Babyface

Although this is a classic CD, my purchasing experience was diminished by the fact that I received the CD at the very end of the delivery period and upon playing the CD, discovered two of the tracks are scratched. The seller indicated the CD was in good condition when I purchased it.

A very close friend gave me this CD when I was going thru a terrible breakup. I listened to the CD so much I wore it out. But with the help of the CD, my good friend, and the passing of time somehow or another I managed to survive. Fast forward years later, a different yet equally close friend of mine is going thru a divorce and, yes, you guessed it, I'm on Amazon today purchasing the CD for her. I don't know what it is, but this CD is empowering. Makes you cry, makes you angry, makes you want to dance, and makes you dare to dream again. It's a great CD and even better medicine.

i need to buy a new one, i lost my copy. i love this soundtrack and i love the movie. alot of great songs and artists on this one.

It's the second time I buy it as I lost the first CD. Very romantic, a great soundtrack, timeless.

I had a copy that I let someone borrow and they didn't return. I definitely won't let this one get away from me. All of the songs are great, but one of my favorites is Chaka Khan's rendition of "My Funny Valentine."

This cd has all of the wonderful Babyface songs that I remembered and reminded me of a few that I had forgotten. If you're a fan of classic R&B or just love Babyface you won't be disappointed.

First I'll start like I do on many "Hits" albums by saying, yes there are some good songs that were left off of here, like there are in many "Greatest Hits" album, not everyone likes the same exact songs, but on theis one, you do get 14 of some of the better songs he recorded through the years. You get some upbeat songs and some slower love songs on here. Most of the songs are produced by and written by himself, and of course he did a nice job. Of the 14 songs, you get 1 classic, 1 almost classic, 5 ok songs, and the other 7 are good, with most being real good. Guests ar eon 3 songs. A nice album to have from one of the more consistant R&B singers.

#1 - 8 (upbeat song)
#2 - 6 (another upbeat one)
#3 - 9
#4 - 9
#5 - 9.5
#6 - 10 (CLassic)
#7 - 7.5
#8 - 9 (f/ LL Cool J, Howard Hewitt, Jody Watley)
#9 - 9 (f/ Stevie Wonder)
#10 - 7 (f/ Reic Clapton)
#11 - 7 (upbeat song)
#12 - 9
#13 - 6.5
#14 - 7

Kenneth Edmonds -- b. 4/10/1958 -- Indianapolis, IN
Check all my reviews

I love this cd, it's very relaxing!! i've always been a fan of babyface so i would highly recommend it to all his fans old and new.

I'm a HUGE Babyface fan so this was a treat for me! This is a great CD!

If you like Babyface -- this is a must. All the hits on one C.D. No need to look through your C.D. collection to find that special Babyface song. Betcha ten to one, that song is on this C.D.

I like variety in music and baby face has a very mellow sound to his voice and character. Although, I do feel that his original's, the songs he write are more heart felt. With that said, the song selections of this CD. made the difference. In all I"d say 6 out of 10 songs, not bad I liked it enjoyable.

For those who would like a little bit more of Babyface, you can get two additional original songs on the Japanese import of the this album. "The Last Ones Standing" is something of a love song, while "Miss Know It All" takes us inside a troubled relationship, but ever so smoothly. Both songs (like the rest of the album) are acoustic and fit in perfectly with the rest of the album.

I know most people are either love or hate this album, I really have'nt seen a review that sits somewhere in between, but I honestly prefer this album to the last two, which seem a little more club oriented, with the exception of one or two ballads thrown in. I know some people like the dance/club sound, but that's a little to hip for me, I really wish "A Love Story" would have seen the light of day instead of "Grown & Sexy", but hopefully the rest of the material from "Love Story" will be officially released in some shape or form. Besides "The Loneliness", "Red Dress" (a bonus track on the Japan import of Grown & Sexy), and a couple other songs off of "Grown & Sexy", nothing from "A Love Story" has been released, at least as far as I know.

