Welcome to Dru Hill (Dru Hill - Dru Hill)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Dru Hill - Dru Hill
Date:	14/04/09 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Vocals, ballads

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker tracks.

**Introduction**

I have been a fan of Dru Hill for some years now and A while ago I reviewed two albums from the group, Enter The Dru and Dru World Order but for some reason I had not reviewed their self titled debut album, well now I have decided to review the album and this completes my reviews of all Dru Hill albums as part of my aim to review all albums I own from some of my favourite artists. Incase you are not aware Dru Hill consisted of Sisqo, Jazz, Nokio and Woody before they added a fifth member for the 2002 album Dru World Order.

**Dru Hill**

Released in 1996, the self titled debut from Dru Hill was recorded on the Island record label and features production from Keith Sweat amongst other lesser known producers like Hitman, Janice Upchurch, Benjamin Love, Darryl Pearson, Allen "Grip" Smith and finally production from the well known Daryl Simmons. The album featured four singles and was a top 5 hit on the U.S Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

1.) Anthem

This short interlude introduces you to each member and there is a short funky hip hop beat and the members saying the name of the group "Dru Hill".

2.) Nothing To Prove

This track opens with a funky beat and the vocals from all members are smooth and emotive. This is a good uptempo track that only loses points due to the slightly dated 1990's vibe of the music and overall feel. One of the better uptempo tracks on the album though.

3.) Tell Me

This was my introduction to the group, this is a midtempo slice of sexy R&B. The groups vocals are smooth and flow brilliantly together, The thump of the beat blends well with the laid back vocals and background keys. This shows off their mix of smooth R&B and hip hop beats.

4.) Do U Believe

This is another midtempo track with smooth vocals that blend together well and the beat of the drum provides the difference again. This is not as good as Tell Me but is a decent track all the same with a catchy flow and some great vocals from Sisqo in particular.

5.) Whatever U Want

This is another midtempo fusion of R&B and hip hop. This has an old school feel without being too dated. Another decent slice of Dru Hill. This track features a rap from female rapper "Triip" who does a decent enough job on it without worrying the likes of Lil Kim and Lauryn Hill.

6.) Satisfied

This is the first track that has a Ballad feel but it still has the midtempo feel which lets it down a little as I feel this could be better done as a ballad. It's a decent song but the album has not got into full flow yet.

7.) April Showers

This is the first ballad on the album and has a slow pace, it sounds like it was done by a 70's soul great who was winding down their career in the late 80's early 90's. It's a decent ballad but there is certainly better to come in the next half of the album.

8.) All Alone

This has a mellow feel like most of the ballads on the album, This is better than April Showers but the album is building up to the best tracks. I feel that the backing vocals are a little relaxed for my liking in too many parts of this track.

9.) Never Make A Promise

Now we move onto the best ballads on the album with a heartfelt tale of keeping promises and telling them not to make promises unless you are going to keep them. A fabulous track with the group blending superbly well on their vocal harmonies.

10.) So Special

Back to the heavy beats here for one track, This is a midtempo ballad that works well with the heavier beat than on the usual ballad. Sisqo sings lead vocals on this track and the other members do a fine job with the backing vocals. A great track that is just below the best on the album.

11.) In My Bed

This is an outstanding ballad about finding your partner cheating on you in your own bed. This track moves through the suspicion to finding out. I love the emotive feel of this track and it is done superbly well, Sisqo is superb on lead vocals and the harmonies from the others are superb.

12.) Love's Train

This is another fine ballad although it's not one of Dru Hill's most well known tracks. The vocal harmonies are a little deeper in tone than the rest of the album and it works well. This is a very good ballad which should be much better known than it is.

13.) Share My World

This track opens with Piano and then finger snaps come in with the guitar, later the beat comes in and this is a tender ballad with Sisqo on lead vocals. This is another fine song with a seductive feel and is one of the best tracks on the album that's for sure.

14.) 5 Steps

This ends the album superbly with one of their classic ballads. Superbly sung, this track is one of their most tender love songs and also one of their best tracks. A really outstanding effort on this one. Great stuff.

**Overall**

This is a very fine introduction to Dru Hill, the best tracks on the album are up there amongst the best of their career to date. The gripe I have with the album is that there are too many tracks that lack a little something to take them to the next level. They are decent but lack a little spark. Well all in all I would recommend this album to any R&B fan as there's a lot to like about the album despite the lesser tracks. I would have rated five stars if the other tracks were more consistent.

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