Few will accuse JoJo of being a musical revolutionary--hers is a streetwise, modern R&B sound that owes a lot to Destiny's Child and a little to opposite-ends-of-the-genre artists Angie Stone and Aaliyah--but there is a freshness about her. This, on mulling it over, is a quality that's hard to miss when you're 13. Those who haven't ventured beyond the radio hit "Leave (Get Out)," though, will want to take this self-titled debut for a spin if only to be among the first to discover an artist who's figured out how to effectively blend innocence with attitude. It's not the lyrics but the delivery that grabs hold and gives way to compulsory head-bobbing: JoJo may not be "That Kinda Girl," as we learn three tracks in, but instead of putting her point across shyly, peppering the song with flirty vocal question marks, we half-expect her to tell us to step off. The same expert ferociousness fuels "Baby It's You," which embraces sincerity--love for all the right reasons--and power-kicks materialism to the curb. It's not always the case that you can judge a CD by its cover, but with JoJo there's no harm in projecting. Sulking from inside her plastic cover, the artist seems at once woebegone and willful, menacing and mopey. Pop scenesters will do well to keep watching. --Tammy La Gorce
JoJo,JoJo,Blackground Records,Pop,R&B,Soul/R & B,Teen Pop
Average customer rating:
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Sacred
Los Lonely Boys Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BHNLY4 Release Date: 2006-07-18 |
Tracks:
- My Way
- Orale
- Diamonds
- Oye Mamacita
- I Never Met A Woman
- Roses
- Texican Style
- One More Day
- Memories
- My Loneliness
- Outlaws
- Home
- Living My Life
Amazon.com
One of the few contemporary bands to land a decidedly roots-rock song on the charts with 2004's Grammy-winning "Heaven," Los Lonely Boys solidified their status as youngsters with an established sound on their first disc. On this highly anticipated studio followup, all talk of the sophomore jinx dissipates with the opening soul-drenched riff rocker "My Way." Although horns are added for extra drama, the three Garza brothers nail this groove as Henry's Stevie Ray Vaughan-fortified guitar powers one of the boys' most fiery performances. Supporter and mentor Willie Nelson joins on the wah-wah driven, Waylon Jennings-styled "Outlaws," as does the brothers' musician father Enrique Sr. Tough midtempo ballads such as "Home" and the very Santana-ish "I Never Met a Woman" follow in the footsteps of "Heaven" as candidates for slow dance song of the year. Anyone entranced by the Garzas' debut will be thrilled by this classy followup that tightens some of the loose ends but displays additional confidence resulting from two years of nearly nonstop road work. The band spotlights its Tex-Mex roots on the accordion-driven "Texican Style," where near-perfect vocal harmonies drive an irresistible bluesy shuffle. Most encouraging is that Los Lonely Boys haven't succumbed to commercial pressure since their surprise hit debut. Rather, they have refined and organically expanded their approach, and crafted another classy, committed, radio-friendly Americana gem that meshes blues, Mexican, and soul with a spicy topping of hot-sauce musicianship. --Hal Horowitz
Más Lonely Boys
Live at Blue Cat Blues |
Los Lonely Boys |
Live at the Fillmore |
Album Description
Since their worldwide breakout in 2004, Texican trio Los Lonely Boys - brothers Henry, JoJo and Ringo Garza - have achieved multi-platinum album sales, a Grammy Award (their monster hit 'Heaven' won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 2005), and widespread acclaim from critics, fans and other musicians. All those experiences and more inform their commanding, propulsive new album, 'Sacred,'.'Sacred' finds the Boys writing and playing with a new confidence, stretching their subject matter and arrangements on the album's thirteen songs, all of which they wrote or co-wrote. 'Sacred' opens with the killer one-two punch of "Diamonds," the album's anthemic first single, and "My Way," a defiant guitar shuffle that reminds listeners why Guitar World magazine named Henry Garza the Breakthrough Artist of the Year in a 2005 cover story. "My Way" also finds LLBs adding a horn section to their signature mix for the first time. Elsewhere on the album, they add other new colors to their arrangements including button accordion, Hammond B3 and Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer electric piano and Henry's virtuosic Harmonica playing.
Other highlights on 'Sacred' include "I Never Met A Woman," the Boys' most soulful ballad to date, the impossibly catchy lament of "Roses," and "Outlaws," a song which features two distinguished guest vocalists: LLBs mentor Willie Nelson, and their father, Enrique Garza Sr. Mr. Garza - a talented Tejano and country musician in his own right - taught his sons to play their instruments, and enlisted them to be his backing band from an early age. His appearance on 'Sacred' brings the first family of Texican rock n' roll full circle.
