BBC Review 1bj6o
The biggest girl group in the world return with the follow up to their 1999, nine...
Christian Hopwood 2002
The biggest girl group in the world return with the follow up to their 1999, nine million copy selling Fanmail and it's hot... so hot.
Since g to LaFace in 1991 TLC have ridden the rock 'n' roll rollercoaster all the way. From their humble beginnings in Atlanta to the incredible breakthrough album that was CrazySexyCool there followed record company fall outs, rumours about break ups and bankruptcy. Not to mention their phenomenal record sales and countless MTV, Soul Train, Billboard and Grammy awards. Unfortunately, the incredible highs have been tempered with the most unbearable of lows.
The loss of Lisa 'Lefteye' Lopes in a car accident earlier this year sent a shock wave through the music world, one that still mourns the loss of agenuine talent. Regrettably, she s Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah, and Jam Master Jay who, for one reason or another, have been taken prematurely.
Kicking off with a drum and bass intro 3D progresses through an uncompromising take on the R&B sound. "Quickie" and "Girl Talk" are upfront party jams propelled by bare faced cheek and female power while the sweet, acoustic soul of "Turntable" provides a welcome contrast with its beautiful harmonies. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo team up with the girls on vocals and studio desk duties on "In Your Arms Tonight". Although softer than most of the Neptunes productions this pops, dips and surges on the electro tip that has become their trademark style.
"Dirty Dirty" is a real high point with Missy Elliot and Timbaland taking the lead on the writing and production. These two are making the most forward thinking music that is above and beyond anything else being made at the moment and we love them for it.
Quite what the future holds for the band remains to be seen as they have announced recently that they will not be looking for a replacement to make the trio complete. If 3D is the last record TLC will have gone out on a high, either way Lisa would have loved it. Still crazy, still sexy, still cool.
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