(One of THIS WEEK's "Featured Artists")
AMERIE has been out of the spotlight for quite some time now...and she left us highly anticipating a follow-up to such singles like "1 Thing" and "Why Don't We Fall In Love" featuring Ludacris. So what exactly happened...?
After the release of the albums "Touch" and "Because I Love It", AMERIE ended up parting ways with Columbia Records. She is now part of Feenix Rising...her own record label she formed. What discourages this album from pulling ahead is the fact that it was pushed back SO many times this year. Three singles have already been released ("Why R U", "Heard 'Em All", and "Pretty Brown" featuring Trey Songz) and NONE of them have broken onto the Hot 100...and NONE of them have made it to the TOP 40 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
So what's the problem? Originally called "Breakups to Makeups", "In Love & War" (which is being distributed by Island Def Jam Records) is actually a pretty good album. AMERIE really did put together a very eclectic effort. There are a few songs that are similar to the style of "1 Thing" (i.e., "Tell Me You Love Me", "Dangerous", and "Higher"). She recruited several producers including Jim Jonsin and Rico Love ("Swag Back") and Bryan Michael-Cox ("Red Eye"). The one person who is missing from the roster is Rich Harrison who AMERIE has worked with on past albums. Nonetheless, her and Lenny Nicholson took control of the project and created something awesome to listen to...whether you're in a mood to dance or a mood to chill, you'll hear the story about the ins and outs of love and relationships loud and clear.
Unfortunately, I can tell you right now that it won't elevate AMERIE to the point that she used to be. I will, however, recommend this album to anyone, fans or not. But if you're looking for a Grammy-award winning album based on sales...don't look here. Instead, enjoy "In Love & War" for the sexy, influential talented woman that is AMERIE.
Songs that I Really Enjoyed From the Album:
• Tell Me You Love Me
• Heard 'Em All
• Why R U
• Pretty Brown featuring Trey Songz
• More Than Love featuring Fabolous
• Swag Back
• The Flowers
• Dear John
• Heard 'Em All (Remix) featuring Lil' Wayne
Unfortunately, at the time that this review was being posted, no full-length music clips from the new album were available on Youtube...
So instead, here's an album preview of "In Love & War..."
AMERIE
"Heard "Em All"
From the 2009 album "In Love & War"
Directed by Anthony Mandler
(4.00)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III
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