For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to take a trip back to 2000 and show some love to the R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo and their third album, “X,” which was released in stores on December 5, just in time for a holiday stocking stuffer. Arguably, the group suffered from the sophomore slump with their second album, as only two singles were successful.
For this album, the duo aimed to strike a balance between R&B and crossover pop ballads. They collaborated with Darrell “Delite” Allamby for the production of the first single, “Crazy,” which he also co-wrote with the brothers and Lincoln “Link” Browder. “Crazy” could easily have been a Jodeci song, as the brothers express their regret over the poor choices that led them to lose their lady love. The track became a hit and was also featured in the popular film “Save The Last Dance.”
The album’s second single, “Wanna Do You Right,” showcases K-Ci’s smooth southern soul and is sure to make Bobby Womack proud. Produced and written by Roy Hamilton, “Wanna Do You Right” is old-school R&B at its best. While it shares a similar message with “Crazy,” K-Ci’s soulful delivery will have any man who’s wronged his partner ready to own up to his shortcomings.
Due to shifts in the music landscape, “X” did not have a third official single, but there were several worthy contenders. DeVante Swing contributes his signature seductive groove to “Get Back,” which will remind listeners of the classic Jodeci sound. Additionally, we get a full-fledged Jodeci reunion on the hidden track “Slip & Fall.” The duo also collaborated with Johnny J for “Thug N U Thug N Me,” which features a previously unreleased verse by 2Pac.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be an early 2000s R&B album without a contribution from Babyface, who provides the group with an apology ballad titled “All The Things I Should Have Known.” This album has a strong focus on ballads, which I appreciate, and album tracks like “I Can’t Find The Words” and “Something Inside of Me” are both solid.
To my surprise, it’s the up-tempo numbers that miss the mark. The Timbaland-produced “Gameface” is a significant misfire, while the album closer “Ooh Yeah” comes off as a parody, even if K-Ci was trying to show the younger artists of the time that he still has the vocal chops.
Nonetheless, “X” more than makes up for its shortcomings and stands as another solid entry in their catalog.
Final Grade: B
“X” is available on all streaming platforms.
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