Xscape - Off the Hook (CD)

Perfect Title for a Perfect Album

By Chicago, Jay-Dub, Longshot  Dec 24, 2005

Pros: Voices, Harmonies, Words, production

Cons: None...

The "Ghetto EnVogue" (as some critics called them) return with their sophomore album, "Off the Hook". I don't think that there is ANY album out there that has the most appropriate title. These girls and this album are both off... the hook. There aren't any uptempo tracks on the album, but that certainly doesn't take away from it. The midtempo songs fare perfectly, starting with the excellent remake of Isaac Hayes' "Do Your Thing". The girls come strong with "Feels So Good", which shows both their ruggedness and their sensuality with the lyrics and harmonies, respectively. "Hard To Say Goodbye" is a very good song with marvelous harmony. The sexual "Can't Hang" provides a challenge to men who claim they are effective in the bedroom, but turn out not to be, lol. "What Can I Do" brings to mind the New Jack Swing movement that was evident on their debut album, but still does not take away from the album. "Keep It On the Real" sounds a little off, but the harmonies keep you interested and will make you sing along (if you can learn the words to the hook). Of course, Xscape is best known for their singing ability, and if the midtempo songs were any indication, Xscape does NOT disappoint on the slower ballads. "Who Can I Run To" has to be the most memorable remake of the 90s (and still prevalent today), and definitely should be. The Scott sisters (LaTocha and Tameka) deliver well on the leads, and the background harmonies are PERFECT. "Do You Want To" is an excellent song that brings to mind to slow grooving times of the mid-90s. And the harmonies are excellent. "Do Like Lovers Do" is a good love-making song with the thumping beats and sensual lyrics. "Work Me Slow" is self-explanatory! A very good song. "Love's A Funny Thing" is a beautiful song, with poignant lyrics and excellent harmony. Xscape is probably one of the most underrated groups. With album content like this, the album should have definitely garnered the girls numerous platinum certifications and music awards (Grammys, Moonmen, AMAs). This is definitely an album you can play without skipping one song, a rarity in any music genre. A classic album for ANYONE to own. Read more Less