MJ Cole easily matches the Brilliance of "Sincere"....
fetish_2000 | U.K. | 03/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since 2000's `Sincere' album, M J Cole has been pretty quiet on the recording front (apart from a handful of remix work), but he confidently reminds us here, why he's possibly one of the most refined & elegant producers in 2 Step/Garage. Never straying to far from the template & approach that earmarked `Sincere'. There's a plethora of guest vocalists here, that provide the lyrical content for Cole's extravagant String & beat arrangements. Nu-soul torch bearer `Jill Scott' injects Soul Passion into the 2 step breaks of "Perfect Pitch". Dancehall gets a mainstream makeover (less controversial) with the booty Shake of "Elephant Man's - Mad Man". Hip-Hop is seamlessly integrated into the album with U.K. rapper `Fallacy's' quick fire rhymes upping the tempo considerable with agreeably pleasing results. As is Cole's trademark, sumptuous string arrangements underpin a handful of beautiful tracks, but more surprising is the intimate piano instrumental to opens the album.....and confirms this album easily as worthy as "Sincere"."