Sugar and Spice: Dondria's "Dondria vs. Phatfffat"

I am thrilled to be able to say that my worst nightmare has not come to fruition. Dondria is not doomed to a marginal identity of being a hook singer or contributing writer who just happens to be able to sing. After a moderate hype built by her debut single, "You're the One," and a fairly decent mixtape, "Dondria Duets," SoSoDef has released her debut album "Dondria vs. Phatfffat." "You're the One" broke into the Top 25 on both the R&B and Christian charts. The album is a hot throwback to 90s R&B (the good parts).

Beyond the single, the following songs are also some of my favorites:

• Making Love; it soothed that part of my musical heart that's still mourning Teddy P with the Kanye-esque sample of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes' "Miss You."
• Can You Help Me; I can't find my CD book at this moment but I'd be surprised if Johnta Austin played no part in this piece.
• Where Did We Go Wrong; this song is packed with that flavor that reminds me of the SWV, Xscape, and Faith Evans music from when they were really getting it in.
• No More; Dondria has given me appreciation of the instrumental that 50 Cent couldn't even if he'd gotten smart and only recorded a hook on it.
• You're the One (JD's Jeep Remix); JD you still got it. This joint may be my overall favorite on the ablum and has me looking for my SoSoDef Bass All-stars.

The songs sprinkled in between are not bad (not at all), just a little sweet and girly for my taste. However, they are a good contrast and give the album a nice balanced palatability. If you don't have this album, it's better late than never. Click the link and buy it now, hit iTunes, or visit your local store.

Jaheim's Another Round

Jaheim has dropped another one. Here’s the skinny.

Ain’t Leaving Without You – First of all, the instrumental is as hot today as it was originally on George Benson’s “Give Me the Night.” The accompaniment excited me as I expected to hear Benson enter with scatting. While the song is not a remake, I believe it captures the essence of “Give Me the Night.” Attraction is natural, but not how some people act on the feeling. This is a classier reaction to the stimuli converted into a classy club banger.

Finding My Way Back – The second track on the album is a thoughtful and soulful reflection on a relationship. We’ve all been there. The bass and lead guitars carry the song nicely. There’s also a flute in there that helps to further illustrate a nostalgic quality.

Whoa – Skip it.

Till It Happens To You – The keyboard in the song will remind some people of Donnie Hathaway or older Stevie material. Unfortunately, beyond that the song is kind of boring. Skip it, unless you need the equivalent of an Ambien.

Bed Is Listening – Skip it.

Impossible – Jaheim! You did the damn thing with this one. The track takes the instrumental from “When a Man Loves a Woman” and re-laces it with classic Jaheim flavor. While Mr. Sledge’s ’66 hit was more about the kind of love that was as settled as a 100 year old foundation, “Impossible” is about a fresher, but no more escapable connection. I’m feeling it!

Another Round – I felt less of an alcoholic when my assumption of what this song was about was validated. The song is worth listening to, if for no other reason than the storyline.

Her – This for all of you that are fans of John Legend and Dre’s “Green Light.” I don’t think the lyrical content is anything spectacular, but you can get your aerobics on to it.

II Pink Lines – Whatever, Homie! Skip it.

Otha Half – Skip it.

Closer – This sounds like an R. Kelly and Public Announcement song from the 90s. I don’t have the credits with me, but it even sounds like R on the background vocals. I’m kind of feeling it.

In My Hands – Another sappy love song…

Ain’t Leaving Without You (Remix) – It’s nice that somebody gave Jadakiss something to do…lol

Soldier of Love

I almost threw my iPod away and burned all of my radios during the inaugural weeks of 2010. Corinne Bailey Rae abandoned her venture into R&B and turned to that British rock sound that puts me in the mindset of Alanis Morrisette covering Beatles’ hits. I still purchased her album, but it was like craving Shrimp Alfredo from Maggiano’s and being fed ramen noodles. Then Usher released yet another single and announced yet another change in his album release date. You’re playing games, Homie! My ears were depressed. I had to venture into the stacks of underexposed artist to find some real Soul and R&B music. The venture led me to Toni Hill and Alexis Nicole. Ladies, thank you for giving me a reason not to “Van Gogh” myself. People cop their albums. They’re the truth. They held me over until Sade’s “Soldier of Love” dropped.

There aren’t many consistencies in music; however, you can count on taste of Sade’s music to satisfy your ears’ taste buds. The lineup is as follows:

Moon and the Sky – Sade recorded this recent album in the mountains of Spain. If those mountains had a sound, I imagine they’d sound like the guitar, string, and tambourine ensemble of this track. It’s not the happiest of songs, but it’s still hot. It is similar to “Cherish the Day.”

Soldier of Love – This is a hard song. It has that militaristic cadence. “Soldier of Love” is the typical Sade song, nothing extraordinary. It was a good choice for a single because it reminded us of what we’d been missing since 2000.

Morning Bird – The cello in the song is sick, but the song as a whole sounds like the theme of a soap opera. Skip it.

Babyfather – This is the hottest song on the album and will definitely be on the next edition of a Sade’s Greatest Hits album. The music is a nice and sweet mixture that rides along with an endearing tale of babyfather. It’s like that moment in Forrest Gump, when he got on the school bus for the first time and Jenny offered a seat next to her, after everyone else had turned him away…real sweet.

Long Hard Road – This song sounds like the title. Skip it!

Be That Easy – This is a good look for the band. It’s basically a country song, without the twang. I can dig it.

Bring Me Home – The only reason that I listened to this song two consecutive times is because it reminded me of one of my mom’s favorite Sade songs, “Maureen.” I may never listen to it again, though. Skip it.

In Another Time – The song is wonderful. With the light piano, upright bass, and the smooth tenor sax, it’s like jazzy country song. When the strings are tied in, it’s like riding a cloud. Between this and “Be That Easy,” I think that Sade may have the ability to pull off a nice country album.

Skin – Skip it!

The Safest Place – As an independent entity, I could do without this track; however, thematically, I can appreciate the image of a warrior trudging home, after a long battle. If you just have to include it, the last slot on the album is appropriate.