R. Kelly - R. Kelly

R. Kelly's third album indicates that he's got the range and the staying power of an R&B great. More importantly, it's the album where the libidinous stage persona of R. and his creator Robert finally come together, offering a glimpse of the man behind the libido. Kelly plays almost every instrument on the 16 tracks himself, delivering subtle variations of his laid-back rhythm and gently pulsing bass with lush walls of sound constructed from synthesized strings, keyboards and marimbas. At first listen, the melodies seem lazy and indistinct, but the hooks are sly and insidious, and they work their way into your subconscious. Kelly's voice is what keeps you coming back until they register. A sweet and supple instrument, it caresses the curves in the arrangements, stretching from a throaty whisper to an croon to a magnificent soaring wail. He's also made strides beyond the more misogynous impulses of the earlier records. Predecessors from Marvin Gaye to Prince have believed that there's nothing more spiritual than really great sex, and R. Kelly is makeout music that ranks with the very best. --Jim DeRogatis Amazon.com

Love this album.

This album is good to start to finnish. This is one of r. kelly best albums. May 14, 2008

Probably One of His More Mature Albums

Like it may've already been stated in another review, "This is probably one R. Kelly's more mature work," especially considering this is after 12 Play, This is probably my favorite album by him, because as a whole, it's a real good album, not just a few major singles, then the rest my be just mediocre, I'll admit there were some that I wasn't really fawned of, but there were more pluses, than minuses. As many of us already know, probably the most popular song off of hear, and most played video, Down Low (Nobody Has to Know) but there were other good songs...

Here were some of the stand-out songs for me...

starting off, you have, "Hump Bounce," it's a pretty good party song, I remember it being used on an episode of "Moesha," called, "Sixteen," but in my opinion it's not one of the best songs. Moving to the next song you have, "Not Gonna Hold On," I would have to say this is probably my favorite on here, "a nice simple, laid back beat, with mature lyrics about a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. In You Remind Me of Something, R. Kelly is trying to find a simile best suited for his girl, with reminders of "Cars," "Bank," and "Sound," the lyrics tend not to be classy, but I thought the song was good. Another one of my favorites, would have to be track 5, "Step In My Room," this time around R. Kelly uses more range, the lyrics and the music just seem to go together so well. Another slower song is track 6, "Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby," where he gives thanks to his woman for making him better, as far as lyrics, I think I like "Not Gonna Hold On," better but I love the beat. There were also so some other good ones like, I Can't Sleep Baby (If I), Down Low (Nobody Has to Know), "Thank God, It's Friday," etc. And the only song with a featured artist is, "(You To Be) Be Happy," which features the late Biggie Smalls, I just want to make this a right to the point review... So if your interested in mid 90's R&B, *1995* to be exact, then I would say you should get, and if your fawned of R. Kelly's maturer music.
November 10, 2007

VERY POOR SERVICE

I still haven't received this item and I would not recommend this company to anyone! August 15, 2007

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

Who can make a CD better than Kells? This is an oldie but as with all of them its a goodie..... July 27, 2007

One of R.Kelly's best

I remember hearing this cd at the age of 12. My older sister had the album and I loved it then, but heard it with different ears. Now, I am no longer in my youth, but I am in my 20's and this cd still is one of my favourites! This has to be up there with 12 Play, another one of R.Kelly's good album's. He is still one of the leading rnb singers around. His voice is magic on this album and the songs...you can definitely relate to! My friend, who doesn't listen to much rnb, bought this cd also. May 8, 2007

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