Mint Condition - 7 [4/5]

Artist:

Mint Condition

UPC:

016351578723

Description:

Audio Mixers: David Darlington; Stokley.
Photographers: Ricky Kinchen; Christian Kinchen.
Indeed, this is Mint Condition`s seventh studio album, released almost 20 years after the first. The self-referencing title track -- a brief hip-hop interlude -- is the only instance where the band looks back. Though they`ve kept to the vivid "all the way live" sound that emphasizes their aptitude as instrumentalists, they continue to develop their writing, making relatable and uplifting songs that leave a lasting impression. As always, the material is designed for performance. Had MC played this album for fans expecting old material, hearing "Breakin` My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)" would have become an afterthought around the transition from the anguished, slow-pounding opener "Can`t Get Away" to the strutting funk jam "I Want It." On these songs, heavy synthesizer bass and strapping bass guitar work in tandem to make some of the band`s hardest rhythms. At least three other songs would be worthy of inclusion on a Mint Condition best-of: the elegant, midtempo "Walk On" and "Mind Slicker" were evidently inspired by a bad relationship, while "Not My Daddy," featuring Kelly Price, was written by Price and Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary) but sounds like classic Mint Condition. It`s a shame this band gets a small fraction of the airplay granted to those who have followed in their footsteps (Ne-Yo, for one). Two decades into their career, they`re making some of their best music. ~ Andy Kellman

Track Listing:

DISC 1

1. Can`t Get Away
2. I Want It
3. Walk On
4. Mind Slicker
5. Caught My Eye
6. Bossalude
7. 7
8. Ease the Pain
9. Unsung
10. Not My Daddy - (featuring Kelly Price)
11. Twenty Years Later

Album Information

Release Date:

04/05/2011

Type:

Performer

Genre:

R&B

Subgenre:

Contemporary R&B

Label:

Shanachie Records

Catalog Number:

SHANCD 5787

Original Release Year:

2011

# of Discs:

1

Studio/Live:

Studio

Mono/Stereo:

Stereo

Runtime:

45 : 37

Guest Artist:

Kelly Price

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