Nearly three years since her debut album “Southern Hummingbird,” Charlene “Tweet” Keys returns with her sophomore effort, “It’s Me Again.”
Equating the same formula as her critically acclaimed debut, Tweet definitely lands another punch. The feathery voiced songstress blends R&B, hip hop, old-fashioned soul and folklore to create a well-balanced treat for listeners.
The set begins with the album’s first single, the violin-based “Turn Da Lights Off,” which features rapper/producer Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott. The sexy track uses a sample from Luther Vandross’ hit “If this World Were Mine.” Though this mediocre mainstream hit fails to garner the same attention as Vandross’, it’s still a good song in its own right.
Tweet sends us on a “Cab Ride,” which is definitely a gem among the artwork. The song is about wanting a lover and the eagerness to get to them, even if it takes catching a cab. The smooth, laid back track puts listeners in a trance with Tweet’s passionate airy vocals.
“Sports, Sex & Food,” according to Tweet, is the way to a man’s heart. Dedicated to all women seeking male companionship, the retro-esque piece serves as advice to all women. At the same time, it encourages young women to consider using their brains to get a man as opposed to flaunting their bodies.
Tweet’s 15-year-old daughter, Tashawna, appears on the album in the special duet titled “Two of Us.” The song serves as a testament of the love they have for each other and the relationship they share.
“Let me tell you this/You are my inspiration/Through all of this show biz/You were patient/And you are the star whom I created.”
Other hot tracks include the stern “Iceberg,” “My Man,” and a duet with Rocafella Records recording artist Rell titled, “Could It Be.”
On the other hand, the album does have its pitfalls. “Things I Don’t Mean,” and “We Don’t Need No Water,” feature unnecessary appearances by Missy
Elliott. It becomes a nuisance to repeatedly hear the spoiling of a song due to
Missy’s P. Diddy-like screams.
It would also be nice to hear more creativity on the album because every song seems to have the same melody, arrangement and vibe. Although Tweet lacks the vocal prowess of other great singers, she manages to deliver when it comes to lyrical depth and range of topics.
Overall, this album is a must-have for music lovers and I am sure we will be seeing Tweet again and again.
Contact Nyerere Davidson at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com.