Isleys collaborate to update vintage sound

By Echezona Ukah Senior Staff Writer

The five-decade spanning career of the Isley Brothers has without a doubt cemented the talent of this R&B/Soul group. Their newest release, Baby Makin' Music, certainly maintains their consistency of excellence with contributions from contemporary producers like Jermaine Dupri.

The eleven-song CD kicks off with the flattering "You're My Star". Well written and composed, it contains elements of stepper music mixed with contemporary R&B grooves. It is a very likely single, so keep your eyes and ears open.

With respect to "Blast Off," I have heard better collaborations between R. Kelly and the Isley Brothers. Still, it is not an altogether bad song. Complete with distinct R. Kelly innuendo, it takes a page from the Sesame Street songbook with a countdown at the introduction of the song.

The first single from the album, "Just Came Here to Chill," has a mellow vibe that is still very danceable and agreeable to the ears. With the right words for those times when your own efforts are not enough, let this song guide you through the stages of the seduction process.

In "Gotta Be with You," Ronald Isley reveals his sense of humor as he promises that he is "ready to give up everything /the game, the name, the fame, the plane / Well, maybe not the plane." This is a man who knows how to separate business from pleasure; or maybe business and pleasure are hopelessly intertwined.

The biggest disappointment of the album is "Forever Mackin'" which capitalizes on recent music trends but fails to successfully incorporate the Houston chopped and screwed style pioneered by DJ Screw.

I certainly don't mind when artists experiment with elements that they are not known for, but the Isley Brothers didn't need to resort to the stereotypes and clichés of that sub-genre.

For those who are looking for the more slow and classic Isley Brothers sound, "Show Me and Give It to You" is a textbook example. However, the ideal setting to enjoy this song will probably not be found at Tech, but somewhere a little more romantic.