Customer Reviews:
Los Lonely Boys.......2007-07-18
I enjoy the Spanish songs as much as the English ones and I don't speak Spanish!
I was blow away by the Los Lonely Boys!
Young Music Gods!!!.......2007-07-14
The return of soulful guitar.......2007-06-22
no go.......2007-06-08
Loved it..................2007-05-13
Average customer rating:
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Los Lonely Boys
Los Lonely Boys Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00064AFJQ Release Date: 2004-11-16 |
Tracks:
- Senorita
- Heaven
- Crazy Dream
- Dime Mi Amor
- Hollywood
- More Than Love
- Nobody Else
- Onda
- Real Emotions
- Tell Me Why
- Velvet Sky
- La Contestacion
- Heaven (En Espanol)
- More Than Love (En Espanol)
- I Walk The Line
Amazon.com
The self-titled debut album from Texas trio Los Lonely Boys tries--and mostly succeeds--in being everything to everyone. Garza brothers Henry, Jojo, and Ringo try their hand at classic-rock grooves, Tex-Mex, bilingual pop, and traditional harmonies with deliciously ear-pleasing results. The album is perfectly suited to Top 40, Spanish and adult-contemporary radio--all at the same time. At times tracks such as "Onda" and "Dime Mi Amor" recall 1970s-era Santana, but the Boys are at their best on "Heaven," the feel-good first single, and "La Contestacion," a yearning ballad matched by pleading instrumentation. As a bonus, this Special Edition includes Spanish versions of "Heaven" and "More Than Love," but the real highlight is a Southern-fried take on Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line." That the boys manage to make the classic song their own is no small feat. There's also a DVD featuring thoughtful live performances and music videos that offer a glimpse of the Boys in action. --Joey GuerraCustomer Reviews:
Los Lonely Boys.......2007-05-14
Great CD.......2005-07-29
WOW!.......2005-05-21
The Garza brothers call it "Texican Rock n Roll." Thanks for that. I would be hard pressed to name their style. I hear Eagles, Santana, Ottmar Leibert, Stevie Ray. They are Country, R &B, Jazz, Blues, Ranchero, Romantica and more. Every time I listen I hear something new. JoJo's bass sounds like lead, Ringo's drums while not loud or overbearing are complex and sound big and full.. Henry, well Henry. Here is where I venture to say that at 25 years old, If not now, Henry Garza is well on his way to being the best guitarist around. He doesn't play guitar, he dances with it, and oh what a dancer.
Someone mentioned that "Hollywood" is addicting. I found every single song addicting, but I still hold out my favorite as "Crazy Dream" because of the jazz changeup. It's sooo awesome. LLB is coming to Spokane and I can't wait. Until then I'll continue playing this CD over and over again.
A Masterpiece. .......2005-04-12
The Texican Treo.......2005-03-18
Average customer rating:
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The High Road
JoJo Manufacturer: Blackground Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000H8SFK2 Release Date: 2006-10-17 |
Tracks:
- This Time
- The Way You Do Me
- Too Little Too Late
- The High Road
- Anything
- Like That
- Good Ol'
- Coming For You
- Let It Rain
- Exceptional
- How To Touch A Girl
- Note To God
Amazon.com
Back in 2004, when JoJo was 13 and seemed entirely too much like a character out of the parent-scaring movie Thirteen, nobody, not even her mom, could have guessed she had a disc as good as The High Road in her. What a difference a couple of years and a squadron of slicker-than-thou producers make. Beyond the addictive but not over-the-top radio hit "Too Little Too Late," The High Road is littered with pit stops both elegant (the dreamy-sweet ballad "Exceptional," the angsty, soulful "How to Touch a Girl," and the introspective "Note to God") and shoulder-shimmyingly fun (the sexy-funky R&B tease "This Time," produced by Scott Storch; the hip-hop heater "The Way You Do Me," done up with characteristic magic touches by Swiss Beatz; and the go-girl rock number "Comin' for You," whipped to a perfect-peaked froth by Soulshock). What makes these songs and others--particularly "Let It Rain," with its tick-tick-tick-tick beat--standouts is not raw artistry but careful, willful calibration. JoJo's vocals are full-throated, creamy, and increasingly Beyonce-like, but even when they veer in a Monica-reminiscent direction (check "Good Ol'"), they're given their due with wide-open beats and rhythms that feel less ratcheted-up than right in time. Expect The High Road to log a lot of travelers, none of them weary. There's not a pothole in sight. --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
A Great Hip-Hop/R&B CD Teens Will Love!!!.......2007-06-26
The Way You Do Me- 5/5, One of those song where you just have to get up and dance. Love it!
