- News & Reviews FeedSyleena Johnson - Chapter 4: Labor Pains (2009)
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Chicago chanteuse, Syleena Johnson, has long teetered somewhere between Millie Jackson and Kelly Price. On her fourth project, Ms. Johnson fell down in Millie-land and-if the chosen landing heard here is to be believed-she won't be getting up anytime soon. With raunchy come hither cuts, daytime TV dramas, and an overly healthy respect for "sistah-ghurl" realness, Ms. Johnson delivers fans more of what they expect, but without the interesting arrangements and ambitious love anthems that once balanced her more obvious, urbane fair. Similar in tone, theme and topic to the independent release from another big voiced niecey, Lil Mo, Chapter 4: Labor Pains is never bad, but it's also never great.
There was a time when Syleena Johnson made the most sexually enticing music on digital today. With the lusty lyrics from "No Words," "Phone Sex," and "Slowly," Syleena cooed erotica like she was reading from the pages of Zane while filming the lead in Spike Lee's "Girl 6." The raspy crackles of her bluesy alto seemed readymade for baby-making and thug-loving exaltations (somehow you just know Syleena's is singing wanton odes to the blue-collar man). These songs were and are glorious in arrangement, sensuality and compelling in Syleena's tightrope walk between obscenity and audacious artistic expression. It's really a shame to witness Johnson lose her balance so late in her career.
Syleena is surprisingly flat in her enthusiasm and lyrically boring on "My First" and "Personal Trainer," two tepid magazine confessions set to music. Some might say it's the influence of R. Kelly (her frequent co-collaborator) on Syleena's music that is to blame for this lyrical preoccupation with orgasms. However, the two haven't made music together in a few years; something about being estranged over court cases and adolescent girls... In any case, Syleena, it seems, has decided she's developed and has indulged on Chapter 4: Labor Pains a taste for tasteless tunes heretofore only heard by the likes of Lil Kim, Adena Howard and the Queen of Filth and Soul, Millie Jackson.
At least with Millie, the bluesy soul comedienne of the South, the tunes were funny. Johnson decides to carry Jackson's torch into ghetto humor on cuts like "Maury Povich" (yes, that is the title and yes, it is self-explanatory for those familiar with its dubious parentage shows) and "Shoo Fly," the storytelling kin to Jackson's classic "Lovers and Girlfriends," but lacks Jackson's wit and griot prowess. There are other panderings to the ladies that feel less like testimonies and more like calculated contrivances, such as the party girl's anthem "Go," and the auto-tuned platitudes of "Where's The Love" (an original title, no?) just for starters. There is also an oddly timed racial protest song "Is It Because I'm Black?" just days before we swear in our first Black President.
And yet, despite all these flaws, the Johnson's fourth project escapes being bad. Why? Well, because the other side of Syleena Johnson is that Kelly Price mode of singer, one with the enormous vocal talent to make the frothiest schmaltz listenable and sometimes even lovable. There are endearing tunes on Chapter 4: Labor Pains and they are almost all thematically about love that is working, from the Sweet Inspirations flavored "It Is True" to the only real, love anthem on this joint, "Your Love." Why there is only a handful of this type of tune is bewildering, since Syleena's best work has always been well-arranged music about inspired hope and love. True, her radio hits such as "Guess What?," "I Am Your Woman," "Tonight I'm Gonna Let You Go (Remix)" and "All Falls Down" are about dysfunctional relationships set to a slow grind or a dance groove. But, Johnson's fan hits are about giving "All of Me" to be "Faithful to You," shouting "I Believe In Love" and testifying how "I'd Rather Be Wrong," when not declaring "Time" is all that's needed for more "Special Occasions," "Now That I Got You." With each album chapter outgrowing the last in artistry, composition and common sense, Syleena Johnson has proven responsible for so many timeless, unsung tunes about the aspirations and beauty of love-both mutual and unrequited-it was hard not to have ever escalating hopes for Chapter 4: Labor Pains. The conscious funk of "Freedom" on Labor Pains kind of gets there, but...there just really isn't anything even close to the tunes from her classic Chapter 2: The Voice. That she produced this album through her own newly launched indie label regrettably leads all fingers pointing back to Ms. Johnson as the culprit.
