Xscape Album: “Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha”

Xscape is a female quartet of the early 90's for those that don't know. Upon first listen you can tell that they obviously were heavily involved in church or a choir. Their voices are the definite highlights of this album. Latocha Scott and her sister Tamika, as well as Kandi Burruss and Tamika Cottle made a vocal group yet to be imitated in the music industry. They brought a more soulful side to the R&B scene as witnessed by their bonafide classic `Just Kick It'. Laid back, down to earth females willing to just chill with ya sometimes instead of talking about what they want from you. But if it's one thang these ghetto sistas want from their man is "Understanding". How can you communicate if you don't hear what they say? `Understanding' is a beautiful song with a lil message that sticks to your ribs like only down south southern singing can do.

With You is a jamming song with that early 90's Jill swing to it. "Is My Living In Vain' is a gospel edged accapella freestyle-like song. It is probably my favorite song on the album. "Love On My Mind" is another dance groove with a lil taste of that Georgia flavor to it. Tonight is a soulful romantic accapella that is oh so refreshing. It's nice to hear groups with actual vocal talent as compared to the horrible renditions of `girl' groups nowadays who only look good but can't sing worth a flip. The album ends properly with a remix of Just Kickin It and after this song you WILL be tempted to start the cd over again and enjoy the music once more. This album being only 9 songs deep, doesn't overload you with a gang of songs. That gives each song more meaning and appreciation. This Xscape album is classic to the young ears and is top notch quality for any R&B fan. 5 Stars easily.

You know what, I've been looking for this CD for a long time when I was in the Philippines. Now that I'm in the US, I got a chance to purchase this in Amazon. BUY THIS CD! The tracks "Just Kickin It" and "Understanding" will already compensate for your money's worth. I had a heart time listening to "Understanding" though. Its one of my favorite songs of all time, but its absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. The group croons so well and their vocals just shoot me directly to my heart. I can't resist them. I get teary-eyed when I hear the song, especially when they declare the line: "I tried so very hard, to keep the love alive" and "I need some understanding, I wanna be with you..."

Don't take my word for it. Try to listen to the CD yourself. I believe you're a stone if your heart doesn't soften with the song "Understanding":-)

Even after ten years of their debut album being in the market, Xscape is still a force to be reckoned with. New girl groups are compared to these four women, and it is a well deserved accomplishment, proven here on their debut CD.

Listening to this album now will have you thinking, oh, this is so 1993, and that is exactly when the album was released. The "New Jack Swing" beats of that era are evident on this album, included on most of the songs, which provide a balance along with the ballads.

Hip-hop laced jams like "Pumpin'" and "Let Me Know" will keep your head bobbing, and the tight joint "Love On My Mind" will have you singing along with the chorus. Of course, the ultimate jam "Just Kickin' It" will have you chillin to the beat and singing along with the irresistable hook.

But if Xscape is known for anything, it is definitely their vocals, and they do a very good job on the ballads. "Understanding" is a very good ballad that will have you feeling the groove. And if that does nothing, then go on to "Tonight", which is an acappella slow jam that will definitely be on your list of ultimate slow jams. The girls sensual and smooth harmonies will take your breath away, and there is no track production - just clean, crystal clear harmony. For more harmony, definitely take a listen to the classic gospel song "Is My Living In Vain", which is probably the best song on the album, in my opinion. This song shows another example of Xscape's versatility, and lets you know that these girls have what it takes to be a vocal force to be reckoned with.

All in all, this album is very good. Definitely one of those albums that you can play all the way through if you can feel the old New Jack Swing vibe, and a classic album for any true R&B fan to own.

In 1993, Xscape became the latest "girl group" to surge up the R&B charts. Like SWV, En Vogue, and TLC before them, they had a profilic producer in Jermaine Dupri, talented vocalists, and a hunger to succeed. These elements all led to Xscape marching to an incredible debut in Hummin' Comin' At Cha. But enough about history. Let's get into the music.

Xscape reeled off no more than THREE hit singles in 'Just Kickin It', Understanding, and 'Love On My Mind'. Each record was different from each other. 'Just Kickin' It' was a laid-back, midtempo groove that stayed on the charts for months. 'Understanding' was a smooth, sensual, slow-jam that ranks as their best EVER work. 'Love On My Mind' was the typical hip-hop flavor we'd come to expect from JD. Each helped in garnering platinum album sales for the southern quartet.

As with any quality record, good album tracks are present. And Hummin' Comin' At Cha is no different. The tracks to check out are: With You (a smoky, midtempo groove worthy of a single), Is My Living In Vain (an gospel-styled treat that will get your soul stirring), and Tonight (an acapella-laced treat that gets your heart shivering).

In sum, Xscape turned out an impressive debut. Not only did the quartet go on to bigger success, but they also became the front act of JD's label --So So Def -- later in the decade. They would also turn up better records as the decade went on. But, their debut should not go unnoticed. It is the start of their legacy and should be picked up by any music follower, especially those heavy into hip-hop/soul.

Grade: B+

Average album, some good songs, two or three not-so-good songs. Their singing is unremarkable but did get better on their subsequent albums. Overall this album hasn't aged well and sounds very 1993, but I still listen to it once in awhile.