Too Little, Too Late- 5/5, The first hit song off the CD that greatly expresses Jojo's vocal talent.
The High Road- 3/5, A great song but I find it a bit boring at times. Not one of my favs.
Anything- 2/5, I think it sounds funny hearing her sings to the music of Toto's "Africa", but none of her songs can be bad.
Like That- 1/5, I don't like it. It does not fit her style. It gets sort of annoying.
Good Ol'- 4/5, I think this is a very fun, song it is barely under a 5/5.
Comin' For You- 5/5, I love this song. It is very fast and fun. I love singing this song but is an ear worm. LOL
Let It Rain- 5/5, a great R&B song. Perfect song for her voice. I also love the rain sound effects at the beginning.
Exceptional- 1/5, sorry I just don't do slow songs.
How To Touch A Girl- 5/5, I usually don't go for gushy songs like this but she makes me like it. She hits this unbelievable note toward the end and it sounds so cool.
Note To God- 3/5, I think it is a very emotional and personal song but she sings it so well.
A little to lame.......2007-05-27
I was a little disappointed in this cd, however.
I expected there to be a lot of tracks that I would love, but nope. A little too late- while I love the song reminds me of songs on her 1st cd.
There is another great song called " I am coming for you" track 8.
Otherwise, the cd is filled with rap, and r&b songs that just don't fit her. They're weakly produced and don't show the true range or beauty of her voice. I wish she could find a better temper of music to fit her better as I think she could be great. Again, it's half-baked r&b that just won't hold up....that's why you don't hear any of the other songs played on the radio. She has more potential that to be just a one hit per cd kind of girl!
Jojo's new CD.......2007-05-11
Amazing!.......2007-05-05
Then she shows us what she can really do with the slow ballads like Exceptional - which made my mother cry and Note to God which is beautiful
In all this CD is the best thing ever.. I kind of find it sad that artist that have been in the music biz for a long time can't put out good cds until later in their career but she comes out with TWO great cds..
WAY TO GO JOJO!
Take a ride on the high road.......2007-04-22
I was a little surprised that some people suggested that JoJo took an R&B approach to THIS album, because this album, like her last album, is on Blackground/Da Family (although Timbaland didn't produce anything on either album). Anyway, one thing that I noticed about this album right away is that maybe JoJo could use some slightly better writers. It's not that the lyrics are bad by any means, but as reviewer incubus1 suggested, some of the lyrics seem a little risqué for a fifteen-year-old, especially "The Way You Do Me", "How to Touch a Girl" and "Like That". But I don't think JoJo is really going there; it seems more like she's oblivious to the idea that casual listeners might interpret the songs like that (remember how on Immature's first album they had songs called "I Wanna Know U That Way" and "Honey Dip"?).
But those three songs are still highlights, as are "Good Ol'", "Let It Rain" and of course, "Too Little Too Late". "Anything" also has good lyrics, but I agree with reviewer Josephll when he said that the song lazily samples Toto's "Africa" (and why do people keep sampling that song anyway?). If there are any songs worth skipping on here, it would be the two songs penned by Diane Warren. The obligatory end-of-album we-are-the-world song "Note to God" has been told much better, but the don't-change-who-you-are song "Exceptional" is just boring; JoJo even sounds bored herself while she's singing it (not to mention that the breakdown comes out of nowhere and kind of knocks you out).
But missteps like that are easily ignored after looking at the greatness of the rest of the album. The High Road proves that JoJo has reached just that.
Anthony Rupert
P.S. In response to the editorial reviewer, most people usually don't use the word "littered" in a POSITIVE light.
Average customer rating:
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All My Life: Their Greatest Hits
K-Ci & JoJo Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0007CYES0 Release Date: 2005-02-08 |
Tracks:
- Last Night's Letter
- You Bring Me Up
- How Could You
- All My Life
- Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly)
- If You Think You're Lonely Now
- I Care About You
- Never Say Never Again
- Through Heaven's Eyes
- Life
- Tell Me It's Real
- Girl
- Crazy
- Wanna Do You Right
- I Can't Find The Words
- This Very Moment
- Special
- Down For Life
Customer Reviews:
Excellent blend of there best stuff.......2006-08-04
Being a Hip Hop Producer, I must say thease are excellently produced tracks... All My Life, I don't know if they got an orchestra to get that sound, or it was all one man, but the production on that song alone is incredible.
