Whew Lawd, this album. PURE. FIRE. From track 1-18, Melanie Fiona (and her team of producers) have crafted an energetic and soulful R&B album that plays to all of her strengths. I came across this album on iTunes and realized from listening to 3 samples that this was going to be an excellent album. Much like her contemporary Adele, Melanie Fiona can channel heartbreak and anger and turn it into a hot song like on tracks like Wrong Side of a Love Song, Gone and Never Coming Back, and 4AM. Melanie doesn’t wallow in the sadness, and some of the best songs on the album are when she’s reclaiming her personhood like on This Time featuring J Cole, the album opener.
There are 6 cameos on the album and they are all fantastic. It’s great to hear her and John Legend back on a song (L.O.V.E.) after their good collaborations in the past. She’s got rap stars past (Snoop Dogg and Nas) and present (J Cole and B.o.B.) on songs that range in subject matter from a lost love to reclaiming oneself. But the shinning light of the collabos and the entire album, is 6Am, a logical sequel to 4AM and featuring T-Pain. This song has great production values, catchy lyrics, and two great voices. I like that Melanie is still bringing the intensity but this time over a club beat. Seriously, this song is great and it brings back a lost art of bringing a part 2 to a popular song.
Overall, this album is a great blend of musical styles and songs, with the one constant being Melanie Fiona’s amazing voice.
Grade: A/A-
Favorite Tracks: 6Am, Wrong Side of a Love Song, This Time, 4AM, Gone (La Dada Di), L.O.V.E.
