Upon getting this album I was geeked to crack it open! The timeliness could not be more perfect as I prep to DJ an opening set for Dwele’s appearance and listening party in Baltimore this week. Dwele’s ability to write vivid songs is one of the attributes that makes him a favorite to both male and female listeners. As the title suggests, and in the usual Dwele style he’s giving the male perspective in what can be construed as open letters to this gorgeous woman who captures his attention and sometimes his heart. You’ve already heard “What Profit” which was released as a single and more lately features Trini-merican, Phife Dawg on the remix. (See the vid here) Since that has been covered already, lets talk about the rest of the album.
Overall the album is well put together and above all else, family friendly!! Thirteen tracks, no separate interlude tracks of which four are collabs featuring Monica Blaire. The flow of it is sonically pleasing as the songs segue into each other like scenes of a movie or chapters of a page turner. The title track is first up and explains the title of the album well. It speaks of the shift from being in lust to being in love. Question, is less than 3 can refer to love triangle? OR the communication of not being ready for children? You be the judge. “Going Leaving” slides right into the latter question as its topic and the consequences thereof.
So far one of my favs is Takes 2 2 tango. It’s easy to get lost in the bassy groove and killer drums with the airy background vocals. Lyrics are lustful, playful and tasteful. This song will make a sister bodyroll with any guy who politely escorts her to the dancefloor for this 3 minutes of classy flirting. Whooo! Got lost in the song and my imagination!
Ladies prepare to lose those jeans and embrace all that sexual energy you try to keep in check. “Obey” is gonna have ladies hitting the repeat button and putting this in the “You already know” playlist. Fellas do your homework. The brother opens a window of exploration and expression in black love and sensuality without being distasteful. The groovy “Must Be” featuring J. Tait, L’Renee and Black Milk is an ode to Motor City. J. Tait’s voice compliments the track and Dwele’s breathy voice nicely. L’Renee brought the fish grease at the end leaving me wanting the song to go on longer. What would it take to get the studio outtakes of that?
Are you ready for “Swank”? Monica Blaire swanked all over this chilled out horn-laced track with jazzy playful vocals. What the crap is “Patrick Ronald”? I know bartenders are gonna be laughing in cats’ faces with this drink order. Blame it on the Patrick Ronald… (corny joke alert). But the song is funny, entertaining and a dedication to the “thirsty”.
Two songs that will make the wedding playlists, “This Love” and “Special”, while “Love Triangle” is a steppers groove which paints a picture of settling for one of two friends then having to keep the tryst with the other a secret. Is it just a song?
“Frankly My Dear” is a naughty goodbye kiss to the ladies in true Dwele pimp fashion. This rhodes based song is a groovy expose’ of a tryst, the conflict of lust vs. integrity; honesty and hedonism. The lesson in it? Facebook is a mutha!
This album is certainly enjoyable and solid. I would risk predicting there are only two songs you may consider skipping. Those I’ll let you choose without my influence. In my opinion, this album is proves that he can stay true to the Dwele who won your ears with “Subject”& “Some Kinda”. Dwele certainly opened another level of thinking and expression of black love, lust and the dynamics of it all with balance, class and maturity. Quite refreshing when the current trend in RnB exhibits little couth and playability around the kids. Order yours on Itunes.
