Chris Brown - Exclusive (16 tracks) +Album Reviews

The Best Of Various Styles

Josephll | CET | 11/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Brown was only 16 when he debuted with his self titled album in 2005. Young, handsome, good singer excellent dancer Brown was able to able attract interest from alot of people. The Scott Sorch produced song "Run It" debuted at the top the billboard charts and stayed there for several weeks. Songs like "Yo (Excude me Miss)", "Say Goodbye" and "Gimme That" also became big hits and Brown was an overnight sensation. While the album wasn't bad it was far from amazing either with some standouts and plenty of forgettable cuts. I felt like alot of the songs of that album was sounding very simular, On purpose to attract a young audience and to stay updated for how the music on the radio was sounding in 2005. Some people would even say that Chris Brown was trying to emulate his idol Michael Jackson too much, relying on choreopgraphy in videos instead of winning fans with his voice. But Brown was still young and it's hard to blame him, All I can say is that he got huge potential and I hope he can use it in the best of ways and make an even better sophmore effort. 2 years later the album "Exclusive" is finally set for a release after some delays. Can Brown do like the likes his fellow R&B singers Marques Houston, Ne-Yo, Bobby Valentino that all made great albums this year or will he be one of those that just get overshadowed but the tough competition?

After hearing the first new single from the new album, "Wall To Wall" (From Sean Garrett) I had my doubts. The song was big and bouncy but it lacked good hook and the production left alot to be desired. It felt like it needed a more powerful production instead of holding back and each time I watched the video I just looked at the choreopgraphy and completely ignored the music. The song only reached a modest 79# place on the charts so I guess I wasn't the only one who didn't like it. Second single was "Kiss Kiss" produced by T-Pain and while I didn't like it at first it grew on me and slowly the song found it's way to the top of the charts, becoming Brown second chart topper. The song which also feature "hot for the moment" T-Pain is very simple radio-pop song with a repetitive hook that find it's way into your brain but as fun as it is righ now you are gonna wish you never heard it in a few months.

But after listening through this album it gets pretty clear that it got something for everyone, combining the best styles of 2007. The best song for me is the opener "Throwed" from the versatile Bryan Michael Cox. A fast singing Brown in an irressistable uptempo with really nice hook. The lyrics here are more daring then before, but he's afterall 18. Next up is a classic slowjam "Take You Down" from the Underdogs featuring some nice guitar licks. Sound alot like the early 90's but it's really good aswell. It couldn't get better when the Norwegians Stargate's song "With You" arrives. They produced most of Ne-Yo's songs, Beyonce's "Irreplacable" and Rihanna's new song "Hate That I Lobe You". This song follows the same as a rock-pop ballad and it's equally good. "Picture Perfect" was produced by Will.i.am from Black Eyes Peas and it does show. It sounds alot like some songs from his recent album with plenty of synthesizers and exotic drums, it's also about girls. Will guest raps, but this song in particular isn't that good. Big Boi also raps on Dre & Vidal's "Hold Up". It sounds alot like R. Kelly but ironically it's better then most things from his last album. "You" a romantic midtempo was produced by The Dream who's very in-demand right now with his hits "Umbrella" and "Bed". Just like on them they will be repeating the hook plenty of times "bed, bed bed" or here "you, you, you". Great song. A ballad called "Damage" from the Runners is passable but not too memorable.

The Underdogs comes back with an uptempo called "Help Me", while they're mostly famous for ballads this one is a hit warning and sounds alot like the music from Brown's debut album. Tank/Underdogs produces the next song, another ballad "I Wanna Be", it's ok. Jazze Pha who's mostly a Hip Hop producer introduces the next song "Gimme Whatcha Got" in normal manner "Ladies and Gentleman..." then we have a short rap from Lil Wayne (who else?), the song is a midtempo simular to music from his last album. Swizz Beatz is next on "I'll Call Ya", the amazing thing with this song is that it isn't a bouncy uptempo with special effects but a slowtempo/ballad. One of the highlights is Underdogs midtempo "Lottery", it's the perfect hit-single with a killer hook and a somewhat Timbaland sound. A trademark Scott Stoch production called "Nice" made for the clubs feature The Game. Not bad at all. Kanye West is the last producer to appear with "Down". It used some really nice guitar riffs throughout the song and is more rock-pop then soul. The song is alright but if Mr West would rap less it would be for the better. This song closes the album with 16 songs.

