Let’s face it…
The turn of the century has unfortunately been accompanied by an under-appreciation of true vocalists. Veritably, it has been clear to see that as production technology has increased its ability, inversely, quality vocal performances have decreased.
Turn on the radio today and you will be assaulted by an abundance of autotune, so much so one may question if he/she is listening to real people or The Transformers…
Filed Under: Adele, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Brandy, Feature Article, Jazmine Sullivan, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Ledisi, Monica
Jazmine Sullivan has been a busy lady as of late.
Hard at work on her third studio album, the Philadelphia native has also been working on her physique.
Over the past year, we at That Grape Juice have turned to the readers for their thoughts on the roles age, race, and even sexuality play in one’s success in the music industry. Now, let’s weigh in on a heavier topic – weight.
Our culture is collectively becoming more stylized, making substance a thing of the past. As image drives the culture, often filling media with airbrushed or digitally altered representations of “beautiful”, the standard of beauty has never been more sought. An anomaly indeed given that statistics have proven most of the people subscribing to those very standards oft do not meet them.
So, what’s the big deal?
Even though the talentless still reign supreme, the successes of vocal divas as of late is reassurance that there is hope yet. For, without question, what the industry has ‘needed badly’ would be the prowess of a vocalist comparable to that of ‘Need U Bad’ beauty Jazmine Sullivan.
Last year may have seen the 24-year-old announce an ill-received departure from music, but now fans can rejoice at this weekend’s Twitter announcement:
*insert excitement here!*
While not completely mute on the musical tip as recent months have seen her lend the pen to Monica‘s ‘Until Its Gone’ and other R&B numbers, we at TGJ still are ready for Sullivan to make her own splash on charts. Overlooked gems from the singer’s sophomore album ‘Love Me Back’ are still on CONSTANT repeat at TGJ headquarters!
The 2008 debut of Missy Elliott’s Pennsylvanian protégé Jazmine Sullivan was indeed an introduction to some. But given her songwriting resume (see: Christina Milian, Monica, Jennifer Hudson) and already established Youtube following long before ‘Fearless’ hit shelves, by the time ‘Need U Bad’ blared from Urban radios, her unmistakable contralto was already a celebrity.
Showcasing a maturity in tone and technique far beyond her years, many would be forgiven for not knowing the ‘Bust Your Windows’ beauty was only 21 the year her debut LP arrived on record shelves. Heralded by many as the second-coming of Lauryn Hill, Sullivan’s soulful servings instantly gained her mainstream notoriety – some even christening her as R&B’s long-awaited messiah. Four hit R&B singles would follow ‘Fearless’ as it made an impressive top 10 debut. And, with Jazmine garnering an impressive 5 Grammy nods for the album, it appeared she was on her way to the same heights once held by Hill. Unfortunately, that trek to compeer Hill quickly turned uphill.
For, while her singles (that never made much noise on Pop charts anyway) were losing ground on home fronts, the singer was unceremoniously snubbed at the 2009 Grammy’s. This, of course, only furthering fears that the ‘Fearless’ follow-up would suffer a sophomore slump.
Enter ‘Love Me Back’ – ‘Fearless’ unsuccessful successor headed by R&B hit ‘Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)’. And, though marginally besting the first week sales of her first album, ‘Love Me Back’ wasn’t getting much love from record buyers. Consequently, many believe, leading the soulful songstress to ‘retire’ from the industry indefinitely.
That Grape Juice wants to know – what is the problem? Clearly one of this generation’s leading talents, the promo from her introductory hype alone helped float her first album sales. Albeit very deserved, could the lack of such her second-go-round have played a role in its successor’s sink? Lack of singles? Bad videos? Some may even argue weight gain, but the successes of the Adeles of the world could counter that argument.
Or, regardless of Jazmine’s mega-talent, was the material from ‘Love Me Back’ too dated and unappealing to garner mainstream success?
You tell us. Product vs. Promotion? What’s Jazmine Sullivan’s shortcoming?
This week’s Best You Never Heard features little known gems by Kelly Rowland, Jazmine Sullivan, Oliva and Kelis.
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As many will recall, Kelly Rowland’s 2007 effort ‘Ms. Kelly’ was marred by shocking management, bad single choices, and poor promotion. Still, the Gold certified LP delivered many a gem – including the Tank-assisted ‘The Show’.
Perhaps the raciest of Rowland’s oft underrated efforts, ‘The Show’ features the Destiny’s Child star and the R&B crooner trading verses about the much treaded on ‘deed’. However, unlike countless other sensual cuts, the song employs clever metaphors and similes in staging the ‘act’ – instilling an aura of ‘tact’ and ‘class’ in an otherwise risqué subject matter. Vocally, Tank’s butter-smooth baritone and Rowland’s soprano are a matched made in R&B heaven. {SAM}
LISTEN:
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In a time when R&B has been sidelined by consumers in favour of generic Pop hits, Jazmine Sullivan continues to satisfy the supporters of true artistry. ‘Excuse Me’ was included on the singer/songwriter’s critically acclaimed ‘Love Me Back’ LP, and serves as one of the record’s most compelling tracks.
Co-written and produced by Missy Elliott and Cainon Lamb, the song not only displays Sullivan’s technical skill but her ability to interpret the meaning of the lyrics, creating a truly believable performance.
‘Excuse Me’ demonstrates the exact reason why Sullivan’s talent is desperately needed in today’s music industry. Most acts are unable to carry a tune without the assistance of heavy production and auto-tune; hence a vocalist of her stature deserves our appreciation. {TRENT}
LISTEN:
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A victim of constant push-backs and label-politics, R&B songstress Olivia’s career has been quite the non-starter. Formerly a member of G-Unit, the singer’s sophomore effort ‘Behind Closed Doors’ (2005) indeed never saw the light of day. However morsels of material from the LP have since found their way onto the internet; with one of the most solid being the Missy Elliott produced ‘Cherry Pop’.
Boasting much in the way of Retro appeal, Elliott’s production on the racy cut gives a contemporary nod to 70’s Funk; with Oliva’s Old Skool vocal rasp further lacing it with both modern and Throwback sensibilities. Great track! {SAM}
LISTEN:
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Regardless of its poor commercial performance, Kelis’ ‘Flesh Tone’ included a collection of brilliant Dance recordings. Of course, the standout song of the 9-track lineup was definitely ‘22nd Century’.
Laced with incredible the production provided by Boys Noize, the record truly has a unqiue futuristic appeal, allowing the distinct tone of Kelis’ voice to shine.
‘Flesh Tone’ is undoubtedly one of the most underrated albums released in the last year. However, judging by the current trend in music which is leaning toward more Dance-oriented material, Kelis may have simply been one step ahead of her peers – in the 22ndcentury to be precise.{TRENT}
LISTEN:
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Jazmine Sullivan made a shocking announcement on Twitter today. The R&B singer revealed to thousands of fans that she intends to take a break from music, placing her budding career on hold. Check out what she had to say below:
Here is a new song from Eminem and Jazmine Sullivan. ‘Cocaine‘ was recorded during the rapper’s ‘Recovery’ sessions. Give it a listen below:
BET aired the ‘A Very BET Christmas’ special just moments ago. The show featured performances from Ne-Yo, Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson and others. Peep the full lineup below:
ThatGrapeJuice.TV
