"X" Does Not Hit The Spot
01/11/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I think the album "X" should stand for the unknown, as in, what unknown force could have caused some of the top producers in this here game to pump out D-Grade material for the Hailey Bros? After using mostly unknown producers on their first two albums, the brothers finally decide to flex their muscles with the some of the best producers, like Timbaland, Teddy Riley, Babyface, and DeVante Swing. Even the late 2pac's (R.I.P) vocals are reunited with the Haileys on this album. However, what could have been the musically defining album in the Hailey Bros discography is instead a medicore afterthought as all the songs came off as regrettably unforgettable. Considering what could have been, it's a shame that this album turned out to be very uninspiring. The only tracks that stopped the heart for a few precious moments is the Jodeci hidden track "Slip N Fall" and the bonus track "I Just Can't Leave" found on the Japanese CD. "Slip N Fall" simply oozes wicked attitude as listening to it conjures up memories of days long gone when you could say Jodeci and get a reply like, "Those thugs can sure sing the panties off those song!". "I Just Can't Leave" starts off with a fan inquiring about K-Ci past relationships (i.e Mary J. Blige), to which good ole' K-Ci takes the high ground and tells them to leave it alone "cause she done all told you one time". After that humorous intro, K-Ci does his best "I B Goin' Solo Won't U Come and See Me" impression and belts out one nutty song that has him singing to his a) stalker on why he can't leave his girl then b) declaring his love forever, to his lady and finally c) sanging to the both of them at the same time. A nice little ditty from K-Ci that leaves you wanting more. Heck, after listening to both bonus tracks one is left wondering why they even bothered with the album "X" when a new Jodeci album or a K-Ci solo album sounds more appealing."
(3-1/2 stars) Didn't age well
Anthony Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 11/16/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If this album came out now, I would give it three stars. In fact, K-Ci & JoJo's first album Love Always was the only album they made that was great no matter how many times you played it. THIS album sounded great upon first listen, but after I listened to it again I realized it isn't as good as it could have been.There are some obviously good songs like "One Last Time", "Crazy" and "Something Inside Of Me". But then there are also some songs that don't sit right with me. "Suicide" flows well, but you have to admit that "I never thought of suicide/Until you took your love away" is a little extreme. There's also filler like "Thug N U Thug N Me" and the Timbaland-produced "Game Face"; and the hidden track, the ironically-titled "Slip And Fall", should have never been found. Speaking of which, since when are hidden tracks found BEFORE the end of the album?It's rather disappointing that K-Ci & JoJo keep experimenting at times and give us some tracks that don't sound like them. Let's hope their next album can compare to the classic that Love Always is."
Kci and jojo do it again.
Rob mctaggart | Bournemouth, United Kingdom | 01/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a huge music fan, i can guarantee that you fill find it difficult to find a cd that comes close to this. Maybe with the exception of One twelve-part 3, which i am also obsessed with. This album has inspired me in aspects of my life. I often find that waking up listening to this sensational music not only gets me thinking back on great times and experiences i have had but also gives me a feeling of satisfaction. What i have found through listening to it is the more you listen to it and give it a chance the more you will understand where i am coming from. I originally had heard just 'crazy' and 'thuggin you thuggin me' but for all the songs to be at a similar standard to this was quite surreal. Track number 8 is called 'all the things i should have known' and has turned out to be my favourite, each word sung is sensational and has made a positive impact on my life. I believe that this is an essential must have cd in every RNB fans collection. I am devoting my life to try and find a concert in England that Kci and jojo will attend."