If you have someone you love, or a girl that you really like, every song on here can relate to your emotions for them. I love singing along to "All my Life", and "Tell Me It's Real" with my girlfriend, especially "All My Life" cause it say's exactly what I think about her, but I could never put it in words that well.
Also what is up with thease DEVante d***riders? Dude isnt that great, his production techniques, and his sound is lackluster at best. His best work wasnt even with Jodeci, it was on All Eyez on Me by 2Pac... The production fits K-Ci & Jojo's style much better, and is far better on this.
Overall, this is 5/5 , a great album...
My 4 Fav. tracks are...
All My Life
Don't Rush (Take It Slowely)
Tell me It's Real
Crazy
But really everything on here is dope.
Not a bad song on the entire cd @}->---.......2006-07-23
Apart from the obvious Crazy and All My Life, I love Through Heavens Eyes, Last Nights Letter and Down For Life. I've yet to hear a song of theirs that I haven't liked. This is a terrific cd for anyone who is either a fan of theirs, or if you want to hear a sampling of their best work. It's a gorgeous cd and lots of sensual music. I could melt just listening to them croon. I highly recommend this to all R&B fans.
good representation of their greatest.......2005-12-23
SOULFUL.......2005-06-10
If you have their albums ...........2005-04-02
Where are the unreleased tracks, or the tracks that appear on Japanese versions (such as "I Just Can't Leave" or "Impossible" - both great songs)? And of course there should be at least 2 brand new songs.
Lastly, WHY in the world did K-Ci & JoJo get a "Greatest Hits" released before Jodeci? You might say 'if K+J's GHs is pointless, so would a Jodeci GHs' ... but you're wrong because Jodeci needs to get their name out again. K-Ci & JoJo, on the other hand, released their lame "Emotional" album just a few years ago.
This is ALL from a guy who thinks K-Ci is the best singer in the world and JoJo is RIGHT behind him (just due to my preference, because JoJo's got an angelic voice). The two always sound amazing, but their songs are NOT up to what these two's standards should be.
K+J, settle whatever is wrong with Jodeci. Your vocals are best suited for Dalvin and DeVante's productions.
Average customer rating:
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JoJo
JoJo Manufacturer: Blackground Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002ABV1K Release Date: 2004-06-22 |
Tracks:
- Breezy
- Baby It's You
- Not That Kinda Girl
- The Happy Song
- Homeboy
- City Lights
- Leave (Get Out)
- Use My Shoulder
- Never Say Goodbye
- Weak
- Keep On Keepin' On
- Sunshine
- Yes Or No
- Fairy Tales
Amazon.com
Few will accuse JoJo of being a musical revolutionary--hers is a streetwise, modern R&B sound that owes a lot to Destiny's Child and a little to opposite-ends-of-the-genre artists Angie Stone and Aaliyah--but there is a freshness about her. This, on mulling it over, is a quality that's hard to miss when you're 13. Those who haven't ventured beyond the radio hit "Leave (Get Out)," though, will want to take this self-titled debut for a spin if only to be among the first to discover an artist who's figured out how to effectively blend innocence with attitude. It's not the lyrics but the delivery that grabs hold and gives way to compulsory head-bobbing: JoJo may not be "That Kinda Girl," as we learn three tracks in, but instead of putting her point across shyly, peppering the song with flirty vocal question marks, we half-expect her to tell us to step off. The same expert ferociousness fuels "Baby It's You," which embraces sincerity--love for all the right reasons--and power-kicks materialism to the curb. It's not always the case that you can judge a CD by its cover, but with JoJo there's no harm in projecting. Sulking from inside her plastic cover, the artist seems at once woebegone and willful, menacing and mopey. Pop scenesters will do well to keep watching. --Tammy La GorceCustomer Reviews:
JoJo is awesome!.......2007-03-01
Good Debut For JoJo.......2006-12-03
Also check out her latest CD, "The High Road"
JoJo kicks butt!.......2006-10-03
Jojo tops the Charts!.......2006-09-28
Breezy- 9.5 This song is very upbeat, and stands out. I love the spice the song has.
Baby it's you- 7.5 I really like this song. But the lines repeat too much making it a little boring after a while. All in all, a great single.
Not that kinda girl- 8 I love this message. She is stating who she is, and saying if you don't like me, fine. I'm not changing.
The happy song- 6.5 A good beat, but not as interesting as it could be.
