March 23 was considered a triumphant comeback for singer/songwriter Monica, who released her sixth studio album in four years.
“Still Standing” is Monica’s fourth album under J Records. This time around there is only one guest appearance, Monica’s cousin, Atlanta bred rapper, Ludacris. Much of the albums production comes from Bryan-Michael Cox and Missy Elliot, who have worked on many other projects with the ATL songstress. Monica’s “Still Standing” appears to be a great way for Monica to reintroduce herself.
The album’s title track was released in October of 2009 as the theme song to her BET reality show. Without a doubt the song is filled with tear jerking passion and colorful lyrics.
The song made it to #74 on the Billboard Top 100. The album’s first official single was “Everything to Me”, released January 26th, 2010. With a sample from Deniece Williams’s 1981 hit “Silly”, Monica brings out the true essence of her heart.
It too, cracked the Billboard Top 100, at #44.
“Superman”, track 10 on the album, gives a mid to late 90s vibe, similar to Aaliyah’s music, but with a modern style. “If you were my man”‘ is another song that brings a 90s feel to it, just more upbeat. “Love all over me”, written by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, is such a victorious love song. The way her voice compliments the message behind the lyrics is uncanny.
From beginning to end, “Still Standing” is an amazing album worth owning. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and sold more than 183,000 units in its first week. With a heap of beautiful ballads and upbeat records on her hands, this album will be one to remember.