Talented and underappreciated by the mainstream audience, Syleena Johnson has rightly earned a cult following for her soul children. Hands rubbing in cheek-pinching anticipation, folks have been waiting a long time for Johnson's latest delivery. While a new child has been born to beautiful parents, when viewed along side its siblings I suspect everyone will be too polite to point out the obvious, but I'll do so by quoting my favorite children's song: "one of these kids are doing his own thing, one of these kids don't belong." Mildly Recommended.
-L. Michael Gipson
Comments
I disagree totally with this
LudaBeans - January 4th, 2009
I disagree totally with this review. Chapter 4:Labor Pains is her best work yet...She has written all of her albums since the beginning of her career with the exception of maybe 3 or 4 songs and this one shows growth, independence and the true Syleena...Your assessment seems rooted in some type of personal attack due to the R.kelly statement i didnt think that had a place in her review...if you really listen to the CD you will hear her growth, her youth, her ability to sing all types of music and her lyrical development..to say my first and personal trainer are lyrically boring is inaccurate.also Is it because I'm black is a remake of her father's check your facts...has nothing to do with Obama...it's from 1968..and if you think because we have a black president that racism is gone you are sadly mistaken...I love this CD i bought it the first day...your assessment that she is on her own label and this is why she made this album sound the way it does is again false because she has controlled all of her albums..this one is no different...i am disappointed in Soultracks for this type of review for an artist of her caliber...you should be ashamed..i have seen the other reviews of albums that are not as good and you give them a pass..why because they are on major labels?? again no respect for Independent artist or women for that matter..she served as a CEO and Artist do you know what that takes? and yes i take it personal because i have followed her career for 7 years and have been on this site for 2 years so i think you should rewrite this review ASAP....
I am a firm believer that
havlyn - January 4th, 2009
I am a firm believer that every human being has the right to their own opinion. However, this review goes way past opinion and teeters on personal. If you are a critic than do that. Don't throw personal opinions in the mix. Its tasteless and it airs your own dirty laundry. If the child molestation case hits home in any way they do have therapy for that but it does not belong in a critique of an album. Some people take their job way too serious. And reading your other reviews of other artist......wow! Do you even like yourself?
I disagree with this review.
Blacmajic - January 5th, 2009
I disagree with this review. I've been a fan since Chapter 1. Although the reviewer shows he's familiar with Syleena Johnson's music ... Chapter 4: Labor Pains went over his head. He didn't get the overall theme, which is what her chapters are based on.
This is the most creative album Syleena Johnson has ever done. Listen to the Intro. In the intro she pushes 4 times before she delivers. Each push represents each album she has released...the 4th obviously being Chapter 4.
The auto-tune track Where's the Love is creative as well because her vocals are in auto-tune when she sings about "material/superficial" things....yet raw, real, pure, soul when she sings about "love". She worked the auto-tune without overdoing it.
These are a couple of examples of how her arrangement was on point.
There is a meaningful message in EVERY song. Even the tell-it-like-it-is tracks like Maury Povich and Shoo Fly. Take a good listen and you will see the lyrics are true and she gives either a solution or warning in those songs. Syleena Johnson speaks the truth, even when it's ugly and unpleasant.
Raunchy? LOL...No. My First and Personal Trainer are comparative and just as sexy and enticing as Phone Sex and Slowly. This album is for grown folks, it's not x-rated by any means. So dubbing it as raunchy is very extreme and doesn't warrant any Millie Jackson/Lil Kim comparison.
Is It Because I'm Black is a Syl Johnson remake (he is her father). This is Syleena Johnson's way of paying tribute to her father and displaying EXACTLY where and who she gets her soul from. Is It Because I'm Black was one of his most well-known songs. And Syleena sang it perfectly. How can her timing be wrong when she's paying tribute to her father?
