Dave Hollister is back. And he's still keeping it ghetto, even after his somewhat disappointing debut, Ghetto Hymns. On this 14-track effort he easily eludes the sophomore jinx, fulfilling more of his potential than he di... more »d on his first album. He enlisted the help of everyone from Puffy hitman Chucky Thompson to Tim, Bob, and Vidal Davis, so this record is smooth midtempo R&B that walks the line between R. Kelly and Gerald Levert. The bass- and snare-heavy "You Can't Say" and the warm ballad "We've Come Too Far" capture the soul of classic R&B, but enrich it with the razor-sharp edge of hip-hop. You could say it's neo-soul for radio worshipers. But Hollister isn't just going for the status quo: he keeps it gangster on the piano- and synth-heavy "Don't Take My Girl Away," another of his many odes to Baby Mama Drama. He also goes for that Luther Vandross-feel on the piano- and bell-embellished "Destiny." This is a movie you shouldn't miss. --Kenji Jasper« less
Dave Hollister is back. And he's still keeping it ghetto, even after his somewhat disappointing debut, Ghetto Hymns. On this 14-track effort he easily eludes the sophomore jinx, fulfilling more of his potential than he did on his first album. He enlisted the help of everyone from Puffy hitman Chucky Thompson to Tim, Bob, and Vidal Davis, so this record is smooth midtempo R&B that walks the line between R. Kelly and Gerald Levert. The bass- and snare-heavy "You Can't Say" and the warm ballad "We've Come Too Far" capture the soul of classic R&B, but enrich it with the razor-sharp edge of hip-hop. You could say it's neo-soul for radio worshipers. But Hollister isn't just going for the status quo: he keeps it gangster on the piano- and synth-heavy "Don't Take My Girl Away," another of his many odes to Baby Mama Drama. He also goes for that Luther Vandross-feel on the piano- and bell-embellished "Destiny." This is a movie you shouldn't miss. --Kenji Jasper
". . . to watch an artist grow and mature hand in hand with their work. Its no longer a common occurance for musical artist to produce quality music. Today's artists can guarantee themselves platinum status simply by making a soft porno video . . . bragging about their ice, cars, and girls. While the rookies Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scottt, Macy Gray, and Bilal resurrected the soulful sounds of years past, David Hollister stepped up to the plate to represent for the seasoned veterans. While K-Ci and JoJo stumbled in an attempt to re-invent themselves by singing about their many misguided relationships, Mr. Hollister holds court like Michael Jordan at your local YMCA. While playing the role of a play on Ghetto Hymns, David decides its time to be a man and build a serious on Chicago '85. The first single One Woman Man provides only a taste of David's attempt to prove that he's ready to commit and accept the responsibilites that most men shun. David adds to that message throughout the album on songs such as Destiny, Take Care of Home, and arguably the albums best two songs I'm not Complete and We've Come To Far. The titles alone shows grea great deal of maturity, who would have ever thought that we'd be listening to David Hollister say that he and his significant other has come to far to turn around after listening to sing "Girl I've gotta go, I can't stay . . . ". David Hollister and Chicago '85 proves that you can entertain and sing G-rated material without putting your listeners to sleep: Maybe K-Ci should have spent a little more time in the studio with Mr. Hollister, and a little less time with his Flask of Jack Daniels."
After "Ghetto Hymns", Dave Hollister is now a One Woman Man
J. Highsmith | Mitchellville, Maryland United States | 12/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Dave Hollister solo on a song on the "Ride" soundtrack called "The Weekend" w/Erick Sermon & Redman. On his first CD, you could tell that Dave Hollister was the 1st R&B act on Def Squad because his r&b had that Erick Sermon, Redman & Keith Murray edge to it. His songs reflected that very much: "My Favorite Girl", "Came In The Door Pimpin" w/Too Short, "Round & Round" & "Baby Mamma Drama" were all examples of this. His CD was still pretty good. It just wasn't the "Before I Let You Go", Dave Hollister that I was used to. On his 2nd disc, "Chicago '85... The Movie" Dave Hollister has a more sentimental approach this time around. His whole CD reflects this change. The first single, "One Woman Man" is classic Dave Hollister. Any r&b fan will love this midtempo groove. Dave Hollister has a lot of tight slow jams on this disc as well. Steve "Stone" Huff shows up on 2 tracks: "You Couldn't Say" and "A Woman's Will". These songs are two more reasons why he is going to be a producer to be reckoned with for years to come. Other tight slow songs are "We've Come Too Far", "Destiny" and "I'm Not Complete". I think that r&b fans will like this change in Dave Hollister's style. It makes for a better all around CD this time."
Still Feelin' You
Miriam | New York, NY | 11/29/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a Dave Hollister fan since his days with BlackStreet. I highly anticipated the release of "Ghetto Hymns" while he endured pushed back release dates, and record label drama. I was not disappointed by his debut nor with his latest. This release is a wonderful sophmoric effort. He is still building from "Ghetto Hymns". This brotha, as always, sings from the depths of his soul and unleashes feeling and emotion like no other R&B singer out there today. With all the trash and studio-engineered artistry on the radio and in record stores today, I appreciate Dave Hollister more than words can say. Dave Hollister joins Donny Hathaway on my list of singers that make a person feel "it" in their gut. That list is now at two. Keep doin' it Dave...I feel you.Standout tracks: "Doin' Wrong", "On The Side", "Destiny", "I Don't Want To Be A Hustler," "One Woman Man"."
Dave Hollister had done it again!!!!!!!
Eddie Johnson Jr. | 11/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dave Hollisters' Chicago 85 is awesome. His gospel tinged voice delivers stories (songs) on a man working on being in mature relationship and being faithful. I like this album, I just wish the musical compostions could be a little more orignial. Daves' vocals go on precedented he can sing. There are no tricks here to make the voice sound like something it is not. The vocals are raw and the lyrics are mature. It appears Dave is on a mission to do the right thing in a one woman, one man relationship and he has done. This is a great compilation. Congratulations Dave and it is should be Dave "Soulster" Hollister. People you will not be sorry if you purchase Dave "Soulster" Hollister "Chicago 85" project. Trust me!"
Nice Sophomore Effort
russell | Hillcrest, DC USA | 11/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great follow-up by Dave Hollister to Ghetto Hymns. We all know that Dave can wail with the best of them, but on this CD the quality of the songwriting is better. He is a man's R&B singer--no beggin, no thongin.Hopefully he'll get the airplay that less talented artists seem to get. Since his material is a little more mature, there's no profanity, and he's not part of the Neo-Soul crew, it uncertain whether the masses will vibe offa this CD.The standout tracks are Keep on Lovin, 1 Woman Man, Destiny, Doin Wrong, and On the Side."