Homeboy- 8 It is easy to relate to! I also love how the words fit so nicely together.
City lights- 9 It is a good song to listen to while getting ready for a dance, or date. The beat is nice here.
Leave (get out)- 10! Does that surprise anybody? NO! It is a great song. It topped charts. I love when she streches her notes out. Nothing wrong with this single!
Use my shoulder- 7.5 It has a positive message. (It is me and my best friends "song". The beat is also nice here, but it is a little slow.
Never say goodbye- 10 This is about true love. And the line "No more cryin', no denyin' I'm in love with you." Tends to stay in your head. But is a really touching line.
Weak- 8.5 A great remake. Just not my song. But very good.
Keep on keepin' on- 8 Jojo wrote this herself. It is a nice song. Another one easy to relate to.
Sunshine- 2 This is the only song on the album I could ever skip. It is just a little boring to me.
Yes or no- 9 She raps! It is a great beat, great start, great everything.
Fairy Tales- 10 A great song to go out on. It has vocals, melody, and good meaning. I love how she admits fairy tales aren't real and she was hurt when she thought they existed.
So this is a terrific album. Buy it! and Buy "The High Road" due 10/17/06!
I hope you LOVE THE ALBUM!
I love this CD!.......2006-09-18
TO THE PRODUCT REVIEW::
1. Breezy - 7.5/10
I go through my phases with this song, sometimes I really like it, other times I don't. Just saying, he's mine, you can try, but you're not gonna get anything ya know, odd beat, great voccals back it up though
2. Baby It's You - 8.5/10
I really like the vocal entry for this song, and the beat is awesome, I can see the music video in my head. Too bad the remix is only on the UK version *sighs* had to be bought seperately for me. Her voice is so fresh here to me!
3. Not That Kinda Girl - 7/10
I go through my phases with this song as well, I think if she'd released a different song for the third single that it would have had a bit more popularity (but I'm not hatin' it did go platinum lol), it's a nice song sayin' that she's a nice girl, I really like the bridge here!
4. The Happy Song - 7/10
I like this song, it's just so bright to me. Happy I guess you could say. :)
5. Homeboy - 9/10
I was obsessed with this song for a while (it's just a me thing maybe??) it had a more urban beat to me and was talking about a boy becoming more than a friend, you know, your homeboy! I really love the bridge "Chocolate covered candy kisses they keep me remeniscing, all I want is what you're giving, nothing like your affection, so in love and you're the reason, there's no more lonely season, lately boy you drive me crazy think I wanna be your baby" (hehehe, i know most -all- of the lyrics by heart lol)
6. City Lights - 8/10
Again, JoJo just wants to have fun. She was another star that didn't have much before now so I guess she's really living it up with her new dough lol. Power to her! I like the beat. I like the vocals. <33
7. Leave (Get Out) - 9.5/10
Oh the single, I actually didn't listen to this song at all when I first got it because I love to explore through the album, an excellent song, excellent vocals, I like the bridge so much! You can tell she has powerful vocals on "GET OUT!" when she sings that bit
8. Use My Shoulder - 7/10
I really like the background for this, dunno why, just do. "When things don't go your way, use my shoulder to cry on, that's what friends are for", just that track about how you support your friends, all artists have one, JoJo did great with hers
9. Never Say Goodbye - 7/10
I went through an obsession with this song but it dropped, it makes me daydream for some reason, but in a good way ya know. Another demonstration of her excellent vocals in a song about being scared, but accepting that you're falling in love and you never want to say goodbye
10.Weak - 8.5/10
Gettin' weak in the knees over guys, eh JoJo? A great song, I like the background because it enhances her voice (like her voice isn't great already) and the snaps work with it so well!
11.Keep On Keepin' On - 6.5/10
She wrote this song all by herself, I didn't really like the background and I was originally going to give it a 5 but the positive message and the fact that she has originality bumped it up some
12.Sunshine - 6.5/10
Almost a 7, I really liked how her voice was, so creative to me, it was great! Raw to me. But it just didn't have that little oompfh to me
13.Yes Or No - 5/10
Umm...it was OK, not great to me, but it was a pretty good song. Urban-er lol. Interesting. Can be skipped on most days without a problem, but some days I do find myself singing along
14.Fairy Tales - 8/10
I just listened to this song again and got re-interested in it. lol. I don't know what it is about this song, I just love it a lot. It's magical to me almost even though it's saying "don't believe in fairy tales, I did, and i lost my happily ever after" (note: not lyrics lol)
Anyways, buy this album, don't start buying individual tracks, go down to your store (or just buy it from amazon lol), heck, this album is even worth the $17 list price I paid at BarnesNNobles (that's how great it is lol)
Average customer rating:
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Live at the Fillmore
Los Lonely Boys Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0007N1A2C Release Date: 2005-02-22 |
Tracks:
- Crazy Dream
- Hollywood
- Man To Beat
- More Than Love
- Nobody Else
- Dime Mi Amor
- Onda
- Velvet Sky
- Cisco Kid
- La Bamba
- Real Emotions
- Heaven
Customer Reviews:
Great band; wish the audio quality was better........2007-02-01
I've heard other live albums done at the Fillmore that were recorded better than this one, so my expectations were pretty high. Might try other Los Lonely Boys titles and come back to this one only if you're trying to have all their titles.
