Total's back in the R&B scene with their first album in 3 years. But they've been far from being unheard from in those 3 years, with several hit singles. With production from Missy Elliott and the Bad Boy himself, Puff Daddy, this album had nothing to stand in its way. It quickly becomes evident that total is not an intermediate Rap + R&B group. They're best songs were either laid back R&B or upbeat Rap tracks, with an R&B lacing. The songs that fell between these two categories, intermediate songs, were quite weak and lost my interest. Missy Elliott is the best thing that's happened for this group. Her added touch adds spice to the album.

Some great R&B tracks are "If You Want Me", which features Ma$e, "I Don't Wanna Smile", and "Sitting Home". Puffy provides the usual remix, on their hit single off the Soul Food soundtrack "What About Us". The remix features Black Rob and is amazing. It's got an alternative-sounding double backbeat that'll catch your ear every time. Missy Elliott puts out a gem on "Move Too Fast", a laid-back trip-hop and R&B laced track. The hook sounds like Missy might have collaborated with Nine Inch Nails, while adding her own funk to it. It's scintillating.

This album was missing a finesse that would've made it great. There were some great songs, but there were quite a few rough edges. If you're big into R&B and the Bad Boy sound, then you're probably gonna wanna pick this album up. Otherwise, it might not be your style.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written January 18, 1999