Overall, "Exclusive" isn't just better then then Brown's debut album it's one of the best R&B/Pop albums of 2007 and it's fullpacked with great and diverse songs made for everyone. It feature the songs from most in-demand superproducers in R&b/Pop that set the tone for music in 2007. We got the radio-pop song with T-Pain, bouncy club songs from Storch, contemporary R&B from Cox & the Underdogs, crazy 80's retro from Will.i.am, slowjamz from The-Dream, Rock-Pop from Stargate and a collaboration with in-demand rapper/producer Kanye West. What else can you ask for?. "Exlusive" may not follow a scheme and is very diverse but for once it feels just great to have so many diffrent songs for diffrent occasions. When this year comes to and end, I'll just lay back and listen to this album and remember how music sounded in 2007. Check it out!.

"

Steppin his game up

Derrick Jenkins | Hampton VA USA | 11/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Exclusive" C-Breezy came back with a venegance this time around. Being Executive Producer on the cd and having co-writing credits on the following songs:

Throwed

Kiss Kiss feat T-Pain (getting massive airplay)

Take You Down (another fav)

Picture Perfect feat. will.i.am

Damage (one of many songs i love on the cd)

Gimme Whatcha Got feat. Lil Wayne (feeling this one as well)

He's coming along steadly as a writer and performer. He's already got the dancing down pat and is working on other areas at bettering himself. "Exclusive" is just a step forward for one of music's up and coming artists. This one is going to be a smash and i see at least 4 or 5 singles coming from this album after "Kiss, Kiss".

It's diverse and uses many different styles to incorporate a sound that while similar to some is still very unique to Chris Brown..i love listening to music and especially when its as good as "Exclusive". It's all the more worthwhile.

Here are some songs worthy of your attention:

"Throwed"

"Kiss Kiss" feat T-Pain

"Take You Down"

"With You"

"Hold Up" feat. Big Boi

"You"

"Damage"

"Help Me"

"Gimme Whatcha Got" feat Lil Wayne

"I Wanna Be"

Honorable mention songs:

"Wall to Wall"

"I'll Call Ya"

"Lottery"

"Nice" feat Game

"Picture Perfect" feat will.i.am

Yes it is all that and then some...worthy of your attention and purchase as well.

Enjoy 2007 just got a little more exciting!!

"

(3.5 Stars) Still Growing

Charles L. Hubbert | Milwaukee, WI | 01/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Brown is on a roll as of late. The rising superstar turned 18-years-old earlier this year, made his debut in the movie Stomp The Yard as well as the recently released film This Christmas, and he's just released his highly-anticipated sophomore album Exclusive for his growing number of fans. And even though the road to superstardom seems to be well-paved, there are a few potholes on Exclusive that keep him from riding into the sunset. "Throwed" talks about going overboard with loving someone, while "Kiss Kiss" is a lighthearted feel-good song that seems to serve as the bridge between his eponymous debut CD and this new project. Chris gives a taste of his newfound grown-up status on "Take You Down" that goes above and beyond a few sexual innuendos. "With You" is a endearing groove that sounds just like Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" (both songs were produced by the Norwegian powerhouse production team Stargate). "Picture Perfect" is anything but with its suspect production from Will.I.Am who also gives a lackluster rap performance to boot. "Hold Up" is all over the place with it's production from Cool & Dre, coupled with an impractical use of Big Boi's feature on an already innocuous track. He goes for a simple approach with the elementary "You," a track that he could market to his teen fan base that certainly still exists since this is only his second album. "Damage" follows this same formula, and "Wall To Wall" was crafted to appeal to the younger crowd, much like it's counterpart "Kiss Kiss". "Help Me" is a decent mid-tempo dance cut, while "I Wanna Be" is a great slow cut penned by consummate songwriter Tank. A uncomplicated yet respectable rap from Lil Wayne leads off the free-flowing, Jazze Pha-produced "Gimme Whatcha Got." Swizz Beatz provides an innovative groove for the otherwise self-explanatory affirmation on "I'll Call Ya." The album closes with the dismal track "Lottery," the passable cut "Nice" featuring The Game, and the humdrum of "Down" featuring Kanye West. Even though Exclusive could have been better, it certainly isn't an album that will set him back. Like Usher, Marques Houston, and other former underage singers, Chris Brown has some years to grow into a respectable force in contemporary R&B.

