She back!

Monica: The Makings Of Me “At The Top Of The Game” An Album Review by Nfared
Yes Monica knows music. She also seems to have an innate sense of timing. When
the album is ready to drop, she knows how to work the circuit from radio to T.V.
And after the last single, she knows how to ride the wave out and set just like
the sun, beautifully yet gently beyond the horizon. With this in mind, it is no
wonder that her fourth album, “The Makings Of Me” seems to be premiering at an
almost perfect time for her. New husband, new baby, and a new album. Monica
likes to keep it moving.

The album’s first single “Every The Beat Drop” is something of a switch for
Monica who is known for her strong vocals and moving ballads. Apparently she too
likes to lean and rock as she explains in the snappy chorus, “I can’t help who
I’m is/when they play my shit/I just love to dance/every time the beat drop.
Though not necessarily exciting, this is an example of versatility begetting
longevity. It is also a good backdrop for the fact that Monica will forever be
gangsta. More proof of that fact is in the blatancy of “Sideline Ho”. The
ballad, produced by Tank, is something of a call out song as Monica lyrically
gets in the face of her man’s mistress. She’s confident as she asks and answers
her own questions, “When you called his phone/did he pick it up?/no/cause we was
making love.” Yes it’s been sang before, but not quite like this. She moves away
from questioning the other woman to questioning the man in “Why Her”. Here, she
honestly wants to know; “Why her why
her/did I get on your nerves/did I give you too much/and you couldn’t handle my
love…?” Though she may not come across as the vulnerable type, she sings the
role as she says “from experience”. She cleverly borrows from Curtis Mayfield
with the flowing “A Dozen Roses”. Her take on “Remind Me Of My Jeep”, its street
meets love as she begins, “Boy you remind me/remind me of my Gucci shoes… you
got style just like a Bentley coupe.” O.K. so there are the comparisons to
material objects. It’s Monica, singing sweet and sultry, so resistance is not a
question. Twista guest appears on “Hell No”. As always, he spares no punches
with his speedy delivery. Monica surprises though, as she flows herself,
displaying more of her rapper mode; “You was all up under me/actin like you was
so in love/always talking bout you a thug/nigga what you runnin for?” Though her
rapping skills are suitable, there is probably no need to worry about her
following in the footsteps of Tyrese—oops that
is—what ever his new rap name is…

Needle Meter Monica has been around for a long time. She has mastered the art
of being in front of the camera when necessary, and chilling out to keep away
the over exposure bug. This only adds to her skill in making good music. As
sure-footed as her first album was, she has continued to grow, almost like she
knows exactly what her fans expect from her. She keeps it interesting by going
beyond what is expected. How many female R&B acts rap well? Yet through all the
growth, she is one of the more consistent artists to ever record. All of this
means that even though she is not always seen, she will be around for a long
time to come.
Five Needles! Classic Album!














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