Back at One (Back At One - Brian McKnight)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Back At One - Brian McKnight
Date:	19/09/08 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great vocals, music, lyrics

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker tracks

**Introduction**

Brian McKnight is one of my favourite r&b singers and I have seen him once at Hammersmith Apollo. This album comes from 1999 and is his fourth album discounting the Christmas album which he released. Back at One sold an amazing three million copies in the first three weeks of release alone. This album was released at the height of his career.

**Back at One**

1. Last Dance

This is a good opening track, this opens with a nice beat and some gentle guitar and keyboard. His voice then comes in softly and then the song develops once he starts singing. A great ballad to start the album off.

2. Stay

This is a nice ballad which has some nice keyboard notes and a relaxing feel. His voice sounds natural and emotive and this is one of the best tracks on the album despite being one of the least known.

3. Played yourself

This track is a funky beat heavy track which is not up there with the best on the album but still has elements of what you expect from a Brian McKnight song, ie Great vocals and a catchy feel.

4. Back at One

This is a great ballad about saying how much you love someone and to keep saying it so to never take it for granted. A great message which is done superbly well. "Say farewell to the dark of night I see the coming of the sun I feel like a little child, whose life has just begun You came and breathed new life into this lonely heart of mine You threw out the life line
Just in the nick of time"

5. Stay or let it go

This track is a really nice ballad which is produced by Rodney Jerkins. Although this track does not stand out as much as the other ballads do it is a nice track with a smooth feel that will appeal to lots of fans I am sure.

6. 6,8,12

This is a great ballad about counting the days since your relationship ended and wondering if your ex is feeling the same way that you are. This is a beautiful song that is best summed up by these lyrics. "Every time the phone rings, Do you wish it was me calling you?, Do you still feel the same?, Or has time put out the flame? I miss you Is everything okay?"

7. You could be the one

This is a catchy track which has a fast paced beat and some nice hooks which sound very much like they could be on a Michael or Janet Jackson hit. A very decent uptempo track which shows off the range of his voice to great effect.

8. Shall we begin

This is a great slow track which has a very smooth natural feel. His voice isnt quite as good in this track as the best but his vocals are still great regardless.

9. Gothic interlude

This is a great interlude which is basically Brian McKnight singing a monk like hum. As interludes go it is very different but works really well.

10. Can you read my mind

This is probably the weakest on the album, don't get me wrong it is certainly not a poor track but given some of the quality on the album this fails to reach those heights.

11. Lonely

This has a lovely feel thanks to the soft backing and emotive electric guitar. His voice sounds amazing whether he's doing a falsetto or a deeper vocal. A great ballad with some smooth backing vocals that add another dimension to the track.

12. Cherish

This is a great ballad which has a really emotive feel. His voice sounds brilliant especially in the more tender moments of this song. great track.

13. Home

This is a fantastic song which is one of my favourite tracks from Brian McKnight. I love the way that most of the song is really gentle and then the drums come in towards the end of the song and then his voice just sounds truly wonderful.

**Overall**

This is a very good album indeed with some of his best ballads, I really love Stay, Back at one and 6,8,12 but there are no bad tracks on the album. One of my most valued albums.

Summary: Great