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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Blackstreet's Rather Impressive Debut..., April 1, 2003
As soon as I'd finished watching the now classic "New Jack City" I knew I had to head to the nearest music store and ask just how to get hold of some material by Blackstreet. The movie previewed the opening track from the album to the world, and as soon as the drums kicked it, you couldn't help but be moved by the track.Buying an album on the strength of a single track isn't always the best approach, but in this case it was more than worth it. At first listen one could be forgiven for being a little disappointed, but over a number of listens you really do begin to appreciate the music on show here. The only point where the album falters a little is as it approaches Track 10. The transition between the New Jack Swing of the opening tracks and the slower ballad ended up being awkward, but this can be forgiven, given that once Track 12 drops, that fall off seems like a distant memory. "You Blow My Mind" is ridiculously infectious, and one of their best works even after 3 more Blackstreet albums. "Confession" is a beautifully sensual song, bearing an eerie resemblance to Alexander O Neal's "Sunshine", not that it could ever be a bad thing. The new era R&B fan may also recognise "Tonight's The Night" as using the same sample as the Michael Jackson "Butterflies Remix" with Eve, in fact the beat is almost identical, which simply goes to show how timeless this music is. Admittedly in these times, the album sounds a tad dated due to the early 90s drums that Teddy Riley used to craft the backdrop of this album, although this is a lot less noticeable with the ballads. So for those simply stuck on the latest R&B sounds, purchasing this may not be the best idea if you're looking for a short term fix. However, this is the music that inspired most of the R&B music that is heard today, in fact, The Neptunes were proteges of Teddy Riley, and we all know how much work they've put in this past 2 years. If you do want to become acquainted with the history of the music you love, or like myself you have grown up hearing countless hours of R&B, then this an essential purchase. Highlight Tracks "Baby Be Mine", "You Blow My Mind", "Falling In Love Again", "Tonight's The Night"
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