Xscape - Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha
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Free Music Notes for Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha
Free Music Review: Xscape's vocal talent survives Jermaine Dupri's production
Hit: 3 Stars
Although they had six top ten singles few people would today remember Xscape or any of their hits. It wasn't their fault though, they arrived at the wrong time when similar girl groups were a dime a dozen and with the wrong producer. Jermaine Dupri, always one of the most egotistical figures in the urban music spectrum (and that's saying something)was fresh off the success of Kriss Kross's "Jump" when he decided he wanted a girl group of his own to rival SWV and TLC; enter Xscape. His intentions to market them as a "ghetto En Vogue" were abundantly clear and they dominate this record from the stupid interlude "W.S.S. Deez Nuts" to the forced bad girl postureing of the otherwise pretty girls on the album cover and sleeve. And then there's the single "Just Kickin'It".. upon one listen it's obvious that Dupri wrote and produced this dribble. No woman could have written the lyrics "every man wants a woman who can cook him up a good meal... and every man wants a woman who ain't good for just lyin' on her back." While the rest of the album has more female friendly lyrics they are lost on the pretenciousness of Dupri's productions. Was an organ really necessary on "Understanding"? Or was it just meant to show that Xscape had church roots too after singing a song like "Just Kickin' It"? Don't get me wrong, the girls had major vocal talent as displayed by their gospel edged highly energized harmonizing on tracks such as "Tonight" and "Is My Living In Vain" but the medium through which this talent was filtered is horribly frustrating. Sometimes a talented group is alluded major success because they can't find an image or a gimmick to stick with but in this case it's the gimmick that ruins the group. Free Music Review: They Came, They Saw, They Did More Than Just Hummin'
Hit: 4 Stars
Xscape truly brought it to the masses with this album, and in the manner in which they spoke their minds in song, they proved to be a force to be reckoned with and they couldn't be denied. Songs like Just Kickin' It (personally, I prefer the remix over the original), Understanding, and I Got Love On My Mind are 3 major examples off this album that back up my thoughts. It's definitely worth having.Free Music Review: 4.5 stars
Hit: 4 Stars
When these talented girls released this short but sweet debut album, they were still very young. But they kept it mature, and that's one of the things I love about them. Nowadays, we can't get an artist or group under the age of 18 coming out without being a bubble gum pop act or a gimmick, talking about childish things like... lip gloss? Also, their harmonies are on point, which we really aren't finding in the industry right now. The production and song-writing is top notch. "Understanding" is so touching; I cried the first time I heard it. I love "Just Kickin' It," the original and the remix. Their take on the Clark Sister's "Is My Living In Vain?" was also a highlight for me. Okay... I liked the whole album! I listen to it straight through. A few more tracks and the exclusion of the interlude "W.S.S Deez Nuts" would've been nice, but I still love it!Free Music Review: Xscape enters the "girl group" market
Hit: 4 Stars
In 1993, Xscape became the latest "girl group" to surge up the R&B charts. Like SWV, En Vogue, and TLC before them, they had a profilic producer in Jermaine Dupri, talented vocalists, and a hunger to succeed. These elements all led to Xscape marching to an incredible debut in Hummin' Comin' At Cha. But enough about history. Let's get into the music.
Xscape reeled off no more than THREE hit singles in 'Just Kickin It', Understanding, and 'Love On My Mind'. Each record was different from each other. 'Just Kickin' It' was a laid-back, midtempo groove that stayed on the charts for months. 'Understanding' was a smooth, sensual, slow-jam that ranks as their best EVER work. 'Love On My Mind' was the typical hip-hop flavor we'd come to expect from JD. Each helped in garnering platinum album sales for the southern quartet.
As with any quality record, good album tracks are present. And Hummin' Comin' At Cha is no different. The tracks to check out are: With You (a smoky, midtempo groove worthy of a single), Is My Living In Vain (an gospel-styled treat that will get your soul stirring), and Tonight (an acapella-laced treat that gets your heart shivering).
In sum, Xscape turned out an impressive debut. Not only did the quartet go on to bigger success, but they also became the front act of JD's label --So So Def -- later in the decade. They would also turn up better records as the decade went on. But, their debut should not go unnoticed. It is the start of their legacy and should be picked up by any music follower, especially those heavy into hip-hop/soul.
Grade: B+
Free Music Review: "understanding" is absolutely heartbreaking...
Hit: 4 Stars
You know what, I've been looking for this CD for a long time when I was in the Philippines. Now that I'm in the US, I got a chance to purchase this in Amazon. BUY THIS CD! The tracks "Just Kickin It" and "Understanding" will already compensate for your money's worth. I had a heart time listening to "Understanding" though. Its one of my favorite songs of all time, but its absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. The group croons so well and their vocals just shoot me directly to my heart. I can't resist them. I get teary-eyed when I hear the song, especially when they declare the line: "I tried so very hard, to keep the love alive" and "I need some understanding, I wanna be with you..."
Don't take my word for it. Try to listen to the CD yourself. I believe you're a stone if your heart doesn't soften with the song "Understanding":-)