Another Level

Blackstreet

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 10, 1996)
• Original Release Date: September 10, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B000001Y2B
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,767 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Back in 1990, Teddy Riley was just as influential a producer as Babyface is now--maybe even more so, because Riley had invented a whole new sound, a combination of soul harmonies, rap breaks, and hip-hop beats called new jack swing. Riley is still a gifted producer; he can link up drum-machine beats, synthesizer chords, and voices so they make the maximum impact with the minimum presence, giving his work a sleek leanness. Riley was never much of a songwriter, though, and the R&B melodies and bedroom scenarios on Another Level, the second album by his group Blackstreet, all sound recycled. It's no coincidence that the two strongest tracks are a lush ballad rearrangement of the old Beatles rocker "Can't Buy Me Love" and a Winans-like version of the DeBarge hymn "Time Will Reveal." --Geoffrey Himes

Product Description

Limited Edition Includes a Bonus CD with CD-ROM Tracks plus No Diggity (Jungle Mix), Don't Leave (Goodbye Remix), Fix (Lislee Mix). --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mission: Possible, March 13, 2002

By	Anthony Rupert "shut up, Shut Up, SHUT UP!!!" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

After seeing the video for "No Diggity" on MTV, people might have been scratching their heads and wondering, Who are the new guys? What happened to Dave Hollister and Levi Little? Well, the new guys are Eric Williams and Mark Middelton. As for what happened to, Dave Hollister started a successful solo career on Def Soul, and Levi Little apparently turned into an M.I.A. Some people may be skeptical about the revolving door concept, but let me tell you, in this case it works.

This album is arguably one of the best albums of the `90s. The dope vocals combined with Teddy Riley's production and computer work shows great results. Teddy may be the founder of the group, but when it comes to singing, Mark is the dominating one. He brings it home with smooth songs like "Never Gonna Let You Go" (talking about renewed love) and feel-good songs like "Happy Song." But the other members contribute as well. There are dope fast songs like the Grammy-winning "No Diggity" (where everyone has a place in the song), not to mention "Fix" and "I'll Give It To You." Then, of course, there are slow jams like the aforementioned (and catchy) "Never Gonna Let You Go," as well as "Let's Stay In Love" and their remake of The Beatles' "(Money Can't) Buy Me Love."

You can't even go wrong with the interludes on this album. Teddy lets his daughters shine on "Deja's Poem" and "Taja's Lude," "My Paradise" is a nice short song that would sound great a capella, and "Motherlude" showcases touching testimonies from each of their mothers. There's even a radio interview found in "BLACKstreet (On The Radio)," where Teddy states that BLACKstreet, not Guy, is in his heart. (After hearing Guy III, don't you wish he followed his heart?)

The intro, like many intros, gives us a taste of what they have in store for us. Still, most people won't be prepared for an album this good. Do yourself a favor and get it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Level is where u will be after hearin this..tight!, April 16, 2000

By	I.B. (Westampton, NJ) - See all my reviews

This cd was the best cd that blackstreet ever did. Their first cd was good and it had lot of songs that I think people would be suprised to know that they remade...and made it better. This cd is no different and they take it to another level no doubt with every song. No diggty became a new slang after they droped it with Dre and Queen Pen(who lays down a tight verse on this track) and that song is still good listening to it now. Every song flows into the next and makes it hard to think about even pressin the skip button. They mixed in Jazz and hip/hop[ with everytrack. A good example is the intro. The Song "no diggity" reminds me of down south ..like in one of those movies where they showning the old days where people was pickin cotton..listen to the beginning........"Um hmmmmm....Gotta get doown Good Lawd..etc." Other good tracks: (the whole cd)I can't think of any track here thats not worth listening to. Their latest album wasen't as good but this one will always be their best. Teddy just keeps bringing the hits and with this he takes it to another level.

Don't sleep on this...get it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TEDDY IS THE MAN., April 5, 2003

By	FunkyBeats (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This is a fine CD of great R&B songs, especially the slow jams. Has some old school flava and has some contemporary urban edge too. Street and slick, great arrangements and production by Teddy "Street" Riley (Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat, Hi-Five, Today, Guy) and great vocals throughout this disc led by Chauncey "Black" Hannibal with special guests; producer Tommy Sims and string arranger Jeremy Lubbock. This is not a new CD but all the songs are still fresh today. Stands the test of time. Well worth the bucks.