Elements of RL (Ements - RL)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	Ements - RL
Date:	31/05/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great vocals, couple of real gems

Disadvantages: A couple of weaker tracks

**Introduction**

I requested this album be put on the Dooyoo database as I wanted to review it. I came across the album after searching around on amazon for some new cds. I was well aware of RL from his time in Next and liked a few of their songs so I gave the album a go. Robert Lavelle "R.L." Huggar is the lead singer of R&B group Next, they have just released their fourth studio album as a group with "Deponce" taking over from Raphael "Tweety" Brown when he left the group in 2007 due to pursuing his own solo career.

**Solo Career**

As the lead singer of Next it was no suprise when RL embarked on a solo career. RL's first release outside of Next was the duet with Deborah Cox called "We can't be friends" This was followed up by the track "Best Man" which was as part of an R&B supergroup also featuring Tyrese, Ginuwine and Case which featured on the Soundtrack to the 1999 film The Best Man. It was not until 2002 that RL actually started recording his debut solo album. Here's my review of his debut album "Ements"

**Ements**

The debut album was released in 2002 and features collaborations from Erick Sermon, Shaheed "The Poster Boy", Snoop Dogg and Lil' Kim. The album features the singles Good Man, Got Me A Model and Good Love. RL started work on The album without the knowledge of his bandmates in Next which caused friction between RL and Tweet who later left the group to pursue his own solo career.

1.) Elements

This is a short introduction to the album which showcases his emotive vocals and is a decent intro to the album.

2.) Got Me A Model

This is a Jermaine Dupri Produced track which has a great feel to it. It was the biggest single from the album and the catchy feel is the reason why. This is a very decent uptempo track which has a great flow.

3.) Whatcha Wanna Do

This has such a great flow which makes this such a great track to dance to, This is one of the best uptempo tracks on the album and shows that his voice is more versatile than the smooth vocals he showcases in his ballads. Very good track.

4.) Ghetto

This is a funky flowing hip hop track about what it's like to come from the ghetto. This track originally featured Jermaine Dupri but was recorded again with Shaheed "The Poster Boy" on Rap. This is one of the better uptempo tracks on the album.

5.) Good Man

This is one of the best tracks on the album and a great ballad, It's about how you can get better as a man when you meet someone you fall in love with. A very personal and emotive gem of a track.

6.) I'll give U Anything

This is another beautiful ballad which again showcases his vocal ability. The subject of the track is obvious, A story of what you will do for someone you are in love with. Another fine ballad.

7.) Tempted/Temptation Island

This passed me by first time round but after a few listens it grows on you, it has a good intro and despite not being the best on the album it is still a worthwile effort that will have it's appeal to many fans.

8.) K.N.O.W

This is another great ballad which has some fine backing vocals which are as smooth as RL's lead vocals. This is a very good track indeed and one of my favourites from the album. Brilliant stuff.

9.) Damn

This is another good uptempo track with some great beats, It's about watching someone you know spiral into drug addiction. A very good track with the beats being a great feature of this track.

10.) Luv Led Me 2 U

This is a lovely sweet ballad that has a summery feel, I love the hook that moves through the song. RL's vocals are gentle and emotive and the addition of the gentle piano really works a treat with the smooth vocals from RL and the backing vocalists.

11.) As Long As U Know

This is a beautful ballad which has a Gospel feel due to the piano, This really shows the versatility of him as a vocalist and an artist. This is an outstanding track that really shows what he can do.

12.) What I'm Lookin' 4

This is a fabulous song which seems to be about a woman who suffered abuse at the hands of her father with the lyrics "Susie loved her daddy but not like the way he loved her". An amazing song.

13.) Do You Wanna Roll

This is a flowing hip hop track which features Snoop Dogg and Lil Kim. The three work together well and RL's voice flows well throught the track and although I am not a fan of Snoop or Lil Kim they do a decent enough job throught this track.

14.) Thank You

This is the final track on the album and is basically a closing interlude to the album similar to the opening introduction. This is a decent enough way to end the album.

**Overall**

I quite like Next but having listened to this album I have to say that there are a few tracks on this album that are out of the reach of even the best Next songs. This is a great debuit album and it's a shame that it has taken five years for him to release the follow up and that is only available from Japan. There's no doubt in my mind, This guy has talent. This should have been a far more successful album than it was.

Summary: read review