And the majority of the songs on this album are filled with hope and love. Freedom (which is an anthem for anyone who has ever strived to accomlish anything) is a song about hope. Where's the Love in essence...is a song about love. Same Syleena Johnson...with a twist.
She spiced it up a bit with a few of her tunes like Go and a couple others to show she can actually let loose without having heavy hearted mid-tempo songs all the time. She deserves to express herself as such (which is what her song Be Me is about). I can appreciate that.
R. Kelly is irrelevant here. I don't see the point of mentioning him the way he was stated in the review.
Chapter 4: Labor Pains is a great album and it's worth buying. I challenge everyone (including this reviewer) to completely take in the whole album. Listen to it more than once.
Your review is
Nia80 - January 5th, 2009
Your review is ABSURBED!!!
Your review is ABSURBED- I have been a huge fan of Syleena Johnson for years and feel she totally delivered with this project!!! You seem almost upset with her??? Millie Jackson? Who are you listening to? Also when did a "Racial Protest song" go out of style? That whole statement was weird! I'm not even gonna get on your R.Kelly rambling, you were out of line with those comments! But then again this whole review is OUT OF LINE! Who told you, you were even qualified to do reviews? True fans like myself know not to even take this review serious! It was biased from the start!!! She has shown tremendous growth as an artist and I'm enjoying her journey!!!
I'll do so by quoting my
SUGA SLIM - January 5th, 2009
I'll do so by quoting my favorite children's song: "one of these kids are doing his own thing, one of these kids don't belong." Mildly Recommended
-L. Michael Gipson
ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
You spend so much time building a profile to only seek out reasons to bash Syleena. Anybody with common sense smell the B.S. you're spreading on your review. I can only assume you are one of those who's wife may've left you for another woman or something of that nature. Or is it that you were once an aspiring artist of some sort and reality set in that you'll never accomplish this either being WACK or just CORNY! Either or, it shows in the lack of respect you have for those who are truly putting forth an effort to acheiving their goals. There's a name for people such as yourself, it's called "DREAM BUSTERS". AKA FEMALE DOG + BOY!!LMAO!
On a better note, I came across some of the Producers on Labor Pains on myspace. I found there info within another Syleena Johnson blog.
HAPPY SURFIN...Oh & BYE HATER!!
http://myspace.com/cassbproduction
http://youtube.com/casswat
L. Michael Gipson Very
L.MichaelGipson - January 5th, 2009
L. Michael Gipson
Very intense fan loyalty I see. For that I am very happy for Ms. Johnson; it bodes well for the album's prospects. Those who believe me ill-motivated and a "cough" hater, might explain why then I just broke Syleena Johnson's song "It Is True" in Europe on the Dave Brown Radio Show (where it will now be for weeks on the playlist of one of the most popular radio shows in the world) and gave those songs that do work on Labor Pains on-air props. Ahhh, yes, it is so clear to me now that I have a haters agenda...Excuse me one momento, my therapist is calling me about my appointment...something about unresolved childhood issues...
The world lacks honesty
Ken2music - January 5th, 2009
The world lacks honesty because this is how we respond to it. Quite sad.
As a Syleena Johnson fan, i was disappointed with this album as well...it does not dissipate my love for her as an artist or person, but it simply did not take her to the next level as expected. I find it deeply troubling that many of you will attack a reviewer for simply posting his own review of a particular work! Since when aren't reviews personal? What ridiculous banter it is indeed to suggest that someone isn't qualified because they disagree with you or your opinion of an artist. Indeed, the oppressed become the oppressors again.
Chapter 4 Labor Pains is one
shaj - January 5th, 2009
Chapter 4 Labor Pains is one of the best R&B albums I have heard in a very long time. It is one of the few CDs you can play all the way through. There are so many hits...I really can't pick one favorite. Tracks like Shoofly and Maury Povich keep it real with the true life lyrics, you combine that with Syleena's amazing voice and you have pure gold. I can't forget about my other faves Where is the love?, Personal Trainer and number 15 (can't remember the name lol) but they are all pheonomenal songs. I would recommend this CD to anybody that enjoys good music.
