Search - Mark Morrison :: Return of the Mack

Strangely fascinating (3.5/5)

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 09/27/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"British R&B artist Mark Morrison emerged in the mid-90s with a few huge hits and one album before quickly fading into obscurity. Although "Return of the Mack" is a strikingly uneven album, there is something strangely fascinating about it that makes it an album I hold in high esteem to this day. His unusual nasal voice can stray offkey and wouldn't normally lead to his being labeled a particularly great vocalist. The lyrics are run-of-the-mill, insubstantial, and predictable, and over the course of the 12 tracks there are some hilariously bad songs that are horrid sonically, musically, and vocally. But the music has a unique sound, and when Morrison and co-producer Phil Chill capture a spark, the results can be magical as they make some surprisingly good songs.



With notably crisp instrumentation, inventive percussion, and rich soundscapes ripe with synths and electronica, the album moves at an upbeat, danceable groove. The vibe is unusual and thus even a bit futuristic, yet the end result is oh-so-90s. "Return of the Mack" is frequently corny, yet the obvious missteps are actually part of its charm. Morrison is a one-hit-wonder who worked with a formula and aimed for the charts; at its best, it can be of a spectacular quality, and at its worst, it's bad.



The title track is simply a tremendous song from any standpoint. The album version is a lush eight-minute arrangement leading in with a piano solo and culminating with an extended breakdown and DJ scratch. The groove is gorgeous, Mark's breathy verses are incessantly catchy and the song's entire vibe is awesome. While it may just be a quirky 90s dance-pop hit, it's also musically ingenious.



Nothing else quite approaches the glorious level of that classic, but the album is far from disposable and tends to succeed in many of the same areas. The opener "Crazy (D-Influence Mix)" is a harmlessly infectious track with wonderful production, and the smooth "Let's Get Down" is equally endearing as Mark employs a softer delivery over clever instrumentals. "Moan and Groan" and "Trippin'" are strong bedroom slow jams that sound like Keith Sweat b-sides, and the original mix of "Crazy" as well as Da Beatminerz' "Return of the Mack" remix are both nice.



As for lowlights, "Get High With Me" and the awkward "Candy" take the cake, songs so sonically bad that it's hilarious. "Horny" was ill-conceived as well.



"Return of the Mack" is a fun album of danceable 90s soul that succeeds on clever production and songwriting. It has a unique sound, good style, and a few magical moments that make even the worst filler completely bearable. Its frequent corniness is part of what makes it fun. I recommend this album--Mark may have been a one-hit wonder but "Return of the Mack" is truly charming despite its flaws."

Excellent

D. Dole | USA | 03/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though this CD did not get positive reviews when it was released, I think it is one of the better male R&Bs put out in 1997. And the guy crying about "most of the (songs) are either about sex or getting high" shouldn't be writting reviews in the R&B genre. My .02"