Search - Eol :: Elements of Life

On the DL this album is off the chain

08/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"People may never hear of this group, but they are just as good as any other r&b group out there today. They can hang with Blackstreet, Dru Hill, 112 etc... If your looking for another group to complete your r&b collection.. check out Elements of life.... on da real"

It's alright.....standard, average R&B

Jamaal A. Bivens | Jacksonville, Florida | 09/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Elements of Life came at a time when the R&B market was flooded with R&B groups, so of course they didn't get as much attention as I thought they should have. But, I figured that when I saw their video for "Sweet Love" that I had to get the album.



The album is actually pretty good. It's not totally exceptional, but it actually has its ups and downs. The aforementioned "Sweet Love" is a very good remake of the classic Anita Baker. Not too many people can remake a song and have it sound good, but EOL did that and put their own little spin on it and didn't make it a copy. I was surprised by how good they sounded.



There are a few songs that will get your head bopping. "Love the Way" has a tight beat with a guest rap from fairly-unknown Shelene. But, it's still enjoyable and listenable. "All I Need Is Your Love" is self-explanatory, but it's definitely a good song.



Some of the slower songs fare well here. "Gift of Love" is by far my favorite song on the album, with some nice, strong leads, and nice harmonies. Also worth mentioning is "I Fall So Deep" with its lush harmonies and "Not Afraid to Love", with its powerful delivery, soothing lyrics, and beautiful production. Also, "On My Mind" is a lovely interlude, though I wish it was a full song. And "Boulevard" is a nice acappella song with some serious harmony reminiscent of the old doo-wop groups of the 50s and 60s.



I think that I don't like this album too much is that it's a bit too ballad-heavy, and they mostly sound like something we have heard before. The production on some of the ballads are less than stellar, and it takes away from the guys' vocals, which seem to always be on point. I think that someone thought the album would succeed purely on the guys' voices, and although it mostly worked for Boyz II Men, it doesn't necessarily work for someone relatively unknown.



I would have loved for EOL to release another album so that I can see what they are all about and if they could make it through the sophomore jinx....but, of course, RCA folded and who knows where these brothers are. Hopefully, they can get another album out and actually promote themselves fully. They have the voices to really be something!!"

Not too be missed

Derrick Jenkins | Hampton VA USA | 09/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I didnt realize other folks had heard of EOL. I remember hearing a song or two of theirs. I went and got the CD and a few days after that.



Seriously its not something to sleep on "Freaky Tonight". I love that one. Also "Make Sure Your Right" is nice as well. we all know about "Sweet Love". But EOL handles it well regardless.



I wish they'd do another album. But as it stands. I'm glad i bought this when i did.



EOL for life!!!!"