"

No track exceeds "average"

Mikeisha Best | Mitchellville, Maryland United States | 12/31/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Usually when I listen to an album in its entirety, one or two songs outshine the rest of the album. Such is not the case with Virginia native Chris Brown's sophomore album, "Exclusive." Rather, all of these tracks are on the same page when speaking of which tracks are best. After the last song went off, all I could hear was all of the tracks combined. Nothing on this album shined; it was all average, typical rhythm and blues, and that's not good. There should have been a least one great song here. If I were forced to choose the best song, though, it would be the second released single, and the album's most successful song, "Kiss Kiss." Worth mentioning are the guest appearances by the rappers. Big Boi, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and the Game are all featured here and they do a great job.

Chris Brown isn't an original artist. Much of the production sounded like beats I have heard before. Examples, you say? Well, "With You" (along with Rihanna's track, "Good Girl Gone Bad") sound like Beyonce's smash, "Irreplaceable." That song was so successful, and played millions of times, so why producers choose to continue to ape its production is very much beyond me. Further, "Take You Down" and "You" both sound like they were produced by Prince. "You" also reminds you of Elton John's hit, "Benny and the Jets." The lyrics on this album, well, let's just say they conform to the audience they were meant for, teenagers. They weren't impressive at all. Lines such as "You're like 28s on a Hummer, you're the number one stunner", "Look at the damage I've caused you, I know I broke your heart" and "Put me on your screensaver, all over your Myspace" further my point.

His talent as a singer is pretty good, but he does not have the best voice control. He needs to learn his vocal limit. When he does that, he'll be a better vocalist. He has good harmony and is blessed with a nice voice, but he did come into the industry of music very young, so it's only fair to allow him some time to capitalize his talent. His dancing is very impressive, and he's very handsome.

I recommend this album to teenagers and younger. They will definitely get more from this album than young adults and the older crowd. 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Kiss Kiss"

2. "Take You Down"

3. "Nice"

4. "You"

5. "Wall to Wall"

"

More "Kissing" Music from America's Newly Grown-up R&B Heart

Musac Critic | 01/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Brown's sophomore album, Exclusive, was certainly one of R&B's most anticipated albums of 2007. The smart, "pretty boy" has been the most successful of the young R&B heartthrobs of filling the spot which Usher has left vacant since his four-year hiatus after his diamond selling Confessions. Omarion's O managed to go gold while his second, arguably stronger 21 bowed in the rainmaker position, but failed to surpass 500,000. Lloyd's first album failed to go gold, but his second, Street Love, turned out to be a gold success. Trey Songz has released two albums, 2005's Gotta Make It (debuted at #20 with 44,000 copies) and 2007's Trey Day (#11, 73,000), but both have failed to be commercial breakthroughs, aside from a couple of luke-warm singles. Brown has been fortunate to have two multi-platinum albums (Exclusive has already been certified platinum) and have numerous top-ten singles including #1s "Run It" featuring Juelz Santana and more recently #1 "Kiss, Kiss", featuring the ubiquitous "Nappy Boy" himself, T-Pain. Commercial success has been good to Brown, while critical success hasn't been bad either. Exclusive isn't the second coming by any means, but it is another solid, if sometimes unexceptional set of contemporary R&B tunes that are sure to have women of all ages, races, and backgrounds ready to swoon over him. Is it sexuality or mere talent that have propelled this now 18 year-old? He's got the talent, but as they say in the business, good looks can never hurt!

