Babyface - Tender Lover (Exp)

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Free Music Notes for Tender Lover (Exp)

Free Music Review: Timeless!
Hit: 5 Stars

Incorporating the hot rhythmic beat at the time, new jack swing, the first five tracks are in that vein. Babyface gets right into it with the debut smash "it's not crime". It topped the r&b charts and pushed the album to #1 as well in '89. The second single topped the charts as well, being the title track. It followed along "it's no crime" as far as rhythmic groove and dance potential. Following those two massive hits, comes "let's get romantic". Again, it follows face's signature new jack groove, only this track has a memorable chorus and slight variation in instruments. It should have been released, but nevertheless, still receives massive airplay on contemporary stations. Next is "can't stop my heart". Again, the groove is prevalent, but not much else. If there had to be a weak spot in the album, it would be that song. Following that sore thumb comes my favorite new jack cut, "My Kinda Girl". Its innocent feel accompanied by face's pleasant vocal presence makes it a genuinely good song. It peaked at #3. After a prelude to the last track, the real gems of the album follow. Babyface shines in all phases of his productions, but as far as the ballads, he cannot be touched.

Starting out with "whip appeal", it has come to be face's signature track on this album. Even though it did not top the charts, the massive airplay and overall public response makes up for its downfall. Face injects a memorable chorus and ad-lib that is still remembered by the general public to this day, as well as on urban contemporary radio. Next is my favorite track, "soon as i get home". Face's smooth, and soothing vocals glow tremendously with the offset of silky production. Even though it was never released, quiet storm radio plays it in regular rotation all around the country. "Given a chance" deserves just as much attention as far as face's vocals. He injects earnest and sincere croons to his calm production. Its rewards are regular rotation on most quiet storm stations. "Sunshine" doesn't incorporate face as a sincere balladeer, but nevertheless a quality listen, and can be heard all over quiet storm radio. The last track, "where will you go", is classic babyface. As the song winds down, face lets the public know that he can soar with the best of them, and there is no denying it.

As far as overall quality and significance, "Tender Lover" is, without a doubt, his best album as a singer. Using formulaic new jack beats and signature ballads, face shows the world that he can croon as well as produce very good rhythm and blues. It was the stepping stone for his label (which was formed that same year with l.a.reid) as well as numerous artists tagged on to use his production skills. To this day, babyface is still making hits for artists, with a number of awards, including grammys added to his resume. "Tender Lover" catapulted babyface to superstardom, and he hasn't let up since.

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