Customer Reviews

Timeless Journey

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Really impressed with this latest offering from Patti Labelle. Miss Patti is back! This is her first new album since 2000's Diane Warren collection WHEN A WOMAN LOVES. There's a variety of different musical styles throughout this set of songs, from classic R&B and soul, to lite hip hop, gospel, and more. At 60, she is sounding absolutely astounding! The first single is the urban flavored "New Day", which is a nice positive song. "Unpredictable" is a favorite, a gospel flavored song that samples Nelly Furtado's "Turn off the Lights", the sample works well in favor for this song! "2 Steps Away" is my favorite ballad, not only does she blow you away with her vocals, but the lyrics are quite captivating as well. "Not Right But Real" is another good ballad. There's some midtempo songs that are good as well such as "More Than Material", "It's Time", and "Good Lovin". "Something More" and "Sometimes Love" are other highlights, not to mention "Hear My Cry" (featuring Floetry), which is another great song. There isn't really a dud anywhere on this disc, just a great Patti Labelle album start to finish!

I am a huge Patti Labelle fan and have bought most of her releases. The few who might be unfamiliar with her, MUST buy her greatest hits CD, which was released on MCA in 1996. It's a 5-star release and a great point of departure for the casual fan, but let's move onto Timeless Journey, which is her first release on the Island Def Jam Music Group label.

Just when I thought had gotten my arms around where Patti was heading musically, she goes on to release her best CD since 1991's "Burnin'," which is amazing as I thought that 1997's "Flame" was as good as it was going to get for Patti, as most artists with her amazing history have either resorted to releasing staid laid back adult contemporary music, or failed miserably by allowing their record companies to pair them with the latest rap star to generally produce a general mess.
I don't even know where to begin in reviewing this CD, as it's simply perfect. This 60 year-old goddess not only can out sing her younger imitators, but has surprisingly released a CD that is more current than current without for one second letting you forget that you are listening to Miss Patty. All the songs are perfect and Patti seamlessly travels through neo-soul, hip-hop, gospel, and even Latin grooves and it all fits like a glove. My favorite so song ("Unpredictable") is a gospel gem that on paper could have been a mess as it samples Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off The Light," but unlike most samples this one enhances and moves the song to places that you never see coming. This song should have been the first single, but since singles are not sales drivers these days, her new label can be forgiven. You could hear this song over and over and over (as I have) and find it even better with each listen.

Other favorites are ALL, but the lead off song "More Than Material" is a mid-tempo gem that addresses her past outrageous outfits/hair styles. I am generally not a fan of mid-tempo as I like it slow and/or jumping, but the lead off as well "It's Time," Sometimes Love" work because of the arrangements and a voice that sounds as powerful yet controlled as ever. The first single of this release "New Day," basically serves Miss Patti positive attitude no matter what happens and although there are even more radio-friendly songs, this one reflects why she's been and will be able to enjoy a timeless journey. Her voice on "Something More" starts off "relatively" restrained and she knocks it out of the ballpark even before the VOICE takes over.

`Hear My Cry" has Patti working with Floetry and the results are pure Patti with a little British seasoning that actually enhances the song, instead of taking it over. "2 Steps Away," my second favorite song (although too close to my favorite to call), has Patti soaring vocally over a sparse strings arrangement that may become one of her signature songs. The lyrics just grab you but you know that no matter how painful something is, Patti will pick herself up. Strings also dominate "Finally Got The Nerve" but it has a hip-hop/neo-soul feel that make this song quite special. If no one had never heard of Patti Labelle, critics would be knocking themselves over writing about neo-soul's next "it" girl. The CD ends with "When You Smile" and before I heard it, I was doubtful that I would like it as it's a collaboration with Carlos Santana and many others, but although upon hearing it, you will immediately know that Carlos' guitar is the driving force of this song, there is enough Patti to make me like it. It's the only song that I am still ambivalent about, but I don't remember buying a CD in recent years that I find as consistently tight as this one.

