En Vogue - Masterpiece Theatre

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Free Music Notes for Masterpiece Theatre

Free Music Review: The Title Says It All.
Hit: 5 Stars

The unforgettable "Riddle" is easily the best song of the year thus far, which is why it is truly shameful Top 40 radio has not embraced this rare gem. I suggest using Amazon's search engine to locate a copy of the domestic 12" single, as it features fantastic remixes and an a cappella rendition. No En Vogue collection is complete without it.

"No No No (Can't Come Back)" is a deceptively simple song with a cool, relaxed groove that evokes the plaintive splendor of Janet Jackson's "Got 'til It's Gone."

"Falling in Love" demonstrates the remarkably well-executed histrionics of MASTERPIECE THEATRE. The sultry vocals are wonderfully emotive and set to a sparkling beat that best complements Cindy Herron's angelic voice.

"Suite Intro" opens Love Suite, the set of songs set against the backdrop of classical music. The first, "Love U Crazay," is probably the only R&B song with rap interludes set to an instantly recognizable "Nutcracker" theme. How, you'll ask yourself, did En Vogue incorporate threads of rap, funk, R&B, and operatic voices and make it sound so damn sexy? No matter. It's pure brilliance, just like the rest of the album.

"Sad But True" shall become one of En Vogue's signature songs and it's proof that the ladies are adept at delivering ballads. Unlike the slow En Vogue ballads of yore, namely "Too Gone Too Long" and "No Fool No More," "Sad But True" works extremely well on ALL levels, which is why the seamless transition to the next song, "Love Won't Take Me Out," is so incredible. Itself, a seamless blend of operatic majesty and girl-group sentiments, "Love Won't Take Me Out" is as artful and innovative as anything on the album, but, like every track, it is entirely distinguishable from its counterparts, something that is sorely lacking in modern R&B.

"Whatever Will Be Will Be" is "Que Sera Sera" reinvented. Fittingly, this heartfelt and moving homage closes the Love Suite, but its successor is no slouch. "Beat of Love" is a sultry invitation to sample En Vogue's decidedly more mature direction and its exotic musical landscape is dangerously inviting.

With "Latin Soul," we could easily assume En Vogue is exploiting the current latin-pop trend for some quick sales. Not so. This lush gem ranks with Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" as a catchy tribute to the magic of Latin music, not an exercise in tired cliches from the likes of Marc Anthony or Ricky Martin.

"Work It Out" doesn't compare with "Riddle" or any of the songs during the Love Suite, but it is spirited fun, nonetheless.

"Those Dogs" features the trademark "human beat-box" vocal stylings of "Don't Worry Be Happy" singer Bobby McFerrin, himself a pioneer in the arena of classical music. (He currently conducts a symphony on the East Coast.) To contrast with the loving tribute to the symphonic sound, En Vogue inserts its trademark attitude with exciting results.

"Number One Fan" closes the album and it is instantly evocative of some of the wonderful jazz standards of late. In fact, like all of MASTERPIECE THEATRE, the song is a perfect balance of contemporary attitude and respectful tribute.

So, you may ask, is there anything unlikable about En Vogue's latest? No. However, I do have some qualms about the cover art. As a member since its inception, Maxine Jones shouldn't be virtually unrecognizable. It's rather ironic, because I believe that Miss Jones contributed much to the overall ambience of this record. As of today, she is officially my favorite member of En Vogue and I have her and her group mates to thank for my favorite record of the year thus far.

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