Customer Reviews

Transition (Deluxe Edition)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The album is GOOD - This is feel good music - NO Profanity, just clean feel good music - Get this album!!! Buy 2!! One for you and give a gift to a friend - If you love the music - buy it, support it, support Ryan Leslie - The industry is messed up, support the good stuff - Lets make it #1!

Well he we are, nine months after the extremely versatile and talented Mr. Ryan Leslie dropped his long awaited debut album in Feb. of 09, and its now November of 09 and hes already delivered his sophomore set, Transition. And while Transition does have a bit of the "Rushed" vibe, it still doubles as a solid follow up to a great debut album, from this longtime R&B producer turned singer/songwriter. The best thing about Transition, compared to his last album is that it sounds a lot more focused. And its kind of ironic how his near classic debut album took approximately four years to record and finally release, and now his sophomore album only took Nine months to record and release with no pushbacks. Thats the definition of being efficient. While Leslies voice isnt grade A, he still knows how to use it effectively without coming off as corny or fake... most of the time anyways. Like on the extremely corny and just flat out embarrassing "Zodiac" and the miserable attempt at a babymaker "All My Love". But most of the time on the album, Leslie's futuristic and sparse production is able to carry the music despite his lackluster vocals in certain areas of the album. Like on the very Neptunish sounding "Something That I Like", Ryan kills the track with his slick flows over a beat that sounds like it could have been pulled right off of Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury album. And "Never Gonna Break Up" has a very dreamy mid tempo beat, complete with Ryan Leslie's signature crooning style of singing, but again its the production that truly shines on this track. But on "Guardian Angel" its Leslie's vocals that shine on the track instead of the beat, even though the beat is pretty good too, its a track that Ryan Leslie actually sounds 100% convincing with his vocals on the track. And on the very futuristic sounding "Sunday Night" Ryan shows us why he is a very in demand producer, despite the song having some weak lyrics. But in order for this album to be truly worth the purchase, go to Best Buy to buy the album because they have a limited edition of the album that has three great bonus tracks, and a honestly kind of lame DVD. But the three bonus tracks are all worth the extra 2 dollars. One of those bonus cuts is the mid tempo ballad "Promise Not 2 Call" which has become one of Ryan Leslies infamous youtube videos, where he produces and records a song while video taping the whole process. If you havent seen that video, youtube it, cuz it's pretty cool. And the very contemporary sounding "Rescue U" is another standout track on the album. But overall, Transition isnt quite as good as his self titled debut album, but it serves as a really solid follow up album. It's nothing truly amazing, but its solid considering how short of a time frame he had to make the album.





Grade:
B-

What can I say? The world is just NOT ready for this musical genius who goes hard at making his music solid, original and unique. I have been a fan since day one when I heard "Addiction" on the radio following "Diamond Girl". Then, I was too outdone when I learned he produced Cassie's "Me & You", Cherri Dennis's hit "I Love You". Finally, he put out his first self-titled album "Ryan Leslie" that should've went platinum. There were some major hits on that album that I am very upset as a fan didn't get the recognition it desereved. But, the world just wasn't ready! Now, my fav underated artist/producer is back with his second album "Transition" and I must say it is a transition from his first one. On this album Ryan is more laid back and taking things slow. I am in love with the infectious "Sunday Night". I am also glad he put awesome "Resuce You" (which is only on the bonus CD). "Your Not My Girl" is a funky moderate track that takes you back to the ol'skool."Zodiac" is another groovy track. Overall, this album it totally different than the first one. But, as a loyal fan I'm gonna say get the album anyway and support this talented man! Next Selection!

Ryan Leslie is a musical genius and one of this generation's shining stars. He and The-Dream stand side by side as phenomenal producers/songwriters/performers. Ryan Leslie has such a unique production style that is unmistakable yet distinct, addictive, and musical. He presents sample free instrumentation and creativity, sufficient singing (face it he isn't exactly Luther Vandross), and excellent thought provoking heartfelt lyrics on his second studio album Transition.

Ryan Leslie makes music that everyone can enjoy and it is one of this world's great mysteries why he isn't a megastar. Without sounding like a crazy person(STAN) everything he touches is great/noteworthy. He can switch between his futuristic R&B landscape to hip hop tracks and down to ballads. He can do it all...a true triple threat in music. The only song I don't like is "NOTHING". All music lovers should definitely purchase this album because it's definitely worth every penny.


*If you bought from BB, you get three bonus tracks WHEN WE DANCE, PROMISE NOT TO CALL, and RESCUE U. Those are just some more Ryan Leslie goodness especially RESCUE U. A DVD accompanies it and although I haven't had a chance to watch it, it features ZODIAC video, some behind the scenes and making of footage and soundchecks. The lyrics are included in the book as well. That along with the music is good incentive for a purchase*

You can't go wrong with Ryan Leslie. His beats/flow are excellent. This entire album is a very good body of work. It's one of those driving on a summer night with the windows down with your lady type albums. I would highly recommend!

TRANSISTION, while not as ground-breaking as his debut release, still has enough power and style to make him stand out as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B game. Maybe I'm just a little jaded due to the first album taking me by storm, because I just didn't expect to hear such a variety of talent come out of him, but this second release was a little toned down for me. Still, he shows enough strength in his craft to warrent a 3rd release in the future.

Intorduced to the artist on the show. Liked his sounds and placed my order. Very pleasing + DVD. I am very pleased.

This man is talented, he will soon start getting the praise a talent like his deserves. This CD overall is another great one from him, his sound is different than anyone else out there, which is why I like his music to begin with. Definitely worth it, if you are thinking about buying this one

I was eagerly awaiting the release of this album after being totally enamored with the self titled debut album of Ryan Leslie. I must say that I am not dissapointed. Although I still think that "Ryan Leslie" is a better album than "Transition", I'm very happy with the production on this album as well. Although Leslie is not the greatest vocalist, what lacks in vocal range, he more than makes up for it in prodution and lyrics. The beats on here have an authentic r&b sound without sounding "dated". My favorite songs would have to be "you're not my girl", "Sunday Night", and "Never Gonna Break Up". "Transition" is soulful and refreshing.

Every since I heard Diamond Girl, I have been hooked. I love Ryan Leslie. His music is some good driving around and riding music that gets you in a good mood. I love the horns, the arrangements, his voice. He seriously makes you want to jam, while listening to that music. I wish I could see more of his videos. I play both CD's and just enjoy my long drive from work. His first CD was so hot, and then to follow up with another great CD, shows that he is an amazing artist. I still think he is so under-rated.