I still can't get over how good this CD is. It may be the very best of her career at a point when other treasures are either losing relevance or are totally ignored commercially. If you are a Patti fan, buying this is a no brainer, as it without a doubt a 5-star release (which I give few off for non-greatest hits collections) that is priced to buy. Instead of retailing at a mind-blowing $18.99, it was release to retail at $13.98 and you can find it much cheaper in other outlets.
If you are too young to know much about Patti Labelle, she has a soaring voice and can match or put to shame many of the younger "divas" (that word is way too overused theses days) who I am sure must have listened to Patti along the way. Not to put any other singers down, but if you liked the remake of Patti's "Lade Marmalade" by Pink, Mia, Christina, and Lil' Kim, listen to the original if you want to pipes that have withstood time. The only quibble I have with this CD is totally irrelevant, but I wish that Patti's picture on the CD itself was of the same high quality as those in the insert. Patti is so beautiful inside and out, and the print just does not cut it. But having said that, I can't complain as even though this CD is priced to sell, the inserts are very good and include detailed lyrics and pictures. I hope that this release sells like hotcakes as although Patti has never gone away, this release sounds like an arrival!

Okay, so I'm listening to some of my favorite Patti CDs this week, and I think to myself, "I wonder what Patti's up to?" So I happen to search the Internet and found that she had an album being released that very day. So, I go out on my lunch break and buy it, and it turns out to be one of the best music purchases I've made in a long while.

At 60, Patti is one of the few performers who can compete with today's Pop/Hip-Hop Divas. Her voice never seems to age, she remains beautiful, and has an amazingly joyous spirit about her, which comes through in the passion she puts into her music. "Timeless Journey" is probably the most consistent of all of Patti's albums. The sound is smooth R&B, with a definite hip-hop influence. But, this is not your Mama's music - this is a true soul diva doing what she does best and giving the younger talent a run for their money.

The first track, "More Than Material," sets the tone for an album of the love and empowerment of a strong woman. Coming with a message of strength and self-awareness, she tells us "Don't judge me by what I buy or wear. Judge me by my heart, because I'm so much more than material." "New Day" is a definite up-tempo soul gem, as is "Good Lovin'," (one of my favorites) which brings to mind ol' school Mary J. Blige or Faith Evans. "Something More" and the Babyface penned "Sometimes Love" are smooth, passionate tunes that showcase Patti's vocal skills perfectly. Other standout tracks are "Mm, Mm, Mm," (another favorite) "2 Steps Away," and ""Finally Got the Nerve."

I can't say enough about this album. It is the perfect mix of smooth, seductive songs, and up-tempo "head bobbers." If you are a Patti fan, get it. If you don't know Patti's music (shame on you, where have you been), get it. It'll be the perfect introduction, and will make you crave her other work.

1. More Than Material-4 of 5 star- nice beat, mid tempo, very radio-friendly
2. It's Time-4 of 5- great background vocals. Show him you're for real. A like the melody.
3. New Day- 4 star- the first single. great song. gets better with each listen.
4. Something More-4 star- similar to Somebody Loves You Baby, but a bit more nuance. Great song.
5. Sometimes Love-4 stars- Babyface. maybe 2nd single. Slow ballad again.
6. Hear My Cray- 5 star- I love Floetry, so I was gonna love this. Beautiful song. Slow, deliberate and amazing. My #3.
7. Good Lovin'- 3 stars. nothing wrong with it, just not a lot of punch. Very basic raadio friendly.
8. Mm, Mm, Mm-3 stars- just an okay song. Patti's vocals are flawless of course, but doesn't have enough of an arc for me.
9.Not Right but Real-4 of 5- My friend loves it, so I give it 4 stars. Vocals again are great. Another ballad
10. 2 Steps Away- 5 star- The masterpice of this cd. Acoustic guitar. It builds and builds and builds to an explosive ending. Her vocals are amazing. From a whisper to full throttle. And, yes, that one note is amazing. I listen to this over and over. Worth the whole cd.
11. Finally Got The Nerve- 3 stars- sounds like a not so good Kiss Away the Pain- it is okay, but not my favorite.
12.Unpredicatable- 5 star-great current sound. Great vocals. I love this song
13. When You Smile-5 star-different for Patti. a Latin beat. Santana on it. GREAT. my #2 on the cd.

