gone and Never Coming Back and Wrong Side of A Love Song pull at the heart strings. The Bridge was a great album, but The MF Life is phenomenal and beyond any sort of expectations I ever had. Melanie Fiona is one of the most genuine, gifted, and talented female vocalists out there today yet still falls under the radar to many music fans. This is one of those albums that will only get better in time. Melanie is the real deal and 2012 belongs to her!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great non thing but the best from my wife
Get the mother lovin cd and live your MF life like I said its a great disk don't get the regular version the deluxe is the way to go the last few songs will be your favorite
Published 7 days ago by imani
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
I really love this album! Melanie Fiona is a talented artist with a great voice! Got this on replay on my iPod.
Published 14 days ago by Courtney Cameron
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice
I can listen. To this album one or twice a week great. Voice, good mix of different song, just a very nice album.
Published 19 days ago by Cedric V. Humphrey
5.0 out of 5 stars
L.o.v.e. is such a great song, words can't express
You know there are those Big hits that an artist is know for but the gold nuggets are deep in some track that never hit the radio. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Just_Shoppin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love
Love Melanie fona! Had to listen to cd a couple of times but now has become one of my favorites
Published 1 month ago by Stephanie B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ms. Fiona
WOW!! Love this album. Ms. MF sings her heart out. I love her voice, the passion, the pain, the joy, all of it you can feel as she belts out note after note.
Published 1 month ago by ltclay23
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
I got this album because I liked Melanie. She didn't disappoint me. Her album is inspiring and recommend it to everyone.
Published 2 months ago by Stealth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
i love melanie Fiona, a great artist.`she is one of my favorite artist. Can't wait for her next album to come out.
Published 2 months ago by Karen. McDaniel
5.0 out of 5 stars
So talented
I'm so glad R&B is back! Melanie Fiona is incredibly talented and I love the beats she uses. Can't wait to hear more!
Published 3 months ago by iluvshooz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is She a new and up coming artist? Or have I been missing out?
Soulful, powerful, tells a great story. Enjoying this over and over. Looking for to more from Melanie Fiona. A must listen.
Published 3 months ago by Shae
Listmania!
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