Bland Live Album.......2006-11-03
Los Lonely Boys Going To Ozzfest This Year.......2006-02-11
Live at the Fillmore - Los Loney Boys.......2005-10-03
Doesn't Disappoint.......2005-09-24
Average customer rating:
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Love Always
K-Ci & JoJo Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002P67 Release Date: 1997-06-17 |
Tracks:
- HBI
- Last Night's Letter
- Baby Come Back
- Just For Your Love
- Now And Forever
- Don't Rush (Take Love Slowly)
- You Bring Me Up
- Still Waiting
- Love Ballad
- How Many Times (Will You Let Him Break Your...)
- All My Life
- How Could You
Customer Reviews:
classic.......2007-03-13
Hailey Brothers Debut Shines.......2006-08-11
The album begins with the, for all intents and purposes, title track. While the title isn't in the song name, "Last Night's Letter" gets things off on the right foot with smooth vocals, and reinforces the implications of the albums title as being a love letter. The track introduces you to the two vocalists, highlighting K-Ci's rougher sound to JoJo's silky smooth.
The next two tracks carry the same message but in a very different manner. "Baby Come Back" is a fierce uptempo track with strong vocals. The singers are wishing their lover would come back to them after they chased her away. Unfortunately, the song is a bit longwinded, playing the chorus over and over in the end. "Just For Your Love" has a similar message of wishing for a lover back but in a much different fashion. The song is slowed down and is incredibly sweet.
"Now and Forever" keeps up the silky smooth feeling with a nice loving message. The singers explain that they won't listen to other people's ill feelings about their lover as they know she's wonderful. The song is an incredible love song and has some great lines. One such piece was when JoJo sings "You see you can tell a tree of love/ By the fruit that it bears/ And from where I'm standing/ You see my field is yielding."
The album returns to high tempo with two decent tracks. It's clear the group is better at the ballads but nevertheless, they manage okay with the uptempo songs. "Don't Rush" is an interesting role reverser as the guys complain about a female friend who badgers them for sex. It paints a neat story and is catchy but just doesn't compare with the slower songs. "Bring Me Up" falls in a similar boat as the guys complain about a lover who used and abused their love. It's catchy and a pleasant listen but just seems to be missing something the slower songs have.
The next song "Still Waiting" is a throwback to Jodeci days, as the song opens with DeVante and is produced by him. The song has a GREAT beginning with K-Ci and JoJo alternating couplets. However, about two minutes in, the track falls from its position as one of the best on the album by repeating the chorus 6 times in a row. It would have been nice to just make the track short than to drag it out.
After the back and forth style of "Still Waiting," the next three tracks on the album are solo pieces. "Love Ballad" is K-Ci's offering and frankly, it's disappointing. Don't get me wrong, the lyrics are great. However, the song is a cover track and it is clear. K-Ci seems to lack all feeling as he just reads the lyrics from the sheet.
JoJo's solo offerings start on a disappointing note as well. "How Many Times," like K-Ci's piece, is a beautiful track with some great lyrics. However, it sounds uninspiring. Without K-Ci's enthusiasm, the track is lifeless. This seems to be recognized as about halfway through, K-Ci appears just to shout and emphasize lines.
It's JoJo's second solo, that stands out as an incredible track and is what most people recognize the album for. "All My Life" is executed perfectly in every manner. The song opens with a beautiful violin piece and then a simple, yet similarly moving piano piece. When the lyrics start, they are on point and rich in emotion. The song works wonders and conveys the feelings of love.
After such a strong piece, the group fortunately, continues with another solid song and ends the album on a high (albeit sad) note. "How Could You" is just as powerful as "All My Life" only evoking tears instead of smiles. The track is about losing a lover and sitting alone waiting for the day they might come back. The track is well done and the lyrics are strong. A great way to end a solid album.
