Sounding off. . - The Best In Recorder Music - Born to Reign; 2nd Chance; Floetic - sound recording review

Ebony, Sept, 2002 by Lynn Norment

WITH Born to Reign (Columbia), multifaceted entertainer WILL SMITH is back with another hit recording. "1,000 Kisses" is a jamming take on Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much" that features vocals from wife Jada. Son Jaden is also featured on the CD, and there is a pumping song titled "Willow is a Player," taken from the name of Smith's baby daughter. The title song, one of several co-written by Smith, is a rhythmic assertion of self-confidence, while "I Can't Stop" is a jamming, Latin-flavored dance tune. Another catchy tune is "Black Suits Comin'," the Men In Black II movie theme featuring Tra-Knox. With this CD, Smith reigns on the music charts.

KAREN CLARK SHEARD demonstrates why she's had a strong presence in the everchanging genre of gospel music with her new recording, 2nd Chance (Elektra). She is ebullient on most of the selections, including "Brand New Day," "Higher Ground," "So Good," and the meaningful title song. Another great tune is the stirring "Be Sure," and then there's the uplifting "Only Call on Jesus." Sheard herself wrote and produced the moving, enthralling "It's Not Over."

British duo FLOETRY makes a soulful U.S. debut with Floetic (Dreamworks), on which songstress Marsha Ambrosius and "floacist" Natalie Stewart show how they combine their distinct talents to give a wonderful, melodic performance they describe as "poetic delivery with musical intent." Among the dazzling selections offered with verve by the duo is the defining anthem "Floetic." Then there are the beautiful ode to love and friendship, "Sunshine," the reggae-flavored, heavy-hitting "Possibilities," "Headache," which effectively blends the spoken word and song, and two supersensual cuts, "Say Yes" and "Getting Late." With poignant, clever lyrics/words and heavenly vocals, Floetry is a refreshing, soulful entree into the evolving world of hip-hop.