Artist: Deborah Cox Album: The Morning After

Year: 2002
Duration: 0:0-1

Deborah Cox's The Morning After - A Critical Review

Deborah Cox is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been around since the 1990s. She first gained fame with her hit song Nobody's Supposed to Be Here in 1998, which held the record for the longest-running number one single on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart at the time. She has released several albums over the years, including her most recent one, The Morning After, which was released in 2018. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at this album, exploring its genre, standout songs, innovative parts, and overall value.

Genre

First off, the genre of The Morning After is R&B. This is nothing new for Deborah Cox, as she has been a staple in the R&B scene for years. However, her sound has evolved over time, and this album is no exception. While there are some classic R&B elements, there are also more electronic and dance-infused beats in some of the songs. It's an interesting mix that sets it apart from some of her earlier work.

Standout Songs

One of the standout songs on the album is Let the World Be Ours Tonight. It's a catchy, upbeat song that showcases Cox's incredible vocals. The hook is infectious, and the lyrics are uplifting and fun. Another great song is Easy Way. This song has a more laid-back feel, but it still has a great beat and groove. Cox's vocals are soulful and emotive, and the lyrics are relatable and heartfelt. Finally, We Can't Be Friends is a standout ballad that shows off Cox's emotional range. It's a beautiful song that will resonate with anyone who has gone through a breakup.

Innovative Parts

One of the most innovative parts of this album is the use of electronic beats and synths. This is particularly evident in songs like More Than We Know and Let the World Be Ours Tonight. It's not something that is commonly heard in traditional R&B, but it works really well on this album. It gives it a contemporary feel while still maintaining the soulful essence of R&B. Another innovative aspect is the way that Cox experiments with different vocal styles throughout the album. She slips in and out of falsetto, and she even raps on the song I'd Rather Be with You. It's a refreshing change from her usual style and shows off her versatility as a singer.

Criticism

While there are a lot of great things about this album, there are a few shortcomings as well. One thing that stands out is the lack of variety in the tempo of the songs. Most of the tracks are mid-tempo R&B jams, which can make the album feel a bit repetitive. It would have been nice to have a few more up-tempo dance tracks or ballads to mix it up a bit. Additionally, some of the songs feel a bit formulaic. They have the same structure and sound similar to each other. It would have been nice to see more experimentation in terms of song structure and instrumentation.

Overall, The Morning After is a solid album that showcases Deborah Cox's incredible vocal range and versatility. While it does have some shortcomings, the standout songs and innovative parts make it a worthwhile listen. If you're a fan of R&B or Deborah Cox, you definitely won't be disappointed. This album is proof that she is still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.