Artist: 702 Album: Star

Year: 2003
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of “Star” by 702: A Blend of R&B, Hip-hop, and Pop

702 was a popular R&B girl group of the '90s, known for soulful ballads and chart-topping hits. The group, named after the area code of their hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, consisted of three talented singers: Kameelah Williams, Irish Grinstead, and LeMisha Fields. Their fourth album, “Star,” was released in 2003 and marked a departure from their usual sound. In this blog post, we'll take a critical review of the album, talk about the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and provide an overall critic of the album.
Firstly, let's talk about the music genre of the album. “Star” is a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, with tracks that incorporate electronic and funk elements. It’s a departure from their previous soulful ballads and love songs. The group explores a more upbeat, danceable sound, as seen in tracks like “Star,” “Hot & Wet,” and “Pootie Tangin'.”
There are six tracks on the album, and each one has its unique style and flair. Some of the best songs include “Jealousy,” “Where My Girls At?,” and “Gotta Leave.” “Jealousy” is a mellow R&B track that showcases the vocal range of the group. “Where My Girls At?” is a cheerful, girl-power anthem that became a massive hit and topped the charts. On the other hand, “Gotta Leave” is a powerful ballad about heartbreak and moving on. It’s a standout performance that shows the emotional depth of the group.
The most innovative parts of the album, however, are the pop and hip-hop collaborations. This departure from their traditional R&B sound shows the versatility of the group. “Star” features collaborations with Clipse, Fabolous, and Missy Elliott, all prominent hip-hop artists of the early 2000s. These collaborations add a fresh, new flavor to the album and elevate the group's status.
However, despite the success of the album, it still has some shortcomings. For one, the album is short, with only six tracks. This might leave listeners wanting more. Additionally, some of the tracks sound a bit formulaic and lack the creativity and originality found in their previous works. But overall, “Star” is a well-crafted album that showcases the group's evolution and versatility.
In conclusion, “Star” marked a new era for the girl group 702, exploring new sounds and collaborating with prominent hip-hop artists. While the album may have some shortcomings, it's still an impressive effort that highlights the group's unique style and vocal prowess. Fans of R&B, hip-hop, and pop music will find much to enjoy in this album and will appreciate the group's departure from their musical roots.