R Kelly - R.

A double disc may seem indulgent after barely a decade in the biz, but after meandering through the commercial minefields of innocent fun (1992's Born into the '90s), pure raunch (1993's 12 Play), and pop crossover (1995's R. Kelly), Kelly has come close to the perfect mix--and if it takes two discs to do so, why not? There are still moments of indulgence (the forced theatrics of "The Opera"), and the occasional venture into mediocrity ("Did You Ever Think?"), but the sheer funk of tracks like "Home Alone" (a head-bobber featuring Keith Murray) and "Dollar Bill" (featuring--surprise!--Foxy Brown) allows you to overlook such cracks in the formula. Other bit players in this star vehicle include Cam'Ron, Noreaga, Jay-Z, Nas, and (yes) Celine Dion. --Rebecca Wallwork Amazon.com

R. Kelly - R.

This was the album that launched the man we now call, The King Of R&B, into that category. This album was the album where they rolled out the red carpet for him to the grammys and said, "Congratulations, u are now part of the R&B Kingdom". Before R., R Kelly was good, but he still wasnt a super star, or considered the best. But, after this legendary double disc, and a pair of grammys, he started to be reffered as the King of R&B. And to this day he still is called that, because he is untouchable. But the thing that really helped this album,... was Space Jam lol! That movie was a huge hit, and R. Kelly had a song on that soundtrack called "I Believe I Can Fly" which is now know around the world as one of the most uplifting R&B songs ever created. That song and movie alone ushered him into superstardom. Everyone and their mom knows IBICF. And then two years after that movie, he released R. And it was a huge album. Its not flawless, but it is very strong. Of the 29 songs, i would say your probably gonna get at least 10-15 you will like. This was still while R&B, was true R&B. "If I'm Wit You" is a mid tempo love song where Kells tells his woman, hes all she needs. Then there is the great summer track "Only The Loot Can Make Me Happy" which is just so laid back, its one of those feel good tracks that you will find yourself singing hours after you listened to it. Then there is the more futuristic club song "VIP" where R. Kelly croons over a sampled mid tempo beat. I mean, like i said this album is not flawless, but it is definetly worth buying and its one of the best offerings Kells has. A great classic album!


Grade:
B+ May 3, 2008

CLASSIC SERIES

Just decided to put together an R Kelly collection. Not an ultimate fan, but, the guy every now and again comes up with a song I can get into. This cd offers a couple. February 14, 2008

good but not great

I rated this album a 4 instead of a 5 because it is a good album but did not live up to all the hype that i had heard about it. One thing I didnt like is all the filler songs, they arent bad songs they just sound like remixed versions of themselves after a while. To me the stand out songs include Half on a baby, When a woman's fed up, Get up on a room, Suicide, Etcetera, VIP, 2nd kelly, and Down low double life. This album also includes the hits like I believe I can fly, I'm you're angel, and If I could turn back the hands of time. And I actually do like the little interlude The Opera. With that said this album could have easily been cut down to a single disc. Another thing that I don't like is the order that the songs were placed in. In 2nd Kelly he says "break you off some of this computer lovin" And at the end says "yall must be trippin on me, I wanna go half on a baby" And then in the song Half on a baby he says" since computer love, been wantin to set it off". Maybe its just me, maybe I've heard too many concept albums, but I think the song 2nd Kelly should come before Half on a baby. But instead Half on a baby is on the 1st disc and 2nd Kelly is on the 2nd disc. Oh well. Either way it is a good album and if you are a real R Kelly fan I recommend this album. If you like the hits I would just buy the R in R & B collection. November 28, 2007

This album was the pinnicle of R. Kelly's illustrious career

This is truly "Kelly's Masterpiece" as one candid reviewer said. Starting out as a 'softcore' rapper in the early 90's, Kelly was quickly picked up by the media after his fiasco with his protege, the late Aaliyah. In later years, after both artists gained fame, Kelly came out with his third album that boosted his likelihood into a R&B superstar. Then, merely 2 years later, he comes out with this album, possibly his greatest achievement as well as one of the best R&B albums.

Disc 1

1. Home Alone (ft. Keith Murray) - 8/10

Very popular in the radio during the late 90's, this is a mid-stellar single showcasing Kelly's ability to share the spotlight with a rapper and producing a decent party jam.

2. Spending Money - 7/10

Equal to 'Money Makes The World Go Round' on Disc 2, this song displays Kelly's exploits on women desiring money.

3. If I'm Wit You - 7/10

Very calm song with repeated lyrics from 'Don't Put Me Out'. Nontheless, you can listen to the first verse and skip.

4. Half On A Baby - 10/10

This is Disc 1's best single. The lyrics are very deep, imaginative and soulful.

5. When A Women's Fed Up - 8/10

Classic. Sounds a bit like 'Half On A Baby' though.

6. Get Up On A Room - 6/10

7. We Ride (ft. Cam'Ron, Noreaga, Jay-Z & Vegas Cats) - 8/10

8. The Opera - 9/10

9. The Interview (ft. Suzanne LeMignot) - 8/10

10. Only Loot Can Make Me Happy - 8/10

11. Don't Put Me Out - 8/10

12. Suicide - 7/10

13. Etcetera - 7/10

14. If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time - 9/10

15. What I Feel/Issues - 9/10

Overall - 9.0/10
Best Songs - Half On A Baby & The Opera

Disc 2

1. The Chase - 7/10

2. V.I.P - 6/10

3. Did You Ever Think - 8/10

4. Dollar Bill (ft. Foxy Brown) - 7/10

5. Reality - 7/10

6. 2nd Kelly - 8/10

7. Ghetto Queen (ft. Crucial Conflict) - 6/10

8. Down Low Double Life - 8/10

9. Looking For Love - 9/10

10. Dancing With A Rich Man - 9/10

11. I'm Your Angel (ft. Celine Dion) - 10/10

12. Money Makes The World Go Round - 9/10

13. I Belive I Can Fly - 9/10

Overall - 8/10
Best Songs - I'm Your Angel, Dancing With a Rich Man & I Believe I Can Fly

That is my candid review of every track. I've purchased this double disc in 2001 from Amazon and was pleased since. I've been a long-time R. Kelly fan and happy to say that this was, is and always will be his best work. I urge anyone who doesn't have this album to purchase it, as it is a limited edition.

April 6, 2006

THE KING OF R&B ..RETAINS HIS TITLE!!!

WELL IT SEEMS LIKE, PEOPLE DISSING MY BOY ..BUT I HAVE TO COME TO THE DEFENSE ..THE "R" ALBUM IS THE GREATEST ALBUM HE HAS DONE ..WITHOUT FAR R KELLY IS A GENIUS ..AND THIS ALBUM PROVES IT, NOT ONLY CAN HE WRITE ..BUT VERY TALENTED AS WELL ...KEEP DOING UR THANG ......R March 8, 2006

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