Fans who care enough to time-travel back to Brian McKnight's self-titled 1992 debut will find that, in the beginning, it was all about amore; the smooth R&B lothario's later hip-hop and jazz leanings seem a long way of... more »f. "These songs were written by a young man who grew up in the '70s and '80s," the still-humble balladeer writes in the liner notes. "The music represents those influences on my life and times." Thus, Brian McKnight is best thought of as a shiny, pleasingly rangy Babyface record, or else an escape hatch for soul-leaning record buyers on the brink of boredom with Boyz II Men (they also happened to be on the brink of a worthy new discovery). This 13-song set plays pleasingly and seductively the full way through, with "The Way Loves Goes" and "One Last Cry" best displaying the artist's trademark vocal magic. The final two tracks are given over to McKnight's still sturdy spiritual amore--"Oh Lord" and "My Prayer," steeped in passion, land on the ears like a little slices of heaven. -Tammy La Gorce« less
Fans who care enough to time-travel back to Brian McKnight's self-titled 1992 debut will find that, in the beginning, it was all about amore; the smooth R&B lothario's later hip-hop and jazz leanings seem a long way off. "These songs were written by a young man who grew up in the '70s and '80s," the still-humble balladeer writes in the liner notes. "The music represents those influences on my life and times." Thus, Brian McKnight is best thought of as a shiny, pleasingly rangy Babyface record, or else an escape hatch for soul-leaning record buyers on the brink of boredom with Boyz II Men (they also happened to be on the brink of a worthy new discovery). This 13-song set plays pleasingly and seductively the full way through, with "The Way Loves Goes" and "One Last Cry" best displaying the artist's trademark vocal magic. The final two tracks are given over to McKnight's still sturdy spiritual amore--"Oh Lord" and "My Prayer," steeped in passion, land on the ears like a little slices of heaven. -Tammy La Gorce
"I THINK THIS ALBUM WAS WONDERFUL!I USED TO LISTEN TO "ONE LAST CRY"WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I GOT DIVORCED ANDIT MADE ME EVEN MORE DEPRESSED AND I JUST LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!THIS WAS ONE OF HIS BEST ALBUMS YET.KEEP GOING WITH THE GREAT R&B MUSICBRIAN, WE LOVE YOU HERE IN RIVERSIDE!"
In the beginning, there was McKnight
09/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first solo effort from Brian Mcknight gives the world a glimpse of one of the most smooth, and controlled voices in the music industry. He draws you into that world of his with the hits "One Last Cry" and "After the Love", then sings a song of blessing to his son in "My Prayer". I listened to the tape so much it began to wear out! By far my favorite artist, Brian McKnight is the epitome of a multi-talented musician. The ability to be a songwriter, musician, producer and singer is not something that many people in the industry can boast to have. Called,"the Nat King Cole of the 90's", Brian McKnight has one of those kind of voices that just comes out naturally without any seen effort. He says that his music describes the ups and downs of his life. The way he is able to push his emotions through the microphone, piano, or through any of the instuments he is able to play distances him from many of the artists of the day. I think the reason I admire his style the most is because it reminds me of the old-time songs of the late 60's and 70's, much of which I have grown up listening to. His music reminds me of Blue Magic, the Stylistics, and Marvin Gaye. Here are his albums in order from his initial release in 1992."
This is that "Video Soul" era of music
E.J. Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 01/31/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I remember this album, which is one of his best albums, second to 1999's Back at One. "Way Love Goes", "One Last Cry" and "After The Love" were the singles and the standouts on the albums. Everything else is great too, except for the hip-hop/R&B remake of Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go For That", which made me say just that. But this is the perfect album to play for those romantic evenings with your mate."
His best
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 12/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is the only album by him worth owning.it stands head and shoulders above his other releases.the way he sings and the music sound really good.his work now lacks that vibe."