"Throwed" opens Exclusive up strongly, but doesn't quite rival the success of Brown's debut banger, "Run It". That aside, the Neptunes reminiscent production work (this track was actually produced by State of Emergency and Bryan-Michael Cox if you can believe it!) is absolutely sick and the production supports Brown's cool demeanor and strong vocals. "Kiss Kiss" featuring the ubiquitous T-Pain is the first "official" single of EXCLUSIVE, following the leak of single "Wall To Wall", which performed with a surprising mediocrity at radio. It was a fine track, but "Kiss, Kiss" is the best track of the album, and it's no surprise the vocoder heavy T-Pain produced track quickly shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. On "Kiss, Kiss" specifically, you begin to hear growing maturity and even some deepening of Brown's tenor vocals. The mix makes his vocal performances themselves even stronger on Exclusive, even if some of Brown's material on Chris Brown itself was stronger.

"Take You Down" features nice urban production not too dissimilar from Palow Da Don's production work on Ciara's "Promise" with the electro-sounding drum programming. It isn't quite a clear-cut hit, but a newly sexualized Brown pulls it off convincingly. "With You" features production from the ubiquitously popular production team Stargate (Ne-Yo's "So Sick", Beyonce's "Irreplaceable", Rihanna's "Hate That I Love You") and changes the electronic-centric aspects of EXCLUSIVE for one with acoustic guitars and strings. It feels the slightest bit out of place honestly after the synth-driven nature of the first three tracks, but Brown again sounds very strong vocally and it is a solid track that makes for a strong official second single (think Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" for the overall sound of this track). "Picture Perfect" brings in the creative genius of Black-eyed Peas brainchild will.i.am for a rather interesting, minimalist track. If nothing else, the drum-groove and the hook are both infectious, typical of will.i.am tracks. Hit? No - but definitely a fun, if not exhilarating listen. "Hold Up" features Big Boi and proves to be another "joint" for the club. Big Boi verses aren't quite up to par with his best verses, but it is OK. The hook is catchy, though not as catchy as say "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" or "Say Goodbye" from his debut. "You" is another production standout, though it is nothing more than a solid track where the song itself is concerned -

that tends to be the sole problem of Exclusive; The voice and the talent are both there, but the songwriting doesn't always do much for Brown.

"Damage" is forgettable while "Wall To Wall" was incredibly underrated for whatever reason. It is a strong track and showcases more mature vocals from Brown. Maybe even more noticeable to the "tweens" of the world is he says "damn" here (Gasp!). "Help Me" is another strong club-track, but not quite as strong as "Wall To Wall" or "Kiss, Kiss". "I Wanna Be" is strong ballad, not incredibly far removed from former track "Take You Down". Vocally, Brown sounds among the best he has sounded the entire album. "Give Me Whatcha Got" features a slightly disappointing performance from Lil' Wayne ("Gimme That" was much sounder). Brown sounds fine, but "Give Me Whatcha Got" just may have crossed the line of a having a few too many club tracks. The last couple of tracks are basically "take `em" or "leave `em" in my opinion. Had the album ended after "I Wanna Be" it would've been fine in my opinion. Even the guest spots from Game & Kanye West are a bit of let downs.

There is nothing monumental on Exclusive in my opinion. What it does do is that it shows that Brown can sing anything. His vocals surpass the material more often than not here, hence making Exclusive a second triumph for him. Though, if he didn't sing a note in tune, I think the ladies still would've bought Exclusive. 3 ½ stars in my eyes.

"

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