Search - 3lw :: Girl Can Mack

3LW shows their more mature side...

Mary B. Daraz | CT United States | 11/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Their self-titled debut "3LW" was weak at best. Recycled beats and the characteristic pop music were the core of the CD, but "A Girl Can Mack" takes on more adult territory. While not as dramatic of a change as, say, Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears, their music is not only more adult vocally but musically. The tired beats of before are no more, replaced by hip-hoppy catchy but not overly-so songs. The first single, 'I Do (Wanna Get Close To You) was a perfect choice: the video and the lyrics ("let me see you work it out on me") definitely show a transition.Ignore the negative press and lawsuits, "A Girl Can Mack" shows the uprising of three talented women. The second single off the album, 'Neva Get Enuf' (feat Lil' Wayne) is not as dancey as 'I Do' but carries hot beats and good vocals. 'I Need That (I Want That)' (feat. Lil' Kim) is very catchy, especially in the chorus.The remaining songs carry the same formula, but each holds its own purpose and strong meaning. THE song on the CD is the song 'One More Time'. It's simply beautiful. This is the song that truly displays the girls' talent and ability to express emotion."A Girl Can Mack" also has a fair share of bonus materials: behind the scenes at the making of the "I Do" video, behind the scenes at the BET Awards, Kiely's sweet 16 party, bonus tracks...well worth the amount of money. The two bonus tracks are great too, not just filler to make the CD look beefier.All in all, "A Girl Can Mack" is a showcase of 3LW's real talent. These girls are maturing and are well on their way towards becoming the next TLC or Destiny's Child. While TLC's songs are inspirational and Destiny's Child has songs about independence and strong will, 3LW is a comfortable mix of the two. Watching 3LW mature into a strong, talented group of girls is something I will definitely enjoy. If they continue in this direction, who knows what they can accomplish."

3LW....Doing the Damn Thing!!

Jamaal A. Bivens | Jacksonville, Florida | 02/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"3LW is back on the scene without good old Naturi....Although Ms. Naughton is missing from the current lineup, fans of the original group should be happy to know that she does have some vocals on this album. This album is actually pretty good, for the girls show a maturity that was obviously lacking on the first album. I think the maturity came along when they were happily saying the word "damn" in the Naughty by Nature song "Feels Good".For you party people, the song "I Do (Wanna Get Close to You)" will get you jumping. This is probably the best uptempo song on here, because "Ghetto Love and Hearbreak" and "I Need That (I Want That)" are two of the most irritating songs in my opinion (although Lil' Kim's guest spot on the latter is an added treat). The midtempo songs fare well, like "This Goes Out", an anthem to ruffneck thugs (and nice minor harmonies), and "Neva Get Enuf", which features the ugly duckling Lil' Wayne. My favorite songs on any album tend to me the slower ones, and 3LW delivers well. The bonus track "More Than Friends" showcases Naturi in one of her two lead vocals on this album (a lot more of her leads were left off the album). This song is very nice, and the modulation toward the end is done well. "Crazy" is a slow running, melodic song that gets you in the R&B groove. "Good Good Girl" is cliched but likeable, and anyone who saw (2)LW perform this on Showtime at the Apollo knows that they can sing. "One More Time" is a nice feel-good ballad that may have you singing along. "Ain't No Maybe" is a decent song that shows that a girl is willing to stand by her man, regardless of the things he has or does.Overall, the album is a good one. Not necessarily the best ever (I won't lie to you), but still good. My only problem with this album is that more of Naturi's vocals weren't left on the album, for I think that there are some songs where Naturi would've given the more preachy, gospel-urban feel than Adrienne did ("Good Good Girl", "Ain't No Maybe"). But, all in all, a very good album nonetheless."

Mack On

Sunshyne | Texas | 12/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I got to give it up to 3LW for another tight album. Their writers and producers do a really good job. When I first heard 3LW I knew something was special about these girls. Doesn't seem like everyone else has had the same experience though. Although, I think they "got grown" an album too fast, I think they did a good job. The best songs are: I Do, Neva Get Enuf, Ain't no Maybe, Good Good Girl, This Goes Out, Crazy, and Funny. This album features a lot more singing from Kiely and a lot less Naturi. She has one verse on the whole album, which I was not too happy about. 3LW is discussing more mature subjects. Adrienne is singing the lyrics so I guess it's alright. She be sanging her little heart out. Anyway, if you liked the first one or you think you might want to give them a chance, go ahead, you won't be disappointed. They might be little women, but they are very entertaining."