I've owned this album since it's release, and it's had heavy play in the house and car ever since. Being an all-around great listen, I decided it was time to sit down and give it a proper review, for all those who may have let it fall through the cracks. Oh, and just in case you haven't caught it yet, 'Aijuswanaseing' is 'I just want to sing' plus artistic liscense.
(Keep in mind that this is the first time I've tried to give an in-depth review of an album, something more than "It's hot!!" or "It's garbage." I tried my best here.)
Scratch Interlude: Not too much to say here. It's the intro that sets up the album. Over turntable scratches, you're introduced to Musiq letter by letter( The M, the U, the S...) 3.5/5
Girl Next Door: This is the stuff romantic comedies are made of. Pretty much a tale of boy-meets-girl. She's like a tomboy; she plays basketball, hangs out with the guys and whatnot. No big deal. She goes away, comes back and BOOM. She's hot now. With this slow jam, Musiq takes time to think back on all the things he could've done different, if he would've known that she would've made this transformation. (Hook "If I woulda knew the girl next door would've been you; I would've been nice to you, a little more kind to you. I would've looked twice at you...") 5/5
You and Me: Another slow one. This time, he's with a girl, and they're really into each other. It seems like it could really be something, but they have to deal with speculation from his friends and family. The girl used to be wild, and she's been around the block a few times, to say the least. This touching ballad is the epitome of dedication, showing us that you can't always judge someone from their past. (V2 "I'm not the kind that kiss and tell, but my man said that he really knows you well; But I don't care, 'cause I wanna know you for my damn self.") 4.5/5
Just Friends (Sunny): This was the lead single, and maybe the only song that most people remember from the album. Smoldering jazz and a deep funk groove back this one up, guaranteed to get toes tapping. It's basically a guy saying to a girl, "Hey. I think you're fly. Here's my number, but no pressure. I think we should hang out sometime." (Hook: "I'm not tryin' to pressure you; Just can't stop thinkin' bout you.. I just wanna know your name and, maybe sometime, we can hook up, hang out, just chill.") 5/5
Mary Go Round: This is one of those love songs that makes Ne-Yo so sick. This is the breakup one. The story of a man who did everything wondering just what the hell went wrong. When you listen to the lyrics, you can imagine many a night spend alone. (V1: "How can love be so kind and so gentle, and turn and be so cold?; And why must my arms feel so empty for what my heart still holds?") In the end of the song, he goes back to spelling thoughts out, this time uttering M.A.R.Y. H.O.W. C.O.U.L.D. Y.O.U. B.E. S.O. C.R.U.E.L. T.O. M.E. M.Y.. love? Very creative, if nothing else. Slightly obsessive, maybe. 4/5
143: If you're like me, you remember being 15 with your little pager, and your numeric codes to your boyfriend/girfriend: 143 = I Love You. Well, here's your song. It starts off slow, but picks up tempo midway through. It's about someone who has expressed adoration in every way possible; love notes, little e-mails, sending candy and flowers, etc. They've run out of options. There's no way to get more complex, so they decide that simple is best when dropping the L-Bomb. (Hook: "There aren't many more ways; in words that I can say. So I'll just say numerically; from my heart to you..1.4.3.") 5/5
Love: Here's one everyone can relate to on some level. Now, stay with me on this one. He's talking to 'love', or more talking to himself about the idea of love. It's a very open, very simple one-sided conversation that gives you the image of someone sitting on their bed, saying 'What the f*ck?' (Hook: "Love. So many people use your name in vain; Love. Those who have faith in you sometimes go astray; Love. Through all the ups and downs, the joys and hurts; Love. For better or worse, I still will choose you first.") He showcases some nice vocals on here. 5/5
My Girl: This is someone just saying to their girl, "Whatever you need, I got it. If not, I'll get it." Honestly, nothing special to me about this track. I usually skip over it. (Hook: If there's anything that you want, you need; don't be afraid to ask, cause you're my girl.") 3/5
Musiq Soulchid: Another interlude, and another chance to get to know our artist. Again, nothing special. He tells us how people look at him, questions they ask, and ultimately decides he's just gotta be him. 3.5/5
Seventeen: This one is as close to being one for the fellas as he gets on here. You meet a girl, you hit it off, and things are good. But the problem comes when you find out that she's only 17 years old. So, you end it, but maybe she still wants to have you. There's a lot of drama on this one. (V2: "I tried to cut her off, but she wasn't having it; She kept tellin' me her age didn't mean sh*t; And that's when she started to cry 'Baby I need you in my life, and without you I just couldn't handle it.") 4/5
L Is Gone: I could try to say alot of things about this song, but when it comes down to it, it's only this: A song about a guy just trying to get some ass. We take a slight comical turn here. It's about a guy trying to get a chick back to his place so they can get stoned and screw. (V1: We can continuously get high like the clouds that watch the city; Huff till we go blind like my man Stevie... All the while, I'm hopin' she would inhale; So I could be like Michael Jackson and enjoy myself... All I wanna do is make her tuna melt.") 5/5
Speechless: In my opinion, the most creative track on here. He's so taken by this chick, that he is stumbling over his words, literally. Something that could have turned out tragically, he pulls it off. It's genius. (V2: "Now, I've seen plenty girls in my; like you. I've never had the pleasure; Before I get to far ahead of my; Heart says I need to be with you.") 5/5
Poparatzi: Another clever track, not so much for the wordplay within the lyrics, but the world play that is the title. She's leaving, he's begging her to stay. He just wants to talk it out. It's kind of a last ditch-effort, throwing some guilt trip on her to try and make her stay. (Hook: "Picture me; Down and out, lost without you. Picture me; Broken-hearted, and so lost and lonely.") 4/5
Settle For My Love: Here's a little intermission duet. They're talking to each other, expressing love for one another, and hoping that they will each be able to deal with the fact that they can't give much but love. All in all, not bad. The second best song on here if you wanna see what this guy can do vocally, and he meshes with his counterpart nicely. (Hook: "Settle for my love, settle for my kiss; Settle for my love, that you'll never miss.) 4/5
There's another track on here entitled "You Be Alright" Honestly, I've never heard it. I didn't even know it was on here until a little while ago, so if anyone wants to review that one, be my guest.
