Okay, I haven't slept on Jaheim, I just never bought his music until last week. When his first CD came out a good friend called me from overseas to tell me Jah was "da truth" and I needed to run out and buy the Cd, but I wasn't interested in anything with the title "ghetto" in it, so I slept, and slept, until I heard "Anything" featuring NEXXT (sp?). I LOVEDEDED this song! Still didn't buy the CD, I just sat back and watched to see what turn his career would take. Would he succomb to the music business and have all of what makes him "Jah" sucked out of him, and disappear to the bottom of some record company's roster, or would he be humble enough to listen to his elders and peers and accept constructive criticism, to be groomed for the big shoes left by Luther Vandross. I am SO proud to see it was the latter. I agree with those who say in order for him to gain a larger fan base there needs to be more creative lyrical content, but for those who love the ghetto, this is another classic. I love the stories told in Have You Ever, Make a Wish, and Back together again. The music production could be better but there is definitely a MAN in the making! From here on out Jaheim could sing the ABC song and put it on a record and I'd buy it! :-) I'm excited about the new Voice of R&B. Many Blessings!
April 30, 2008Jaheim's back! I've been waiting for a while for this album to hit the set and I love it. I am a die hard R&B fan and to me Jaheim is one of those artists that can do no wrong. Its a shame because all of his albums have been wonderful. The only problem is Jaheim does not get the commercial success that he deserves. Not only is he gorgeous and has a style of his own, but he has a voice to die for. I just bought his lastest CD "Makings of a Man" and I haven't stop listening to it yet. Theres not to many albums where every song on it is bangin' put this one is. People need to stop sleeping on Jaheim and give him the recognition he deserves.
March 31, 2008Prior to hearing Jaheim on a national morning radio show, I would not have considered purchasing his new CD The Makings of a Man.
My memory of Jaheim was not the fondest. He seemed like he was pretty bitter about some stuff in previous albums. I always thought he was a good singer, but just kind of angry. Well, my attitude towards him has changed.
This album is wonderful. There are only two songs that I occasionally skip over while listening. I'm so glad I purchased it.
Jaheim has truly become a man. Way to go!
March 31, 2008I own most of Jaheim's music and this man never releases a bad album. When he records an LP, he obviously brings his A-game because one can hear it in his voice: He is focused when he sings and he means every word he belts out. He is one of the best male artists of today, easily. Why? Foremost, because he has a beautiful tenor singing voice and knows just how to use it. He does not over-sing and he stays on key so well! "The Makings of A Man" is one of the best albums of 2007 because it is consistent and there are some great tunes on this album. Most of the songs are mid-tempo and about women and relationships. Also, there are twelve songs so the album is not too short and not lengthy either.
Jaheim will find some way to tell you that he is a reformed thug on each and every album. I know he is serious, but it's a little funny that he feels the need to continually remind us. This time, his thug story is found on "Life of A Thug." He exposes some of the malicious things he did during that juncture in his life, and if you listen closely, he was a pretty bad guy. This song is nicely produced; I particularly like the horns. Also, the hook gives it replay value. "She Ain't You" and "Voice of R&B" are great tracks. Vocally, he does a splendid job. The lyrics are meaningful, especially to Jaheim fanatics. He informs his listeners that he is very important to the genre of music called R&B, and he is. Keyshia Cole is my boo and she did well on "I've Changed", but that is one of the weakest songs on the album. The song is average at best. The hook isn't too good and neither are the lyrics or the production. Jaheim has included quite a few songs about his mother on his albums. Here, we have a song called "Back Together Again." This heartfelt number has an emotional Jaheim singing about how his parents are united in heaven. It's a lovely moment on the album.
I hope I have convinced you to pick this album up, download it from iTunes, do SOMETHING! I enjoyed it all the way through. Be advised, this is a laid back album. There aren't any dance tracks, just ballads and mid-tempos, but truly worth your time. 4 shining stars.
Mikeisha's Top 5
1. "Just Don't Have a Clue"
2. "Back Together Again"
3. "Life of a Thug"
4. "What You Think of That"
5. "Lonely"
March 29, 2008if you've heard "never" already then only purchase if you are a die hard fan. the verses in his songs are too wordy and burdensome on the ear to maximize the potential of his voice, like more flowing type verses with highs and lows would. and the inner struggle of the thug theme is beyond old. particularly since his voice is so unique and has so much potential. he needs a few "house is not a home" type song IMHO. otherwise he'll be just an honorable mention of what could have been great 20 years from now.
March 8, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(29 reviews)
