The Bottom Line
After more than 50 years -- yes, 50 years in the music game, the Isley Bros. definitely still have it. Their latest release, Baby Makin' Music doesn't break any new ground, but it definitely proves that vocalist Ron Isley (aka Mr. Biggs) and his musician brother Ernie ( he plays the guitar and drums) are still two of the more talented performers in R&B. The album title is completely appropriate, as nearly all the tracks are mid-tempo love-making songs that are perfect for a romantic evening.
Pros
- Ron Isley's voice is as pure as ever.
- Ernie Isley's guitar wizardry is still excellent.
- The songs are perfect for a romantic evening.
Cons
- The subject matter is too repetitive.
- If you're not makin' babies, the CD loses some of its appeal.
Description
- Sexy.
- Seductive.
- Lusty.
Guide Review - The Isley Brothers - 'Baby Makin' Music'
The Isley Bros. new release doesn't match their last album, Body Kiss, in terms of quality, but it definitely lives up to its title. Baby Makin' Music is the perfect name for this 11-song CD, because that's all the CD focuses on -- lovemaking.
Nearly all the songs, like the opening track, "You're My Star," as well as "Show Me" and "Give It to You" are simple, straightforward tales of love, sex and seduction. A perfect example is "Blast Off," an R. Kelly-produced song using Kelly's usual metaphors, this time using a rocket launch as a synonym for sex. Lines like: "Let’s blast off tonight, the sky is the limit," and "I’m counting down the seconds 'til we take off, baby" are what you can expect.
Fortunately, despite the inclusion of modern-day hitmaking producers like R. Kelly and Jermaine Dupri, the producers' touch is light and doesn't overpower the Isleys.'
As you might expect by the album's title, nothing’s subtle here, the pillow talk is straightforward and unambiguous, simple and uncomplicated. The album breaks no new ground, but doesn't fix what wasn’t broken, either. If there's a negative, it's that there's not enough variety. So if you're not looking for bedroom music, this probably isn't for you.
The guitar wizardry of Ernie Isley is an underrated treat, and Ron’s voice is still sweetly seductive. The amazing thing about Ron is how, despite being in his mid-60s, (he was born on May 21, 1941) he still sounds genuine -- and comfortable -- singing seductive songs.
Nearly all the songs, like the opening track, "You're My Star," as well as "Show Me" and "Give It to You" are simple, straightforward tales of love, sex and seduction. A perfect example is "Blast Off," an R. Kelly-produced song using Kelly's usual metaphors, this time using a rocket launch as a synonym for sex. Lines like: "Let’s blast off tonight, the sky is the limit," and "I’m counting down the seconds 'til we take off, baby" are what you can expect.
Fortunately, despite the inclusion of modern-day hitmaking producers like R. Kelly and Jermaine Dupri, the producers' touch is light and doesn't overpower the Isleys.'
As you might expect by the album's title, nothing’s subtle here, the pillow talk is straightforward and unambiguous, simple and uncomplicated. The album breaks no new ground, but doesn't fix what wasn’t broken, either. If there's a negative, it's that there's not enough variety. So if you're not looking for bedroom music, this probably isn't for you.
The guitar wizardry of Ernie Isley is an underrated treat, and Ron’s voice is still sweetly seductive. The amazing thing about Ron is how, despite being in his mid-60s, (he was born on May 21, 1941) he still sounds genuine -- and comfortable -- singing seductive songs.
