Kristinia DeBarge – Exposed (A J!-ENT World Groove Album Review)
August 27, 2009 by Dennis Amith
“It’s great to hear another DeBarge back in the music scene. Kristinia DeBarge’s debut with ‘Exposed’ is solid, enjoyable and catchy album. Beautiful vocals and combined with a solid production from Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and company. A wonderful album from Kristinia!”
ARTIST: Kristinia DeBarge
ALBUM: Exposed
LABEL: Island/Soda Pop Records
DURATION: 39:47
RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2009
- Somebody
- Future Love
- Speak Up
- Goodbye
- Sabotage
- Died In Your eyes
- Powerless
- Cried Me a River
- Doesn’t Everybody Want to Fall in Love
- It’s Gotta Be Love
- Disconnect
BUY THIS ALBUM:
Back in the 80′s, aside from the Jackson’s, I grew up listening to another R&B group known as DeBarge. A big fan of the DeBarge family, I was buying albums from El, Bunny and Chico DeBarge and had hoped for a family reunion but unfortunately, many of the talents from the family got caught up into major trouble and thus negating a possible reunion for now.
But I have to admit that I had all smiles when I heard actually from a DJ in Tokyo plugging a track from Kristinia DeBarge for the song “Goodbye”. Hearing the song, I immediately was hooked but with that famous last name, made me more excited to hear, a DeBarge family member is back in the music scene.
Kristinia is the daughter of James DeBarge (yes, the one that was married to pop diva Janet Jackson for a very short time) and made her debut to America at the age of 13 for “American Idol” spin-off “American Juniors” in 2003. Not long after, she started working with popular producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and eventually joined his record label Soda Pop Records (a sub-label of Island Def Jam Records).
The artist has since released two singles (one which is a double A-sided single) with “Goodbye”, “Sabotage” and the Varsity Fanclub cover of “Future Love”. And in August and September, the artist will be opening for Britney Spears on tour.
For the most part, I have listened to this album since it was first released. It’s well-produced, well-sung, addictive and most of all, Kristinia has smooth and beautiful vocals in combination with cool beats and a upbeat pop groove.
The first track “Somebody” features a collaboration with Mel & Mus (who produced the track and does the music) and for the most part, a catchy dance track. The second track “Future Love”, a cover of the boy band – Varsity Fanclub’s popular track features a more pop with a slight more upbeat tempo than the original. This track is her second single (along with “Sabotage”, as a double-A sided single).
The third track features the ballad “Speak Up” feature a collaboration with producer Ryan Tedder (who also provides the music). An awesome track showcasing Kristinia’s vocals. Well done!
The fourth track “Goodbye” is a Babyface track. Overall, an upbeat, addictive track utilizing the classic 1969 Steam track “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”. A wonderful debut single for Kristinia.
The fifth track “Sabotage” is Kristinia’s second double-A sided single (along with “Future Love”) and features a track produced by The Jam (Mike Mani and Jordan Omley). An upbeat pop track.
One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Died In Your Eyes” (the sixth track) produced by the Jam. The chorus instantly hooks you with Kristinia’s beautiful vocals.
The seventhtrack “Powerless” produced by RADIO and The JAM. Featuring a Rihanna-ish style of track. But overall, a well-produced, upbeat track. The eighth track “Cried Me a River” features a Babyface & Preach produced upbeat ballad. Another catchy track. The ninth track “Doesn’t Everybody Want to Fall in Love” features a Babyface & Preach produced track. Another irresistible pop track.
The tenth track “It’s Gotta Be Love” features a Babyface produced track. A commercial, smooth R&B track. In a way, a combination of modern R&B and almost 90′s old school style of music, but overall a solid track.
The final track on the album is “Disconnect” featuring a Babyface produced track. A ballad featuring a mid-tempo track with a deep beat.
As for the CD insert, the insert features photos of Kristinia and production credits and thank you’s. Unfortunately, no lyrics for the songs.
Kristinia DeBarge’s album debut with “Exposed” is exceptionally solid. Having created that music relationship with a talented producer such as Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and also executive producers which include Edmonds, Jeff Burroughs and Antonio “L.A.” Reid was a good move for the young artist.
Having been developed as a music artist since 2003, her beautiful vocals combined with a solid production definitely led to an exciting, addictive and really enjoyable album. I don’t think there was one track that I didn’t like. So, overall, in one sense, I’m so happy to see a DeBarge back into music scene but also know that she has a good team behind her and solid production for her music.
“Exposed” is definitely recommended!
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