OVERALL, it is great. Deserves to be a multi-platinum. If they let her do a video, it would be nice. Still #18 on Billboard is a great debut at 59 yrs young.
I would have loved a couple more mid tempo tunes, but I love it. Listen to it every day so far.

Today's music industry is filled with many artists who have been around for five or six years at best. And while some of them may continue succsess for another 10 years, most will be footnotes in the book of history. Every now and then, there are artists that survive time, public opinion, and invalidation. Patti LaBelle is one such artist. Her first hit came in the early 1960s and has had her share of issues. Amazingly, however, she's had hits in every decade since. And with this latest release, has shown that not only is she still valid as an artist, but she fully understands the direction of today's music.

Timeless Journey is far and beyond the best album the Diva has ever released. She signed with a new label and has undertaken a new attitude. Timeless Journey has a very "with-it" feel while still feeling very appropriate for the 60 year old entertainer. She worked with many of today's hottest producers and writers, even dabbling in writing herself, to produce a true masterpiece.

Timeless Journey is one of the rare cds that is flawless from beginning to end. The first single and third track on this album, "New Day", has become the "New Attitude" of the 21st Century and is uplifting and upbeat. The first track, and sure to be a single, "More Than Material", finds Ms. Patti telling off man saying she's more than just her possessions with lines like, "You keep talking 'bout my hair, but this hair don't give you lovin'." On the absolutely beautiful "Something More", Patti tells her man that while he might be a good guy, she needs more to stay in the relationship. Ms. Patti teams with the hot group Floetry for the heartfelt "Hear My Cry". With the tear-jerker "2 Steps Away" Patti shows just how versitile she is. On a track that is essentially a guitar, some violins and her amazing vocal instrument, the Diva delivers one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard from any other artist ever. There's a hint of gospel in the track "Unpredictable" which takes a sample of Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off the Lights". The last track on this album is a tribute to the late Latin Patti, Celia Cruz, and is an upbeat, beautiful song. Patti had Sheila E. and Carlos Santana join her on the track and ensured a soon to be smash hit.

Timeless Journey is the album that will define this phenomanal performer. There is no such thing as a bad song on this album. Her vocals have been produced to the point of perfection without a lot of the usual vocal acrobatics typical of LaBelle albums. Every note, every inflection, every run is with a purpose is just right for the song. If you've always been on the fence about Patti and never felt that her albums were worth the cash, it's time to pull out the checkbook. Fan or not, you HAVE TO HAVE THIS CD! This is the cd that will explain the secrets of Ms. Patti's longevity in a "love 'em and leave 'em" business. You won't be sorry, I promise!