By The Numbers (out of 5)
1. HBI
2. Last Night's Letter- 4.5
3. Baby Come Back- 3.5
4. Just For Your Love- 4.5
5. Now and Forever- 5
6. Don't Rush- 4.5
7. You Bring Me Up- 4
8. Still Waiting- 4.5
9. Love Ballad- 4
10. How Many Times- 3.5
11. All My Life- 5
12. How Could You- 5
Total Score: 48 / 55
Signed.......2005-11-06
all my life.......2005-08-22
Unbelievable.......2004-01-25
Average customer rating:
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Jojo's Circus: Songs from Under the Big Top!
Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000C4BAYE Release Date: 2005-12-20 |
Tracks:
- Jo Jo's Circus Theme Song
- Brush Your Teeth
- The Stretching Song
- Walk Like An Elephant
- Pat Your Tummy And Rub Your Nose
- Rum Tum Tum
- Monkey See Monkey Do
- Jump For Joy
- Flap Quack
- Balance And Pedal
- Tap On Somebody's Shoulder
- Gum Drop Song
- Stuck To You
- 'Spotlight Moment' Theme Song
- Cannonball Jo Jo
- Take A Bow
- Stop Drop And Roll
- Statue
- The Rainbow Dance
- Wash Your Hair
- Roar
- Hamstercize
- MirrorMittor
- Pop The Ballons
- Hoop Jump
- Laugh And Clap
- Messy Mess
- Jump Swish Shimmy
- Bathtime
- Go To Sleep
Customer Reviews:
Great CD.......2007-01-08
Great fun for JoJo fans.......2006-03-16
The songs are all very short - none more than a minute and a half - but with 30 songs, that still makes for a decent length CD. I would have liked the "Spotlight Moment" song to be the last track on the CD, but am glad it's on there at all.
Great gift for any JoJo fan!
Another Fun Collection of Songs.......2006-01-26
"Songs From Under the Big Top!" has thirty songs from the show. Finally included is a vocal version of the "Spotlight Moment" Theme Song, heard when JoJo is carted up on stage to tell everyone what she learned. Personal favorites on this CD include the extremely fun "Jump For Joy," "Wash Your Hair," "Roar," "Hoop Jump," "Bathtime" and "Go To Sleep." The songs are in all sorts of styles that will keep listeners engaged and entertained. The album artwork and insert artwork is great, although there are no included song lyrics. There is a coupon included for $2 off certain other Playhouse Disney CDs, however, though that offer may be expired by the time you read this review.
The main disappointment with this album is that a fair number of the songs on it were also on the original "JoJo's Circus" album. These are still great tracks, but I don't see the point of recycling material when there are still so many other songs from the show they could have included. It's not enough to keep this from being a great CD, though.
Average customer rating:
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It's Real
K-Ci & JoJo Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000JCB1 Release Date: 1999-06-22 |
Tracks:
- Intro
- Fee Fie Foe Fum
- I Wanna Make Love To You
- I Wanna Get To Know You
- Hello Darlin'
- How Long Must I Cry
- Makin Me Say Goodbye
- Tell Me It's Real
- Life
- Girl
- What Am I Gonna Do
- Here He Comes Again
- Momma's Song
Amazon.com's Best of 1999
The music of these two former Jodeci stars has grown to the point that It's Real might be the best new R&B album of 1999. Making the themes of classic soul come alive one more time, the duo also impress with their sheer sound. Their voices compel you to listen; they're as serious as a heart attack. --Rickey WrightAmazon.com
A cut above many of their peers in '90s sex-you-up R&B, these former Jodeci members have returned with an album worthy of its instant-hit status. Though occasionally weak in the songwriting department, It's Real sharply connects old-school Southern-soul-style vocal testifying with up-to-date beats. In an age where cookie-cutter romance rules the airwaves, K-Ci and JoJo's work is truly refreshing. --Rickey WrightCustomer Reviews:
maximum points!!.......2006-08-19
YES-Now THAT'S What I'm Talkin' About!!!!!.......2003-10-24
YES-Now THAT'S What I'm Talkin' About!!!!!.......2003-10-24
Best R&B Group Around.......2002-07-24