Coming back to "Playlist", this album is nothing like Babyface's previous musical catalogue, but if you like "With Him" off of the Face 2 Face album, you might like some of the songs on this cd. If you enjoyed the album, you will love the Japanese bonus tracks, but if this cd was'nt your cup of tea, then you might want to pass up the Japanese import.

Just to be clear, those two songs are on the Japanese Import, not the domestic version that Amazon offers, but I think it is still available through the Japanese Amazon website.

"Playlist" is the first release for Island Def Jam's relaunched Mercury Records division, and it reunites Babyface and his former writing/production partner Antonio "L.A." Reid.
The 48yo premier vocalist/songwriter/producer is back with his eleventh album covering the classic songs that inspired him throughout his career.
Returning after a two-year break, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds signals a stylistic change of direction from R&B to Adult Contemporary on "Playlist" which encompasses sensitive rock covers ranging from James Taylor's "Fire & Rain" to Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle"...
This 10 song collection features three original tunes and some of music's finest performers lending their talents, including Dean Parks playing acoustic guitar, pianist Gregg Phillinganes, percussionist Rafael Padilla and Brandy on background vocals.
Babyface sings like a crooner with nothing to prove.
The new disc has what music fans know about Babyface - his mellow style and it also has what music fans may not know about Babyface - his love of classic pop.
The album is a collection of covers of classic melancholy pop hits that the R&B crooner grew up loving and and that influenced him to write how he writes : "It's music that's close to me, so it's kind of like my playlist", he explaines.
"That's who I am. I'm a combination of those things".
He sounds comfortable with his choice of...HIS PLAYLIST, "I don't think I have abandoned who I am. This is just another part of me".
However, the question remains : "Will this seemingly significant shift in genre surprise die-hard his fans in the least?"
BILLBOARD points out : "As one of R&B's most successful producers, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds has always been more interested in soft sounds than in hot beats, and on "Playlist," the mostly-covers follow-up to 2005's underrated "Grown & Sexy," he draws a line from his work back to the '70s-era lite-rock hits that first inspired him to croon earnestly about the wonders of love and friendship. Sonic sap threatens everything here, but Edmonds usually manages to stave off Hallmark ickiness with an ear-tickling detail or two; dig the tasty Spanish guitar on his version of Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle" or the gorgeous backing vocals on his reading of James Taylor's "Shower the People." One of the disc's two originals, "Not Going Nowhere," addresses Edmonds' recent divorce in language that's more honest than you might expect."
Here is a man unafraid to rep for the drippiest balladeer ever, Dan Fogelberg -- and no one will call Edmonds on it, because his restraint and care eliminate any sense of the maudlin. "Not Going Nowhere," his own lullaby to the children of his amicable divorce from Tracey Edmonds, is a new classic in the sub genre -- and could someday be a smash for his recent collaborators, soft country-rockers Rascal Flatts.
He applies his smooth, soulful voice to his own edgy songs as well as to the more-traditional material.
He mellows out with a touching cover, enhanced by retro acoustic guitar, of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and a warm, haunting version of Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight", on which Brandy and Keith Slettedahl provide supporting vocals.
Kenny himself considers "Playlist" as almost a "genre" album, in that he consciously took the genre of '70s music, which has certain constraints built in, and put his own sensibility into it, producing a very credible contribution to the genre without compromising on quality or accessibility.
"I think ultimately good music is going to rule the day again. And mostly, good music comes from what's honest", he says.
Sometimes he brings a not-readily-definable, slightly unsettling undertow to his admirably earthy songs of love and life, one that's not quite orthodox in standards- classic pop covers; dealing confidently with the whole emotional gamut from lost to lusty, seductive to lonesome, he avoids triteness in essaying with honesty a genre that's renowned for that quality!
Difficult to explain, you just have to hear it.