Where do I start.........I've been a fan of Patti's for as long as I can remember and while I don't have every single album by Patti, I was excited to hear that she was coming out with another album and hopefully a tour will follow. This album is more than material, it's a pure masterpiece. Of course one of my favorites are the lead single New Day, but that's not the song that stands out as far as I'm concern. Patti's exquisite and genius use of strings on Finally got the Nerve and 2 Steps away are extrodinary. I've played the violin since I was a little girl so anything with strings is a winner as far as I'm concern. And just when you think you've heard your favorite song on this CD, Patti hits you with another favorite. I simply love Unpredictable and Hear My Cry. With albums like this, it's no wonder that Patti has been around since my mom was a teen, through my adult life and probably long enough for my children to admire her music. In a industry with so many people competing for that top spot, everyone has to wait behind Ms. Patti, because she isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Although I always loved certain Patti songs- "If Only You Knew", "You Are My Friend", "On My Own", "Winner In You", and "I Love, Need, And Want You" I was a fan of her old stuff, mainly because it reminds me of my Childhood and my Grandma loved Her "I'm In Love Again" album and played it ALOT...But then, recently I was talking to a friend who also loves music , like I do raved about a song called "Two Steps Away" and kept saying that it is a hot song...Needless to say I wanted to hear it and asked who made it, he answered Patti Labelle... I said, Patti Labelle??? Needless to say that he played the song... "Two Steps Away" Has three elements that I think make a killer song: A great voice (Which She Rips it up vocally with depth and emotion as well as great attention to making the listener feel included as if she's bearing her heart to you.)Strings-I'm a Sucker for strings, and an Acoustic Guitar- because it's a simple instrument that can convey emotion too!!!! Then I listened to the rest of the CD I truly learned a few things... to NEVER count anyone out!!! AGE MEANS NOTHING, that A 60 year old woman can succeed with creating a more contemporary CD without trying to being contemporary. More contemporary than people half her age... I think this is why "Timeless Journey" is arguably Patti's best CD pound for pound since "Winner In You" almost two decades ago. I haven't enjoyed an entire heard Cd that was brand new in at least ten years...This Entire Cd is truthfully AWESOME, and I'm excited for Patti because I honestly believe that although she is already a Superstar, I still believe that she is one of the most underrated singers in music...With this Cd, she proves that no matter how old you are that you can still make your best material, that's fresh, innovative, and like the title states- "Timeless"...And for the record, this Is More of a Pop Cd than a R+B CD.. This has to be said because most record labels like to place every legendary Veteran Black Music Legend in that category...This is a cd for ANYONE who is into good music without age limits or restrictions...Patti Labelle just gained another fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do your thing Patti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

first and foremost i'd like to say that i have not heard anything from patti since flame that i could listen to from beginning to end. but this cd is it. what i like most is that patti is doing something different. very different. it's called GROWING. she's not trying to fit in or be the next brittany...she's experiencing and expanding. we all do this, hopefully. wouldn't we want the same for her? if she were to do the same music over and over it would get old very quickly. that said....i must point out a few selections that definitely stand out......to me!

more than material is the bomb. love the groove.
new day is pleasant with great vocals.
something more does just that...makes me want more.
2 steps away is phenomenal
when you smile brings one.

over all i love the cd. i've listened to it everyday since...actually several times. it's definitely worth the bucks. try it...if u don't like it u could always send it me.

A new album, a new label, GREAT songs. A little R&B, a little Hip Hop, and patti's vocals, IT WORKS! Go on with your Diva Self, Patti girl, you got it going on. I love this album. My favorite favorite song on this album is A New Day, I'm just coming out of a tough time in my life, and when I first heard this song, I heard the dance version on spiritofhouse.com which I have to say is absolutely amazing and will definitley be a club anthem, especially in the gay clubs. The song and the lyrics got me through that tough time. Thank you, Patti. Ms Labelle can do no wrong, don't think about getting the album, GET the album, you won't reqret it. Every Patti album is always better than the next, it's no wonder she has longevity in this business. Go on girl!! Work it Mama!! Now, Teena Marie is coming out with her new album May 11th, when is Ms Patti Labelle and Teena Marie going to do another duet together? Your No. 1 Fan in Las Vegas....

I love Patti's new album "Timeless Journey." She still can sing the more challenging songs, whatever is given to her. The uptempo numbers, she's still great at, especially the funky, slinky, "New Day", "More Than Material" and some other songs. The ballads are fabulous and she still tears it up on them! Although she went to young producers and musicians for this effort, they stayed back and let it be a Patti album! I love the last song and her tribute to the late Celia Cruz, one of her best friends. She even got Carlos Santana, my girl Sheila E and some other artists to perform on it. Her singing still possesses the soul and spirit that has made her a star for some 40+ years! Although she did this album at 59, she makes being 60 very glamorous and upbeat! You keep saanging it, Patti!!!!!