The album starts off with the brilliantly catchy "Fee Fie Foe Fum" as the Hailey brothers wind you through a story of betrayal. This song makes use of K-Ci's trademark hollering. "I Wanna Make Love To You" is a more upbeat and lighter song than the latter. This song is more reminiscent of the trademark songs of their previous group, Jodeci, as it is a more explicit love song. "I Wanna Get To Know You" uses a nice bouncy beat and the listener is treated to the great exchanges when K-Ci & JoJo sing back and forth. This is one of the more catchy songs on the album and definitely makes this one of the albums best. "Hello Darlin'" is a slower and much more romantic song. It contains a great hook as instruments are added in and the beat picks up. "How Long Must I Cry" uses great coordination between a slower beat and picking it up to make it more catchy. "Makin Me Say Goodbye" features a great hook by JoJo and K-Ci's original singing style on the first two verses. "Tell Me It's Real" was the smash hit from the album and is a really good song. It is not too pop sounding to stand out from the album and is a great contribution to the album. The song "Life" stands out from the album more than any other song as it was taken from the Life soundtrack. It is a welcomed feature as it was written and produced by R. Kelly and is mostly a solo from K-Ci making use of his bluesy style to the fullest. "Girl" is a nice song as it starts off slow and becomes an outstanding upbeat song. "What Am I Gonna Do" although not produced by Timbaland, has production that sounds similar and is yet another good song. "Here He Comes Again" is a very meaningful song as the Hailey brothers plead with a girl to leave a man who is treating her wrong. "Momma's Song" is an inventive and nice addition to the album. It is a song written by their mother and performed by K-Ci & JoJo.
K-Ci & JoJo put out another solid album. The strength of this album is their voices as their contrasting singing styles work extremely well together. JoJo has a higher pitched voice and sings in a more traditional style. While K-Ci's voice is raspier and he likes to sing in a southern blues style. Dating back to their Jodeci days, all the Hailey brothers albums have had solid production and this one is no different. This is one that all R&B fans should have as this duo are two of the most talented musicians in the industry. Very few of the lyrics are not written by them and guest background vocals are limited.
3-1/2 stars.......2002-02-15
When you want to, you'll hear good stuff like the first single, "Tell Me It's Real," as well as "Here He Comes Again" and the best song, "How Long Must I Cry." Except for "Tell Me It's Real," K-Ci and JoJo made the mistake of not releasing the dope songs. (Of course, another mistake is every song not being dope to begin with.) Also, many of the song titles are not very creative, like "I Wanna Make Love To You" and "I Wanna Get To Know You," not that they're bad songs. In other places you'll find them being a little TOO creative. Case in point: the second single, "Fee Fie Foe Fum." A Jack and the Beanstalk reference? BAD idea. The chorus is "Fee fie foe fum/Got a feelin' you've been dippin' with someone." That's just ridiculous. Also the hook has K-Ci saying "Late at night/I hold my pillow tight/And I wish that it was you." How old is he? Three? One song to steer clear of completely is "Hello Darlin'." At the beginning it sounds like it will be good, but then comes the ridiculously loud chorus with even louder ad-libbing and bad wordplay. Just take my word for it.
Because this is a K-Ci & JoJo album, what can we look forward to? How about some essential oversinging by Mr. K-Ci Hailey? Not only does he do it to almost ruin the end of "Here He Comes Again," he strains to do it in "Fee Fie Foe Fum," and he even does it in the intro.
Even with all the things I mentioned, this album isn't necessarily something to throw in the garbage. It just doesn't quite live up to most people's expectations, that's all. Fortunately they came back home with their followup, X.
Average customer rating:
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Jojo's Circus
Various Artists Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0001ADB78 Release Date: 2004-02-10 |
Tracks:
- JoJo's Circus Theme Song
- Pop Up!
- Rum Tum Tum
- The Stretching Song
- Walk Like An Elephant
- Jump Swish Shimmy
- Itchy Oochy Me
- Snake Dance
- Where Is Dinky?
- Uncle Flippy Had A Farm
- Lean, Bob, Flap
- Cotton Candy Sure Is Sweet
- 'Spotlight Moment' Theme Song
- Cannonball JoJo
- Take A Bow
- The Balance Song
- The Little Big Top Boogie Band
- Pop The Balloons
- Clownfoot
- The Whatchamadoodle
- Hoop Jump
- Laugh And Clap
- Messy Mess
- Gettin' Spongy
- The Shush Song
- Tickle Goodnight
Customer Reviews:
My son and his friend go crazy over this CD.......2006-01-04
Jacie's Mommy.......2005-08-22
Daughter Loves It!.......2005-05-19
GO! JOJO!.......2005-05-09
-Devin's Mommie
Very cute cd!.......2005-03-16
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