In the end, it all just comes off, like David Gates's "Diary," as Bread, all of it awfully, awfully, awfully white. --Alanna Nash

--------------------------------------------------------------
WOW! Amazon reviewer Alanna Nash can't seem to get over the fact that a respected R&B performer like Babyface was influenced by white pop-rock artists. "Awfully white"? Didn't anyone else find this review more than a bit racially biased?

I have not written a review in quite some time, and actually, my taste in music has matured. I still love my 90's R&B because that time was a pinnacle in R&B music. Good music is nostalgic and 90's songs overwhelms me with a breeze of the past, but whether I liked hardcore gangster rap, or smooth flowing R&B grooves, I've always loved Babyface as a musician, producer, and song writer.

When I heard his CD Grown and Sexy, I really didn't know where this talented person has gone, but it wasn't a turn for the good. That's when I stopped listening to his music -- I thought modern music had taken its toll. Thank God he brought back the hooks and melodies, instrumentals and well written lyrics again! Though his past work were classics, this album evokes a great passion of his stylistic music and is definitely suitable for people of all ages. I truly enjoyed this CD and would like to compliment the arrangements and use of instrumentals, as I'm sure everyone will agree. Babyface is back!

That being said, there are a few standout tracks:

Babyface/Toni Braxton with "Give You My Heart" was one of Toni's first major appearances on the national scene. I've heard better from both artist but this track is significant for that reason alone. My favorites from this soundtrack was Aaron Hall/Charlie Wilson's "Everything Is Going To Be Alright", Johnny Gill's "There You Go", "Reversal Of A Dog" with Highland Place Mobsters & a very young TLC and "Feels Like Heaven" from Kenny Vaughan & 'The Art Of Love'. I think that BoyzIIMen's famous song "End Of The Road" & "Hot Sex" from A Tribe Called Quest is here as well.

The rest of the soundtrack was listenable but nothing that sticks out. The music I named is what I remember best. Overall, it does bring back feelings from my last days of high school and that summer going into college. Its actually 5 stars for the nostalgia but the actual CD gets a 3 star rating. Still worth it though if you were a fan of New Jack Swing or want to know what it was like back in the late 80's to early 90's.

The soundtrack to the Eddie Murphy movie (which I loved) is a very mixed set, which has one moment of pure quiet storm bliss. Whilst she had her moments as a solo performer, (please see her album Toni Braxton this song is ok, nothing more. 'It's Gonna Be Alright' a duet between those two power house vocalists, Aaron Hall, and Charlie Wilson, is not a good vehicle to showcase their talents. Things pick up with the Keith Washington 'Tonight is Right' (also check out his excellent debut CD Make Time for Love. The less said about PM Dawn the better (very weak) and the Grace Jones offering. 'End of the Road', was a massive hit for Boyz to Men, which still gets airplay today, but I found it too sweet for my liking. I loved the funky' Reversal of a Dog, featuring Left Eye of TLC, and Dallas Austin's group (Highland Place Mob, I think)
Toni Braxton second offering 'Love Should've Brought You Home', was a anthem for dogged women the world over, and was a minor hit for the artist. BUT I brought this on the strength of ONE song. 'There you Go;, the LA/Babyface penned & produced track, is a MUST have for any lover of quiet storm moments. Even now, 15 years later, I can remember when my Boy in my local record shop played this for me. After that I didn't listen to the rest of the CD that was enough for me. The only other hot track on here is Hot Sex', by A Tribe Called Quest. Ruff. All in all a mixed bag, with one jewel included.

The first track seems to be hard to find anywhere else but here, and so for the wonderful songwriting talents of Babyface, the album was worth its secondhand purchase price.

The other songs are listenable, but not exceptional.

