All-4-One is back. Finally. After seven years since they last released an album in the United States, I have to say its about time. All-4-One is the kind of group that will stir many emotions in just one album, and this one is no exception.
The first song I think is perhaps the best on the album, if not tied with a couple of close competitors. "Key to Your Heart" is very much classic All-4-One in sound and vocal style. While it is a very sad song, I couldn't help but smile because of how wonderful their vocals sound. This song is about suddenly being left by that special someone without notice. It will relate to many who have ever had a failed relationship.
The second track, while not much of a highlight, is still worth mention, and reminds us that chivalry is still around.
The third track picks up the pace with a very catchy chorus. When you hear the word "regret", you might think of it as having a negative connotation. Yet All-4-One works their magic and makes it a positive word, and in this song they can be heard singing the line, "I got no regrets." They mention the album name in a song! That hasn't happened as far as I can recall.
"If Your Heart's Not In It" I can also relate to, because its exactly what an ex did for me; her heart wasn't in it, and she didn't want to lead me on. This song is a very somber reminder.
The next few tracks are pretty good. All-4-One keeps up the good work with a few catchy tunes. I'm trying hard to resist the pull of "I Luv That Girl". The song "Go" is more upbeat than before, and would make a good dance song.
The single from the album, for which there is a video, I personally cannot relate to. "My Child" is about divorce, and how children are often scarred by such a nasty business. While a very moving song with a bold subject matter, I am not married and without a child, so while good, this song doesn't relate to me. Though I'm sure there are many people out there that will relate to the meaning of the song better than I.
"The Day Life Began" and "You Don't Know Nothin'" are both very beautiful tracks. I especially like the latter because the song is primarily vocals only, lacking much background instrument support. It reminds me very much of the song they performed that started it all: "So Much in Love".
Finally, "When I Needed An Angel" is a very beautiful song. In the inserts, it explains that (I believe they're spouses) a wife donated an organ from her body so that her husband could live with her as well. This makes the lyrics take shape. "When I needed an angel, it was you who made the sacrifice, just in the nick of time..."
All in all, this album is just great. All-4-One was hoping that this year would be their comeback year. If anyone out there wants to listen to good music, then it could very well happen. I highly recommend this album to both new fans and old alike. No one will be disappointed with this purchase.
THIS CD WAS OUTSTANDING. THEY (ALL 4 1) NEED TO COME BACK TO THE UNITED STATES AND DO MORE SHOWS. NEED I SAY MORE?
This new cd took me by a suprise... I bought it as a gift for my brother because I know he likes this kind of soul... I Heard of them before and I know their old songs but I didn't like them enough to get the cd at first... Before I wrapped it I was curious to know how it was...so I listened to it... I was blown away by the mix of live instruments and up-to date sounds they mixed in the cd.
Mokgabudi
