Search - Ralph Tresvant :: It's Goin Down

LABOR OF LOVE

Knyte | New York, NY | 12/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When 'It's Goin' Down' first dropped at the end of 1993 (along with Jodeci's 'Diary Of A Mad Band'), I was a bit worried. I mean, I saw (and bought) the "Who's The Mack" single but noticed that it wasn't getting any airplay. What bothered me even more was that there was no advance warning or buzz about the single. It was just there all of a sudden. I knew from then that things were not going to be good for 'It's Goin' Down.' And commercially, they weren't.Now exactly 10 years later, I have a newfound appreciation for this album. I'm 26 years old now, and I can appreciate what it must feel like to want to express yourself...to be your true self. Prior to this album, Ralph Tresvant was the gentle, baby-voiced lead singer of New Edition, and then he became the smooth loverman thanks to "Sensitivity." This time around, his persona was a little more dynamic and edgy. But if there's one thing that is communicated on this album, it's honesty. And in my opinion, that's a beautiful thing.I really didn't like the album when I bought it, as hard as I tried to. But all the Jam & Lewis cuts ("When I Need Somebody," "Who's The Mack," and "...-O") grabbed me the first time. Especially "When I Need Somebody," which was rightfully the 2nd single. The problem was by the spring of 1994, it was ALL about R. Kelly with "Bump'N'Grind," along with Jodeci's "Feenin," Blackstreet's "Before I Let You Go," and Death Row's 'Above The Rim' soundtrack. There was simply no room for Mr. Tresvant as a solo artist in this cluttered, gangsta-fied/more soulful R&B-oriented landscape (case in point, it wasn't until things lightened up in 1997 that the more "pop-oriented" Usher was finally able to break through after his 1994 debut was (for the most part) overlooked...so timing could have played a larger role in this album's lack of success than most critics seem to allow).The other songs I loved the first time around were "Graveyard," "The Booty Affair", "...-Spot," (actually my fave) and "Love At First Sight" (let's just say I was taking notes). Listening to the album now, I like the whole thing. It's because Ralph decided to believe in himself, and make this project happen. I mean, he wrote, produced and arranged 10 of the 13 tracks featured. And some of the finest tracks "...-Spot," "Booty Affair," and "Graveyard" were ALL him. How many R&B stars (besides R. Kelly, of course) can say that? If you're looking for objectivity in this review, unfortunately you're not going to find it here. Like Marques Houston after him, Ralph Tresvant is more of a "legacy" artist, in that he enjoys a passionate group of fans that have grown with him over the many years he has been in the business. If you're a music lover really looking to get an insight into the mind of Ralph Tresvant circa 1993-1994, then this is the album to get. And out of all the work to ever emerge from the New Edition camp, I don't think any of them come as close to reflecting the true spirit of its performer than this one. Well done Ralph.Njs4ever (New Jack Swing 4Ever)"

True Artist is RT aka "The Rizzo"

D. I. Henshaw | West Coast | 08/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First...Ralph became the most respectable "true" member of NE.

With that said, "Its Goin' Down" is a solid piece of early-mid 90's R&B. RT writes, and produces most of what makes up the albums best parts. His words are nothing special, but when you hear it, you'll know its from his heart & soul.



"Its goin' Down" is much harder than "Ralph Tresvant" his first album...so if you enjoy RT's sound/delivery, you'll love this one. "Its Goin' Down" also has a West Coast feel to the production. Which most of the album was recorded in SF/Bay area. Check out "Rizzo the Mack" on his 2nd and last solo effort;)"

Very bold effort

D. I. Henshaw | 01/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ralph took up most of the work as far as productiona and writing on this lp. Gotta respect that, would have preferred more songs written and produced by established producers and writers but gotta give Ralph respect for coming out the way he did after all the critical acclaim of his debut. A true leader. Now Who's the Mack!"