This is my message to everyone who does not own Boomerang the Soundtrack or the movie; PLEASE GO AND PURCHASE THEM. This movie is a classic and the CD. The funniest song is by Grace Jones, she makes me laugh like crazy, but her lyrics go along with the movie itself. Listen to "Reversal of a Dog", which talks about how Eddie Murphy was dogged out or what is called reversal of another dog whom is Robin Givens. The most romantic songs are by Johnny Gill called "There U Go" and by Keith Washington called "Tonight is Right". This is just some beautiful music! I had both the movie and the soundtrack on what we consider modern day recording VHS and cassette tape. I replaced them with DVD and CD. You know the strangest thing that I realized with the movie itself is the fact that the way they dressed back then or for that particular movie is kind of how some of us still dress for our corporate jobs or to go out on a date in 2006. Some folks are still rockin' Halle Berry's signature haircut, sporting the Robin Givens type hairstyle or hair weave, the tailored fitted business suits. Funny! Enjoy that movie and its CD, they are must haves for your your collection. Can you believe that Boomerang came out in 1992, wow that was about 14 years ago. Amazing!

This soundtrack is somewhat mediocre. Most of the songs are typical r'n'b cuts, but unfortunately, the album overall fails. Toni Braxton wasn't a star yet, Boys II Men hit it big time with "End of the Road" and Grace Jones' "7 Day Weekend" remains the highlight of the entire album. Most of the songs are boring, except Braxton's and Jones' tracks there really isn't much to shout hooray for. Mediocre at best.

This is so endearing and heart warming at that special time of year that we call the Christmas season. I absolutely love it and it makes you have the warm and fuzzies inside. Start playing this on black friday to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This CD is wonderful. Classic Babyface versions of each song, and his voice is as smooth as butter. I will sneak and listen to this one in July.

Everything Babyface does has a cheerful affect. This christmas CD is no exception. Throughout the CD, he gives any number of Xmas standards ("White Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy") a suave R&B twist.
The standout track, however, is the stunningly beautiful "I'll Be Home for Christmas," a pulsating ballad brimming with lush harmonies guaranteed to bring a smile even to the face of the worst scrooge. "You Were There" is also notable for its moving lyrics and fiery gospel choir backing. Whatever your persuasion, this holiday CD is well worth a listen and more!

This CD is not just for R&B lovers, but enjoyable for everyone, especially jazz lovers. Babyface showed me a side that I had never seen in him before. He showed his versitility in a major way on this project. The selection of musicians was perfect...The sound quality is superb...It's a must buy!! To me it didn't have to be about writing original Christmas songs...The traditional songs that we all know and love have endured over time far more than any new songs will. However, Babyface created a masterpiece by adding his personal touch to each one. ENJOY!

Babyface is such a brilliant songwriter that it is disappointing there weren't some original Christmas songs on this CD. However, his jazzy version of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is the best and most original I've heard. My favorite song on the CD is the only one written by Babyface, "You Were There" from the movie Simon Birch. It seems a bit out of place on this CD, but it is a very touching song.

Let me put this out there first. I became a fan of Face after I stumbled upon his first solo effort 'Lovers'. I thought that was a very impressive piece of work because it was unlike anything I heard before. With that being said, I was looking forward to hearing more from Face. His work in producing with LA Reid was recognizable as they produced many songs with artists like the Whispers, Bobby Brown, Karen White, the Boys, Sheena Easton, etc.
So he drops this album, Tender Lover, and I have to get it. It's an album that could have released just about every song as a single but I think only four or five were released. In different parts of the country r&b radio stations would play songs on this album that wasn't released as a single. I remember hearing Let's Be Romantic while I was in Louisiana. Yes, it's that good.
Now if you are a person that prefers today's brand of music where you 'crank this' or 'bust that' then maybe this isn't your cup of tea. Face was grown and sexy with this almost 20 years before he dropped Grown and Sexy. And yes, I thought Soon As I Get Home was sappy but it was still a good song.
The good thing about purchasing this on cd now is that you will get extra songs like the 12" version of My Kinda Girl and the video version of Whip Appeal which was only available to dj's back in the day.
This is Face's best work in my mind. Period.

This cd was a gift and it arrive on time, in good condition and the recipient loved it.

