A Review of 90s R&B Returns in 2009
This article is largely thanks to the help of You Know I Got Soul
2009 recently came to a close but it is worth looking back at the wealth of R&B that came out in the past year. 2009 seemed to mark the return of 90s R&B as many great artists from the 90s came out with strong returns. Many of the projects were great efforts, as seen by artists including Kevon Edmonds, All-4-One and Ginuwine. Some of these releases were after long hiatus including All-4-One's seven year break, Maxwell's eight year break, Case's eight year break, and Kevon Edmond's ten year break. Here are some brief reviews of many of 2009's R&B projects.
All 4 One - No Regrets
All-4-One is back and they mean business. Offering a diverse album that blends the old and the new, All-4-One has raised the bar for modern R&B groups. Easily one of the best albums I've heard in recent months.
Brian McKnight - Evolution of a Man
Brian McKnight was able to describe the album very accurately when titling it, as we are truly seeing an evolution in his music.
Joe - Signature
When looking at “Signature” as a whole, Joe succeeded in creating a project all his own without sacrificing the sound that is typical of his previous work.
Ginuwine - A Man's Thoughts
While this may not be anywhere near the classic Ginuwine sound we heard when he first came up, “A Man’s Thought’s” is definitely a step in the right direction back to r&b respectability.
Case - The Rose Experience
What we have here is a carefully crafted creation that flows from beginning to end and characterizes the essence of r&b.
Chico DeBarge - Addiction
"Addiction" is a very pretty impressive return to music for Chico DeBarge. It’s remarkable that despite all the inactivity, he is able to follow the same formula that he has been for years without sounding dated. While this album won’t be in therunning for album of the year or probably even sell well commercially, it should be considered nothing less than a success. Let’s hope that Chico has been able to learn from his mistakes and kick his addiction so he can express himself as an artist more often.
Other Projects
Other albums we didn't review that came out by 90s artists include Boyz II Men's Love, Kevon Edmond's Who Knew, Al B! Sure's Honey I'm Home, Maxwell's Blacksummernights, and R Kelly's Untitled.