Jamie Foxx : unpredictable

Rating: 3/3

I've always known that Jamie Foxx is incredibly
talented. Ever since he released the classic single:
Bed Springs, I knew he was something special.
His first album, Peep This, was luckluster but
still augured great things for the rising R&B star.

I was therefore sweating with anticipation when I
unwrapped Unpredictable, Jamie's latest
offering, from it's plastic cd case which seemed like
a prison for the rising stars voice. Once I
popped it into the cd player I was blown away by the
sultry R&B melodies that saturated the airwaves
reminding me of the days when R&B was R&B (as opposed
to the current bastard children of artists who don't know
if they are rappers or singers).

The first track and single is Unpredictable. I
honestly thought that this track was sung by Playa
until I heard it on this album. The track is a
bonafide classic and is only a starter preparing the
fan for a series of intense, heart thumping bed room
tracks.

The next two tracks are Warm Bed and DJ Play
A Love Song. They are equally hot and oozing with
Jamie's typical sex appeal. Once can almost hear
Devonte's and Jodeci's legendary influence pumping
through the speakers as Jamie lays strong vocals on
Can I Take U Home. Jamie Foxx's series of
balads pass the universal test for good love songs:
They remind you of your first love and bring a tear to
your eye.

Jamie wisely decided to appeal to the mainstream market
as well as the card carrying R&B fan. His album has a
rich cast including Snoop Dogg, The Game, Mary
J. Blige, Common and Kanye West. It was a smart move
including Kanye on the album because
Extravaganza truly exhibits the best of both their
talents.

In spite of the album's obvious strengths, I can't
help wondering if it will appeal to the younger
generation or those individuals who were not raised on
a rich diet of Jodeci, Mary J. Blige and En Vogue.
Jamie brings back old school R&B by staying true to the
basic formula that always worked. On Love
Changes (feat. Mary J. Blige) him and Mary have
the following exchange:

You know Mary... What I wanna do is get back to
the basics... to loving.. to hugging.. to
caring.. to sharing.. to understanding.. get back to even
teaching... teach me please...get back to loving
your woman... get back to loving your man.... get back
to cooking for your man...anytime you hungry baby

(Mary J. Blige's words in italics)

That conversation captures the entire depth and breadth
of the album. Jamie Foxx is taking R&B back to the
basics. Many have tried and failed but Jamie manages
to do it gracefully and accurately. This album is a
classic. Jamie Foxx has arrived!