I am not going to waste my
m1c7 - January 6th, 2009
I am not going to waste my time with slander, because I am all about positivity! I love Syleena Johnson and I have Chapter 4: Labor Pains and love it! "Be Me" is my favorite song on the album! I commend her for being a strong African-American woman and having the courage to go against the grain and start her own label Aneelys Records! I know it's hard work, Kudos! If you do not have Chapter 4: Labor Pains, go out and get it and judge it for yourself...until then, Everyone Be Peaceful.
Syleena Johnson Presents: The Album of 2009 Chapter 4: Labor Pains
LudaBeans..again..i think it
LudaBeans - January 6th, 2009
LudaBeans..again..i think it was the Millie Jackson reference that resonated through many people's souls oh and the "Syleena is the culprit"comment oh and the R.Kelly statement..i have never seen a review written like this in my life..check out www.urbanmusicscene.com or www.singersroom.com...this was quite Bizarre Ken2Music you must agree..
L. Michael Gipson I love the
L.MichaelGipson - January 6th, 2009
L. Michael Gipson
I love the dialogue here and-as a fan of most of her work-appreciate the commitment fans have made to Ms. Johnson. I know that same energy channeled into attacking an already published and unapologetic review will be used to call radio to get their favorite Syleena Johnson tracks airplay, e-mails sent to friends alerting them to when Ms. Johnson is performing in town for ticket purchase, organizing listening parties in their homes, and purchasing multiple copies of Chapter 4: Labor Pains to give to friends and families as gifts. You know, those acts that actually help an artist survive and continue to provide the music you love. Any takers on these more substantive acts of fan love? Anyone?
Actually, I don't agree, and
Ken2music - January 7th, 2009
Actually, I don't agree, and if I did, what difference would it make? Ask yourself how you feel about the CD...and then go with that. Why is the reference to Millie Jackson unfair? It puts Syleena in great musical company, even if she can't/doesn't live up to such a comparison. Face it, the darkened cloud of shame is still associated with R. Kelly...and if it isn't, then it should be. Don't take pieces of the review out of context and creatively wordsmith them to seem more negative than they are...after all, the CD was still "mildly recommended"....generously...because as a Syleena fan, this has already made it into my has been pile.
HI. Yes..i am one of those
Sunshine89 - January 7th, 2009
HI. Yes..i am one of those myspace fans that call the radio, respond to blogs and make sure I am supporting Syleena. I love Chapter 4..it's real, soulful,fun, sexy, has a party vibe and there is something for everyone...WE LOVE SYLEENA...and there are a group of us that didnt like her Jive promotion so we make sure she gets her fair share...This CD is awesome..and I am not going to respond to the review because..people have the right to their opinion so I am not a hater...not everyone in the world will like Chapter 4: Labor Pains..but i tell you this Syleena has dedicated and loyal fans and we make sure we are spreading the word and supporting her and responding to things we think are false is part of that...WE LOVE SYLEENA AND CHAPTER 4:LABOR PAINS...
Good reply Sunshine89. I
chrisr - January 7th, 2009
Good reply Sunshine89. I think you got across your point about why you disagree with the review without calling the reviewer names simply because he had an opinion. I found the review funny and well written and informative. And as someone who hasn't heard the album yet, I now want to hear it to find out who is right! If it weren't for this review and all this dialogue, I probably wouldn't have checked the CD out.
I must say I have really
willie roth - January 9th, 2009
I must say I have really enjoyed Johnson's music, up until this point. I was looking forward to this release until I heard the samples of each song on another site. I have to admit, compared to her past output, this one is very disappointing. The material is not impressive at all and her performance was just okay for me. I will definately pass on purchasing this disc. And I think it's unfair for some of you to attack the reviewer.
They are just giving their personal opinion, just like you are giving your personal opinion on how wonderful the record is. You must remember, music is subjective. What is a masterpiece to one person may be a piece of trash to someone else.
