February 2, 2003

The last hurrah
After TLC rapper Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes died in a car crash mid-way through the recording of the band’s fourth album, 3D, surviving members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” attempted to carry on without her, releasing the album on schedule. Each second of 3D is pure TLC and the tragedy of Lopes’ loss is felt on every note.

Nearly every major hip-hop producer — including Missy Elliott who has released a tribute song to Lopes — contributes, lending both emotional and creative support.

From their debut single Ain’t too proud to beg back on Ooooooohhh-on the TLC tip back in 1992, TLC has always stood out from the crowd. Sassier than most, effortlessly sexy, always smart and consistently trendsetting, the multi-platinum trio are the consummate independent women about which wannabe bands like Destiny’s Child sing. In fact, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide they are even featured in the Guiness book of world records for being the biggest girl group ever.

3D, the band’s latest collaboration, is a mixture of modern R&B, soul, hop, faux-gospel and pop that ranges from silky (In your arms tonight) to current (Dirty dirty to retro, at times cynical and even uplifting (Damaged). Although this CD pales in comparison to their earlier work, it’s still one of the smartest and sharpest discs around. The soul of the songs embodies a multifaceted intelligence and depth that is at times hidden under layers of catchy hooks and impish lyrics. 3D bravely tackles the confusing topic of love, empowerment, and that rare space in between.

The original, audacious lead single Girl talk features an infectious chorus. In typical TLC style, the band empowers women by reversing roles on how men talk about women. Chilli’s voice is misleadingly sweet as she advises men, “If you don’t want the girl to talk/And you don’t want your feelings hurt/Put in work/Cause if you don’t/That girl’s just gon’ go spreadin’ the word.”

Although Girl talk flys, a better choice for first release would have been the crazysexycool tongue-in-cheek Quickie. Hands up, a Babyface track about a boyfriend caught red-handed, is another great new cut, as is the acoustic gem Damaged. The Missy Elliott and Timbaland produced Dirty dirty rules. True to Tim’s ceiling-shattering innovations, the beat is half-jungle, a quarter hip-hop, and a quarter his own secret salsa. But where Left-Eye would normally have her rap solo, T-Boz shouts, “Left Eye gets a moment of silence” and for a couple of beats, there is an eerie silence and one misses Lopes more than ever. —T. U. Dawood

Down and out
She’s given it her all, but 39-year-old Whitney Houston’s latest album Just Whitney falls far short of expectations. After a four-year absence from recording, Houston produces a weak effort.

The disc contains input by such hot producers as Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, Babyface, Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs and Teddy “I-wish-I-had-a-nickname” Bishop. Still, it’s as if Houston is trying to do the minimal. With 10 tracks clocking in under 40 minutes, one has to wonder if her voice is deteriorating, or just her stamina.

The lead single Whatchulookinat? is the only song on the compilation written by the singer. Dissing the press for putting her on a pedestal just to knock her down, the track is more about vengeance and venting her frustrations than looking forward to the future. Frantic and fast-paced, the slightly paranoid single introduces Houston’s fans to her hip-hop side.

Hubby Bobby Brown collaborates on the mediocre My love and Houston tries her luck with another cover, this time producing a lukewarm version of Debbie Boone’s You light up my life.

A relatively low-key R&B soulfest, this disc does have some interesting work. The current single, One of those days and the sharp Unashamed prove that one shouldn’t count the diva out yet. Dear John letter shows off her hip-hop style and the up-tempo Love that man is worth a listen. Still, nothing on the CD compares to her more superior earlier work. Even the smooth R&B songs don’t match her debut single years ago, Saving all my love for you.

All the buzz surrounding Just Whitney concerns the singer’s drug use, frail appearance and erratic behaviour. It’s very sad when such a gifted artist has a more interesting personal life than a new CD. —Uzra