Jagged Edge is practically the last band standing. Most of their fellow R&B vocal groups from the 1990s - Dru Hill, 112, Silk, Jodeci and even Boyz II Men - have all either broken up or taken long hiatuses in recent years. But J.E. is back with their second album in two years and sixth in seven years, including a 2006 greatest hits package. And their longevity is due at least partially to an incredible vocal chemistry on their songs, a chemistry that continues on
Baby Makin' Project, an album that doesn't break any new ground, but tries its best to live up to its name while still keeping it classy and not trashy.
Bedroom Music
Baby Makin' Project starts off on the right foot, with a clever, TV drama-inspired medley of
Jagged Edge 's past hits, just to remind everyone of how many great hits they've put out over the years. The album then starts its task of living up to its title with the sexually charged stripper anthem
"Put a Little Umph In It," featuring guest vocals by Ashanti, However, things start to go downhill on the very next track, "Whole Town Laughing," about a cheating man who's humiliated and despondent after his wife leaves him. The depressing track isn't exactly great listening if you're practicing making babies, to say the least.
The next few songs, including "Me, That's Who," "Get This" and "I'll Be Damned" are better, but somewhat cliched, uninspired and downright forgettable. They sound like some of the other bland material from the group's previous albums. Fortunately, the album's second half saves the day - or the night, as it were. "Can't Get Right" is one of the better songs in awhile about being sprung:
"Sometimes I'm almost sorry that I found you, (And it's only because) 'cause I can't get no peace when I'm not around you/Can't get right without you in my bed, can't get right, keep seein' you soakin' wet."
Another highlight is "Turn U On," which more than lives up to the album's theme of sex; in fact, the song's music is practically a guide of when to thrust and grind.
If you have any of J.E.'s previous albums, this one isn't a must-own; but if you're looking to add some new bedroom music to your collection, Baby Makin' Project mostly lives up to its name.
