At just under two minutes long, this may be more of an album (mixtape) interlude than an actual song. Either way it serves as one of Erykah Badu’s best. I’ll Call U Back, the busy party prepper says to someone on the phone over a lush soundscape produced by Zach Witness. If there’s a flaw, it’s that the beeps go on a bit too long at the end.
my rating : 5 of 5
2015
2015
2022
2005
2023
2023
2013
![audio review : a DM Records compilation : Deep House LA [ Volume 2 ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/120767.jpg)
This should’ve been a standalone compilation. The Deep House club is suddenly crowded with Latinos, which is odd, but its biggest blunder is going against the previous standard by mixing instrumental songs with vocal ones. Starting with Boom Boom Boom by The Outhere Brothers is a real cringe. The music keeps the Party going, but it’s a thematic letdown for sure.
my rating : 2 of 5
1996
R Kelly’s best album, as far as I’m concerned, is his fourth, or third if you don’t count the one with Public Announcement. I hate the title. Eponymous titles are silly in general and R is his second in row; he should’ve called it VIP as the Chase interlude suggests; but the music represents Kelly at his artistic peak. You can say it’s his magnum opus.
It’s also by far his longest, but most of its twenty-something songs are damn good. Would it be better if it were stripped down à la 12 Play? Certainly, but that can be said for most long albums. What I Feel; a song that should’ve been reserved for his friend Michael Jackson; is superb in any case. Down Low Double Life is another major standout.
I like TP2 and Chocolate Factory. The Happy People [ U Saved Me ] set is probably his second best. R Kelly was making mostly good albums up to that point, but he hasn’t made a good one since. The rest, from TP3 to his 12 Nights Of Christmas; all the 12 Play references suggest a music icon, legend even, longing for his glory days; are merely decent.
my vote : R
2022
1991
1991