If a CD from as little as 2 years ago is still in my CD Tower, it is a good one. I am not the type of person who likes to listen to old music, as a rule. Once it isn't popular anymore, I like to listen to the latest sounds on the radio. That being said, I can still get down to Shai.

Shai enjoyed the most success with this CD, If I Ever Fall in Love. This album, released in 1992, was made by the group, composed of members Carl Martin, Marc Gay, Garfield Bright and Darnell Van Rensalier, quite rapidly, and has been criticized for sounding too "rushed." I disagree, these men sound nicely harmonized, and this is an album worth having if you can find it on Ebay or Half.com.

The Songs

Sexual Interlude
If you read my review on All-4-One, you'll note that I despise sappy lyrics, and any talking during a song. That is all this song is! There is some music playing in the background, with a strong saxophone, and just a lot of talking. Yuck. Skip this.

Comforter
This is one of the best songs on the CD. Finishing in the Top 100 Charts for the year of 1993, it is no doubt that this romantic ballad is still as powerful today as it ever was. Shai harmonizes perfectly to make a soulful sound to follow you into the bedroom.

If I Ever Fall In Love (Remix)
Some of the tracks on this CD are quite inconsistent, but this song nails the R & B sound right on the head. This is the title track on this album and it is that for a reason. Another superb song, to be matched only by the a cappella version.

Sexual
This is an excellent example of the men's vocal talents, but I really just hate this song. It sounds to me like Chinese water torture, the way they keep chanting "Sex, Sexual." Makes you want to pull your hair out by the roots! This song clearly wants to nudge Barry White out of the all time best music to have intercourse to.

Together Forever
The piano is beautiful in this piece, but that's about the only nice thing I can say about it. It is certainly not a catchy tune, and is quite sappy. At least it isn't over-synthesized and does have a more natural sound than some of their other, more popular, work.

If I Ever Fall In Love (Original a cappella version)
This song is the reason that Shai is one of the only 1990s music CD's that I've kept and not "given away" at half.com. This shows the superior musical talent of these men, who harmonize perfectly. If you like the Remix that you heard on the radio, this will shake you right down to the ground.

Flava
At first I wasn't so crazy about this track, but eventually it grows on you. Though I have no idea what they are saying, they "rap" so fast, I still try to sing along, making up words as I go. This is a very hip hop sound that befits the 90's.

Baby I'm Yours
This is the type of song that made the group famous. These men sound so tender and sensitive, you wonder if they are for real. The lyrics are catchy and the voices harmonious. What's not to like?

Realize girl that my faith is kind of torn.
Watch you step girl,
because my heart is weak and worn.
So won't you please be careful, I'm fragile.
I can't imagine the damage, I'd have to handle
if you hurt me one more time.
Please by mine.


Waiting for the Day
I know the words to this song only because I've listened to the entire album over and over, but this is one track I'd skip if I were a first time listener. It's got all of the corny electrical acoustics, and the words just seem a little scripted. Not a favorite of mine.

Changes
Absolutely one to skip, regardless of fan status. It's got the same corny electric enhancements and some unattractively high notes as well. The words are cliche and meaningless.

Don't Wanna Play
Yet another filler track that makes me glad I have a CD and not a cassette.

Lord I've Come
Though this gospel track isn't my thing, I can appreciate the talent of the men singing this song a cappella. They really harmonize beautifully and it will be a welcome surprise to people who do enjoy religious songs.

Though this album has a few tracks that I'd skip, over all it is a hit. I wish we'd her more from this talented quartet, but they seem to have been behind the stage for a while. Check this out while waiting for Shai to emerge again.


Recommended: Yes