This is one of my favorite albums.I love every single song on this CD.A great one to add to your collection,the songs still sound fresh--and I had Tender Lover on cassette!Pick this one up if you haven't already.

Babyface is a true balladeer. All of his songs clearly exemplifies that he is a true lover. I love the way he captures emotions, and the way that he writes. His voice is also soothing too. Two of my favorite songs on this album are Given A Chance, and Where Will You Go. I will forever be a lifelong Babyface fan.

This cd is off the hook.I remember when i was 9 i heared it for the first time and i still love it..Babyface you rock

This is so endearing and heart warming at that special time of year that we call the Christmas season. I absolutely love it and it makes you have the warm and fuzzies inside. Start playing this on black friday to get you in the Christmas spirit.

This CD is wonderful. Classic Babyface versions of each song, and his voice is as smooth as butter. I will sneak and listen to this one in July.

Everything Babyface does has a cheerful affect. This christmas CD is no exception. Throughout the CD, he gives any number of Xmas standards ("White Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy") a suave R&B twist.
The standout track, however, is the stunningly beautiful "I'll Be Home for Christmas," a pulsating ballad brimming with lush harmonies guaranteed to bring a smile even to the face of the worst scrooge. "You Were There" is also notable for its moving lyrics and fiery gospel choir backing. Whatever your persuasion, this holiday CD is well worth a listen and more!

This CD is not just for R&B lovers, but enjoyable for everyone, especially jazz lovers. Babyface showed me a side that I had never seen in him before. He showed his versitility in a major way on this project. The selection of musicians was perfect...The sound quality is superb...It's a must buy!! To me it didn't have to be about writing original Christmas songs...The traditional songs that we all know and love have endured over time far more than any new songs will. However, Babyface created a masterpiece by adding his personal touch to each one. ENJOY!

Babyface is such a brilliant songwriter that it is disappointing there weren't some original Christmas songs on this CD. However, his jazzy version of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is the best and most original I've heard. My favorite song on the CD is the only one written by Babyface, "You Were There" from the movie Simon Birch. It seems a bit out of place on this CD, but it is a very touching song.

The title says it all. Babyface puts it all together and what you get is Great R&B music. Babyface is so talented-Lot's of favorites on this cd. Actually there is only one that he could have left off, but even that one is ok. Enjoy Love Songs by yourself or with that special someone.

Babyface has always been a favourite of mine from way back. I listened to him back in the late 80's - early 90's before It's No Crime and he's always been amazing.
One of the most stunning songs ever ever ever is Soon As I Get Home. It oozes romance and it's stunning. Whip Appeal is a classic slow jam that I still love, and For The Cool In You is a slightly more recent funky song. There is no bad song on here. Maybe he's not in the exact same league as Luther or Peabo, but he's still in my top 5 all time male artists. He's the King of romantic soul ballads and he's very, very talented. If you like slow jams and fantastic bedroom music, then go get this. I love it.

Babyface has been in the game for close to 30 years and love songs is a collection of some of best ballads. The CD starts out with the smooth and sultry I Said I Love You then goes into All Day All Thinkin and from then on it's smooth, sensual lovemaking, baby making,getting married quiet storm classics. Whip Appeal, Sunshine, When Can I See You Again, For The Cool In You there all here, but my all time favorite Babyface song is Soon As I Get Home it's helped me get plenty of women.

And I like those artists as well. Still, Babyface is what classic R & B is all about! Nice sounds. Good intrument arrangement. Lyrics are sexy without being blatant. Very inticing without getting graphic. Babyface keeps it real.

While I don't own this album, I have heard the majority of the songs on it so I can give this collection a big thumbs up!

Babyface is one of the greatest song writers and performers ever.
This is cd is definitely one for lovers, all of the songs will surely help establish an intimate atmosphere with that special someone.
His sultry voice is timeless and I guarantee it will be a long time before you get tired of hearing it.