So what do you guys think of the new Babyface single "The Loneliness"? I heard it on the radio the other day.It's more soulful than anything he's done in awhile.Great track.

It's from his new CD 'Love Story',which is due on March 30.

DavidEye said:

I think it's a great track. Something that Babyface has been lacking in his music these past couple of years. It seems like this album may be a throwback to Tender Lover...at least I'm

okaypimpn said:

Yeah,that's what I'm thinking...that this new CD will be a return to form.I was kinda disappointed with his last two CDs---'The Day'(1996) and 'Face To Face'(2001).If this new single is an indication,he's getting back to his soulful roots.A throwback to the 'Tender Lover' sound.

DavidEye said:

Now I thought The Day was actually pretty good, but yes, Face 2 Face flat out sucked!!! Pharrell couldn't even do anything with him!!!

Too vintage!

I neva cared 4 the brotha, he was a solid biz man and he got some nice moments(esp when produces 4 others rather than his own stuff) but his music is waaay too corny 4 me.

"I'm gonna wash your clothes, give you bath, make ya breakfast"

Nigga please, lets see how thats gonna last and lets see how the script get flipped after we get married.

Harlepolis said:

Quote of the year!!!!!

I have his greatest hits CD, which I quite enjoy. But I'm curious about some of his albums, in particular "Tender Lover", "For the Cool in You", and "The Day". Should I check these albums out, or does the hits pretty much cover Babyface's output enough?

okaypimpn said:

Face 2 Face hardly sucked. The problem was the image they tried to sell and the first single. Get rid of the Neptune shit and you had an album that's far more soulful than his early work. I dug Tender Lover but over all Face 2 face is a better album. Tender Lover sounds very dated when you give it a spin today. Name one song on Tender Lover that is more soulful than "Calling You Name" . And please don't say "Whip Appeal"
[This message was edited Tue Feb 24 15:30:13 2004 by intha916]

Harlepolis said:

Corny isn't always bad when talking about love songs. But don't forget, Baby Face was the shit back in his days with the Deel. Not too many slow jams have been made that can stand up to "Two Occasions"

psykosoul said:

I second that "quote of the year"!! lol ...ur one jaded mofo lol..that's why you be pumping those Tweet records!

jtgillia said:

Here's my take on his albums...


*** LOVERS (1987)---this was Face's first solo album,and he was still a member of The Deele at this point.As a result,this album didn't really get the attention and recognition it deserved.It's a very good,late-80s R&B album.Uptempo jams like "I Love You Babe" and the excellent "Mary Mack" are superb,well-produced tracks.There's also a nice remake of the 1974 Stylistics hit "You Make Me Feel Brand New".Other slow jams like "Chivalry" and the title track are noteworthy as well.On this album,Face was just getting started.


*** TENDER LOVER (1989)---the second half of this record is classic...."Whip Appeal","Soon As I Get Home","Sunshine","Given A Chance" and "Where Will You Go" are the best slow jams he has ever done.The uptempo tracks are cool too,especially "My Kinda Girl" and the relentless "It's No Crime".This was one of the best R&B albums that came out in 1989.

*** FOR THE COOL IN YOU (1993)---this is Babyface's masterpiece,and it's even better and more consistent than the previous album.The title track boasts a slinky,mesmerizing groove while "Rock Bottom" really should have been a single.The ballads are superb...."When Will I See You Again" finds Babyface playing guitar in a stripped-down arrangement,while the brilliant "And Our Feelings" really brings the soulful drama.There isn't a bad song anywhere on this album.

*** THE DAY (1996)---I was slightly disappointed with this album.By the mid-90s,Babyface was producing nearly EVERYBODY and I don't think he saved enough good tunes for his own album.The first single was a lame remake of the 1981 Shalamar hit "This Is For The Lover Of You" (with an unnecessary cameo from LL Cool J).The sappy "Everytime I Close My Eyes" is okay,but not nearly as good as previous ballads.The album is an uneven affair.A few bright spots,but nothing to write home about.

*** FACE TO FACE (2001)---Again,this album has some cool moments ("Calling You","What If") but overall,this is not Babyface at his best.It was a mistake for him to call up folks like The Neptunes and Snoop Dogg,because it just makes him look desperate and uninspired.
[This message was edited Thu Feb 26 0:41:59 2004 by DavidEye]

Thanks Davideye!

The thing I remember most about The Day is that it did have that duet with Stevie Wonder on it, which was pretty good. And I somewhat remember being impressed with the title track the couple of times I heard it.

I'll probably get the other two albums that came before it.

intha916 said:

Like I said, he got some nice moments like that Waiting To Exhale soundtrack for example(I don't care 4 the My Funny Valintine's production at all even tho Chaka showcased her goods back there.) but overall, the set is tight. Plus, he invited my girl Patrice Rushen to the session and I personaly couldn't go wrong with that.

I'm just wondering tho, what is that 80's funk/Run group he came from?

Harlepolis said:

The Deele,who scored several R&B hits throughout the 80s...

"Body Talk" (1984)
"Just My Luck" (1984)
"Material Thangz" (1985)
"Can U Dance" (1987)
"Two Occasions" (1987)
"Shoot-Em-Up Movies" (1988)

Babyface recorded his first solo album 'Lovers' in 1987,including the hits "I Love You Babe" and "Mary Mack" (a spectacular song,btw).

intha916 said:

oh man,that's MY JAM right there!

DavidEye said:

Co-sign.

okaypimpn said:

that song was deep!

"I only think of you on Two Occasions...that's day and night
I'd go for broke if I could be with you...only you can make it right"