Bell Biv Devoe are back, those five simple words have made me very happy. After ruling the airwaves in the early 90s, the lads make a triumphant return which owes a lot to the past but also feels incredibly fresh and current. This is a great album and one that has been on high rotation.
From the ashes of New Edition, Bell Biv Devoe formed and they were massive. Songs like, "Poison", Gangsta" and "Do Me" were early 90s standards and are still favourites for so many of us. After taking such a massive break, this could have gone very badly for the lads, but the opposite happened. This album is so good in so many ways.
The thing the album does so well, is stick to Bell Biv Devoe's roots. So many old school artists try to become current by copying the styles of younger artists. It mostly doesn't work and doesn't have the authenticity of their older work. Here Bell Biv Devoe stay true to their beginnings and make an old school 90s R&B / Hip-Hop album that doesn't feel aged. Luckily for the lads the 90s sound is popular again, so their music sounds fresh.
It's also wonderful that they've brought some other 90s artists into the mix in two of the strongest songs on the album. SWV are amazing in so many ways, you just have to love "Weak" and "Right Here". They sound as good as ever with the gents on "Finally", a ballad with a beat and a big strong heart. Plus, Boyz II Men join their mentors again for the brilliant, "One More Try". The production is as slick as the vocals and it makes you want to groove. The chorus is brilliant and should definitely be a single. It also now makes want a new single from Boyz II Men.
Speaking of singles, first single, "Run", is amazing. It's already one of the best singles of the year, I keep playing it to people - telling them they need to love it too. The chorus is completely infectious and the beat makes you dance. As solid a first single as you will ever find.
While the album may be a short one, it just makes you want to start it all over again. Other highlights include, "Find a Way", a fresh and funky song with a beat that is both relaxed and hard. "I'm Betta" is a catchy easy tune and lyrically fun and "Hot Damn" has a wonderfully frenzied beat. "All Dat There" changes the pace of the album perfectly and "Incredible" feels the perfect way to finish on a high.
Now that Bell Biv Devoe have slayed with a new album, I feel like making a list of amazing 90s artists that need a remount. "Three Stripes" is a breath of fresh air. A fun and funky album that demands attention.
Join us
on social media to find out when we release a new blog, there's a lot of fun
coming up and some competitions. Join now at:
No comments:
Post a Comment