Teddy Riley has been in the game for 15 years now, and still knows how to keep up with the fast-changing R&B and hip-hop worlds. On Blackstreet's third album he employs all the current tricks, including an impressive l... more »ist of cameos (Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z), but you have to wonder what it would sound like if he simply delivered more of the classic party-jam funk that was responsible for past hits "No Diggity" and "Booty Call." Riley doesn't need some of the production gimmicks he uses here; at first listen the songs can be jarring, though by the third or fourth spin, they sound as fresh as everything else he produces. As soulful and emotional as the ballads are, it's the dance-floor shakers "Boyfriend/Girlfriend," "Can You Feel It," and "On the Floor" that keep Blackstreet in position as soul superstars. --Rebecca Wallwork« less
Teddy Riley has been in the game for 15 years now, and still knows how to keep up with the fast-changing R&B and hip-hop worlds. On Blackstreet's third album he employs all the current tricks, including an impressive list of cameos (Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z), but you have to wonder what it would sound like if he simply delivered more of the classic party-jam funk that was responsible for past hits "No Diggity" and "Booty Call." Riley doesn't need some of the production gimmicks he uses here; at first listen the songs can be jarring, though by the third or fourth spin, they sound as fresh as everything else he produces. As soulful and emotional as the ballads are, it's the dance-floor shakers "Boyfriend/Girlfriend," "Can You Feel It," and "On the Floor" that keep Blackstreet in position as soul superstars. --Rebecca Wallwork
"Teddy Riley and the rest of BLACKstreet have put out thier third album and it may be thier worst, actually it is. After a good debut, and a strong improvment on thier second album, they stumble back down the stairs on this effort. Thier first single Boyfriend/Girlfriend was good, it had the beat to get you up and on the floor, but that is the only such song on the album. Riley apparently loses alot of the production that made him succesful with the previous 2 albums and all of his work with Guy, and Wreckx-N-Effect. The album has some nice cameos from artists like Mary J. Blige, and Mya, but they are not enough to help this album stay afloat. Alot of the songs are repetative and dont have the beat that Another Level did. I'm Sorry and In A Rush are okay, and Can You Feel Me is alright but not even those songs are that great, but at least they are "Okay". Even Riley knows this cd represents the tombstone for BLACKstreet, as he is focusing on the return of Guy. Unfortunatly this album may spell the end of BLACKstreet, which is sad, because up into this album they were a good group. Mabye they can regroup on thier next album, should be any chance for that to happen. But FINALLY, back to album. My recommendation, wait to spend your money on the Guy cd and if Riley can regroup them, because this cd aint worth your GREEN money!"
It has it's moments...
Paul Sagar | Australia | 06/04/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Whether or not it sold well, it's still one of the better CDs that R&B has offered lately. A better lead single might have been 'In a Rush','Sorry', 'Yo Love', or the 'Take me there' remix. These are all better tracks than 'Girlfriend/Boyfriend' which doesn't contain any trademark Blackstreet harmony, even in the hook. The hiphop of 'Can you feel me' is good sampling and 'Yo Love' works as "no diggity: part two".'Sorry' is my favourite, it features the power vocals of new member Terrell Phillips set against a retro soul riff. Along with 'In a Rush' it is typical of Riley's ability to deliver something classic on every recording. Whereas this CD doesn't contain anything as memorable as 'no-diggity', there are shades of 'Don't leave me girl' and 'Fix'. 'Hustler's prayer' is a bit ordinary, but it's appearance just before the gospel track 'Finally' is interesting. It almost seems Riley is being repentant of his worldly music while rationalising at the same time, "my soul is so dirty/I've been hustling everyday/but I gotta feed my family", but this impression is quickly dispelled by the dodgy 'Don't Stop'. I hope Teddy does make another Blackstreet album, even a hiphop gospel one, soul music needs the Spirit."
What a waste...
dcbe | am richtigen Ort | 01/20/2000
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This must be the worst Record Teddy Riley has ever done. It sounds like he had to fulfill some contractual obligation, doing it with the least possible effort and the worst possible material he could come up with. Every single track in this set is totally void of any interesting idea - and that includes the third-rate Timbaland ripoff "Girlfriend/Boyfriend". All this stuff only makes me angry. Angry about not listening before buying, angry about being let down by one of black music great producers. I wonder if redemption will come with the new Guy CD - but I will definitely listen to that one before even thinking of buying another Teddy Riley record."
I'm Soooooooo Hurt
dcbe | 11/04/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, Blackstreet is missing one of the members they had on their last album, and they have acquired a new member to replace him. This is not a sign of stablity, folks. Admittedly, I was skeptical, but I had faith that Teddy's and the other's talents would prevail. What a let down! Most of the CD shells out beats that leaves the listener confused as to which they should do..."dance" or "just bob your head". It doesn't get you pumped enough to dance, then add to that those tired lyrics and whoa, what do you get....a painfully, pathetic 1-2 combination! The sad attempt of a duet with Mary J. Blige is just that....a sad ATTEMPT. Yet, I can't blame the total blunder of the duet on Blackstreet either. Unfortunately, there's only three decent songs on the album and two happen to be ballads..."Sorry" and "In A Rush". In "Sorry", you hear some of the strength, talent and possibly the original vision Teddy had for Blackstreet. "In A Rush" is a classy, heart-felt, flowing ballad that's the essence of true love. The other, "Your Love", is a funky, sultry, mellow number with a "right on the money" bass track....Teddy at his best. Besides those three songs, it's not even worth the time it takes just to consider the mistake of purchasing the album. I still believe Teddy is one of the most unappreciated and talented producers of our day. However, with work like this, who would ever believe it. It's times like these, when I truly miss Guy."