What up world! We are back at it again. Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season. We certainly are, and thanks for your support the site is doing really well. Now let’s get into it. November was a busy month as artists were rushing to make a statement by year’s end, oh and get that holiday cash. With a busy fourth quarter we are here to breakdown the releases and help you make a decision at the checkout counter, well the computer.
November R&B/Soul Music Releases
Eric Roberson: Mister Nice Guy
Released: November 8th, 2011
The King of R&B Soul is back! This is something soul fans have been waiting on for a long time. Fresh off his classic release “Music Fan First”, Erro returns with “Mister Nice Guy”. Although it does not match his last release, “Mister Nice Guy” is a solid effort from one of the best in the game. There are some great moments on this album and the infectious “Summertime Anthem” should have been one of the hottest singles this year. That’s the downside to being on the underground but I’m sure true Erro fans won’t mind one bit.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
Rihanna: Talk That Talk
Released: November 21st, 2011
I know the term “hot” is grossly overused in today’s culture but that really is the only word to describe this album. Rihanna herself is on a hot streak and it seems like she can do no wrong. This album is truly at the cutting edge. It’s daring, creative, and truly original. The lead single “We Found Love” with Calvin Harris sets the tone for the album and you quickly realize this isn’t your ordinary R&B slash Pop record. It takes a lot of guts to pick a euro sound for your lead single. Rihanna follows this throughout the cd by throwing out all rules and guidelines and doing what she wants. It all winds up being a refreshing and exciting album. It’s clear that she is headed for that number one spot.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
Mary J. Blige: My Life II, The Journey Continues
Released: November 21st, 2011
The game just isn’t right without Mary J. and this release reminds us of just how could she really is. Probably the most consistent artist of this generation Mary is clearly in a zone and her last few cds have really hit the mark. This release comes with more guest appearances than we are used to from a Mary cd but surprisingly all of the collaborations work. Mary maintained her hip hop roots with appearances from Busta Rhymes, Nas, and Drake and each offering contributes to the album’s success. But the highlight of the album is “Don’t Mind” and it is vintage Mary. With stellar production throughout Mary shows why she is still head of the class in the R&B game with no change in sight.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
Trey Songz: Anticipation 2
Released: November 1st, 2011
The first question I have with this cd is "how do you give something this good away for free"? This one is strictly for the bedroom and Trey Songz delivers a bedroom banger that we haven't heard in a very long time. Songz is clearly at the forefront of the new school R&B cats and this effort shows with focus he might be the best. Anticipation 2 is sure to leave fans anticipating more and more.
Volume Meter: 9 out of 10
Tyrese: Open Invitation
Released: November 1st, 2011
It’s been a long time since we have heard from Tyrese. I guess that movie money is hard to walk away from. But this release shows that Tyrese can still produce in the music game. There has never been a question of his talent but the question is can he claim a spot in today’s game. With this release I would have to say the answer is no. Although there are some good moments on the album I’m not sure it will help him make an impact and make him relevant again. You should still give it a try though. For old time’s sake.
Volume Meter: 6 out of 10
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