And, by the way, some of you are upset at the Millie Jackson comparison. Well, maybe you are the ones who should listen to some of Millie's recordings. IMO, Millie put out some of the best Soul music of the 70's and 80's.
Hello Everyone, I bought an
Tracy Porter - January 9th, 2009
Hello Everyone,
I bought an iTunes album for the first time ever:)...it was Chapter 4: Labor Pains...normally i like to go into the store and get Syleena's albums but with all this back and forth about it I said who can wait unti Tuesday when it's released....plus I am in the south so who knows if I wil be able to find it...I love the following: Shoo Fly (dealing with that now!!!), Personal Trainer, My first, It Is true (favorite), Your LOve and Is it because I am black...my dad reminded me that was Syleena's father's song from the 60's really sounds great...anyway we love syleena in Jackson!...I also like Be Me...that is so heartfelt and realistic of where she is now...great album...I am also listening to Musiq, Brandy and Anthony Hamilton...We have to uplift our talented black folks out here that are really inspiring people..it's hard to get your name out here and Syleena has struggled for years...Labor Pains was needed..its for men, women, young, old and most of all..anyone that says they want to give birth to an album despite all odds...(LOVE THE INTRO)>.reminds me of my labor..LOL..I am not a fan of Brandy's album and I think her single, Departed fooled me...but Anthony and Musiq are pretty good..i would recommend Syleena, Anthony and Musiq...soultracks.com is my favorite site....now that i have braced this technological world...i think i will get back to Chapter 4 now! Peace...let's help each other and not tear each other down...We have a new President now!! CHANGE!!!
First off, i don't even know
herbisme - January 9th, 2009
First off, i don't even know who she is, this Syleena , but y'all got my new perm all nappy, do not, do not be dissing my good pal and friend Mildred Jackson, do not...I don't always agree with
Millies career choices and have told her so to her face, but let me tell you something, to do what she did when she did it ! shut yo mouth unless you have a house up on Stone Mountain next to a country club please, don't be dissing my girl Millie.....
And to, when did it get so, that folk couldn't express an opinion, damn everybody got to agree with y'all now,
how about this ? I don't like her ( whats her name ? Syleena ) cuz y'all do, how's that, huh.....you know what i wanna say, got my new perm all nappy, damn you know what's....I wanna call y'all but civility, and respect to this open forum demands that I be at least polite, but don't let me ever hear y'all uppity ******'s diss Mille again....
soul talking at www.cashboxmagazine.com
Oh wow Herbisme...I didnt
Tracy Porter - January 10th, 2009
Oh wow Herbisme...I didnt read any disses on Millie Jackson..Nobody said anything about her....We love Millie in the South, we love Syleena in the South...hey I love anyone with a soulful gritty tone....i dont think they compare to each other but hey everybody's got their thing and opinion..why call someone Uppity..wow this post has really gone far.....Take Care..and GO OBAMA..Can't Wait to Jan 20th!!!!!!!!!..ps..Herbisme...Syleena Johnson has 4 albums, did All Falls Down with Kanye West, has done collaborations with DMX, Busta Rhymes, R.Kelly, Camron, Michelle Williams and many others..just getting you up to speed..her father is a 60's blues/soul veteran from my home state Mississippi...and is famous for many hits...GO OBAMA!!!
what the hell are you
bigred - April 21st, 2009
what the hell are you talking about, what does rkelly have to do with syleena's cd, she did not do anything with rkelly's criminal activity. he has song with many artist. why do we always have to tear someone down to build themselves up. no weapon formed against her will prosper. you dont have to like all of her songs, and you dont have to like her album, but dont be a hater, it shouldnt be personal it should be business. millie jackson and kelly price are great singers, just like syleena. the kids analogy i dont get it, i hope you are not attacking her children, then i will say you are really out of your damn mind. this lady (SYLEENA JOHNSON) is a great singer/songwriter. the world will find out, God has her back and so does her fans, but with God on your side/back who can be against her. the music industry should embrace her and help her, they know what it is like out there for black women. i will go now, because i am sick and tired of being sick and tired of the music industries hating. She has her own label now, you go girl.
