When Jodeci dropped their debut, 'Forever My Lady', in 1993, it was the birth of a new era in R&B. The honey-coated tones of the brothers Hailey, tight production and a contemporary new sound, headed by Devante Degrate and, to a lesser extent, brother Dalvin (who more than anyone provided the sex appeal for the group), was always going to be a winning formula. However, only two more albums followed before the band separated and all went and did their own thing.
Already seasoned veterans at making cameos as featured artists (Ce Ce Peniston, Tupac, Milestone), K-Ci and Jo Jo, the band's powerful voices, have had the most success (Devante produces occasionally and Dalvin's solo album, 'Met.a.morph.ic',
earlier this year failed to ignite), after launching a new career as a double act and substituting their sexually-charged lyrics for a more reserved approach.
Their first two albums, the multi-platinum 'Love Always', and 'It's Real', were both modest in content, but still managed to spawn international hits 'All My Life' (US Number One) and 'Tell Me It's Real' (recently a re-released garage hit). However, maintaining their return to the church boy roots, 'X''s themes are as boring as a Sunday preaching session - with the likes of 'Honest Lover', 'Wanna Do You Right', and 'Something Inside Of Me' nothing more than spunky little choir hymns, sung to a lady as opposed to God. K-Ci's trademark throat-tickling vocals are just not at home amongst these.
Falling short of being perfect for use at a wedding or Mothering Sunday service, there is nothing left to offer. Roll on 2001 and the return of Jodeci.
Adenike Adenitire
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