broomqueesha's Full Review: Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip by TLC
The Main Idea:
During the technicolor dreamcoat that was the hip-hop scene of the early 90's, an Atlanta-based trio called TLC released their groundbreaking debut, Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip. This album was impressive because it showed three strong females being assertive about their sexuality and identities, something that is rarely heard in music even today. Though TLC definitely had a lot of growing up to do, it was apparent on this record that they were three very mature young ladies who knew what they were doing and offered no apologies. Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip is extremely dated and immature in spots, but its message of equality and justice is one that transcends all time frames. This was TLC's breakthrough, and they introduced themselves in a very big way.
Song-By-Song Breakdown:
1. INTRO - This is simply some guy talking about the girls on the phone. It sort sets up the whole theme of the record, so this is actually an intro that I enjoy - 4/5
2. AIN'T 2 PROUD 2 BEG - I love this funky smash because it puts the song's obviously sexual message right out there: "Screamin' loud and holdin' sheets/Scared that you'll be called a freak/Gotta let it go while you can/Ain't 2 proud 2 beg you see/'Cause my man belongs 2 me/And I know that he understands." Left-Eye's ad-libs and rapping is a bit shaky here, but she's new at it, so I cut her a break. The vocals are really on point and the production is great for that era - 5/5
3. SHOCK DAT MONKEY - This edgy hip-hop cut is full of attitude and talks about not taking crap from your man. The simple hook is catchy and slightly comical and Chili's vocals lighten the mood of the song a bit. I like the scratching, but I think they went a little overboard with the sampling and the overall sound is a little overproduced. It's an excellent track nonetheless that perfectly emblematizes the entire theme of the album as a whole - 5/5
4. INTERMISSION I - This interlude always cracks me up. I don't wanna give away its concept, so I'll just tell you to make sure you have a bottle of ho remover handy - 5/5
5. HAT 2 DA BACK - This is another highly empowering ditty that's all about being yourself and doing what you wanna do: "Being that I am the kinda girl that I am/Tight jeans don't hit the scene with one like me/I got to feeling free and you better believe/I'll do what pleases me." Left-Eye's rhymes are still rather immature and undeveloped, but she does a decent job on this one. This isn't one of my favorite cuts, but it's a good addition to the record - 4/5
6. DAS DA WAY WE LIKE 'EM - This has a similar sound and concept as the previous song and is almost completely rap. Each one of the girls has their own verse and, though none of them were particularly gifted lyricists at this point in time, they manage to hold their own and make the song unique. Once again, they need to hold off a bit on the sampling and tone down the production because it becomes really overpowering at times. Otherwise, another great declaration of independence - 4/5
7. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS - This was really the group's breakthrough single and remains one of their biggest hits to date. It conveys a true, blunt message, though it's still catchy and sophisticated. I love the vocal arrangements and Left-Eye's rhymes are totally on-point. This is one of my favorite TLC songs of all time because everything comes together: the meaningful lyrics, the street-wise production, and the soulful vocals. Simply wonderful - 5/5
8. HIS STORY - Lyrically, this is one of the best songs on the album: "Why does it have to be that we get labeled for what we do/It's hard enough for us to be ourselves without being used/Girls have an image too/But when they get mad at you/There is no telling what they'll say to hurt you." I love how it addresses double standards and how the gospel-ish background vocals really enforce that message. Dallas Austin did a great job with the production as well; he really let the song's lyrical concept take center stage - 5/5
9. INTERMISSION II - This is another good interlude that actually serves a purpose, though it's not as good as the others. I don't really wanna hear T-Boz argue with her boyfriend. I don't really care - 4/5
10. BAD BY MYSELF - Jermaine Dupri helmed this assertive cut, though there's a little too much going on in the background, making it difficult to focus on the lyrics. The girls still deliver their verses with the necessary amount of spunk and attitude and the chorus is, as always, infectious and addicting. The whole female empowerment thing is something I've never bought into, but this song almost makes me think it's a worthwhile cause. Almost - 5/5
11. SOMETHIN' YOU WANNA KNOW - I don't really like this song that much. It's basically just some very unenthusiastic rapping from Left-Eye set over some low-key keyboards and drums. The hook is as catchy as ever, but it doesn't do much to improve the cut's overall quality. This is only one of two mediocre tracks on the album. Though it sends a good message about not believing things until you hear it straight from the horse's mouth, it's not presented in the best possible way - 3/5
12. BABY-BABY-BABY - This summery jam has a similar sound as the previous song, but it's much more catchy and better written: "Well you wanna be loved/Hey that's O.K./'Cause it falls in line right with my sexuality/But you gotta be down/A nickel gotta be true/'Cause otherwise this "B" ain't got no time for you." I love the vocal arrangements, though I think Chili should have gotten a few more lines, and the bass is great. A really happy-sounding tune and one of my favorites - 5/5
13. THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE - This cut samples Eric B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" a little too heavily. That, coupled with more of Left-Eye's disinterested rhyming, is what makes this song the worst one on the record. I'm just not feeling it at all. The vocal arrangements on the hook are even a bit off; they sound nagging and irritating. This is really the only skippable cut on the record, though it doesn't bring down the album's overall quality - 3/5
14. DEPEND ON MYSELF - Lyrically, this is one of my favorites: "Boys they always wonder what's with me/I never let them get in too close/I have my own control/I can't be bought or sold/And I never have to do what I'm told/Yo ladies are you feelin' what I'm sayin'." It's the perfect cut to end an album on because it sums up the record's message perfectly. Everything about it comes together and makes it easily one of the best tracks. Very convincing, assertive, and full of attitude - 5/5
15. CONCLUSION - This little outro simply encourages you to practice safe sex. Sometimes a few words such as these are all you need to make a great interlude - 4/5
The Big Picture:
Though not their best work, Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip is probably the most unique and independent effort TLC has put out to date. It reflects the production of the times with its slightly cartoonish melodies and background music, but, lyrically, it's on a whole different level. Every song is about empowerment and staying true to yourself and what you believe in. At this early point in their careers, TLC's production values were low, and it shows by the somewhat grainy quality of some of their background vocals, but the girls still managed to craft a genius record. Though the girls were only in their early twenties when they recorded this album, their maturity and ability to deliver such songs so convincingly definitely belies their age.
Despite this, however, their is a definite air of immaturity about Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip. Most of the lead vocals consist of Left-Eye's young, nasally tone which hardly applies the amount of vocal embellishments that the other two girls could supply. Sometimes, during the verses, T-Boz sounds a little too laid-back and calm, which makes you feel a bit disinterested in what she has to say. These are only minor issues, however, which were more than solved in later efforts. Ooooooohhh...On The TLC Tip was just a hint of things to come from this trio of spunky young ladies. It was a coming-of-age, even though it was TLC's first album. It provided the perfect introduction to the girls' personalities and their mission in the music industry. It's edgy and in-your-face, one of the first records from a female artist to do that.
Final Notes: Average Song Rating: 4.4
Best Song(s): "What About Your Friends" and "His Story"
Worst Song(s): "Somethin' You Wanna Know" and "This Is How It Should Be Done"
How Would I Rate This Record's... Vocals? 4 stars
Lyrics? 5 stars
Production? 4 stars
Timelessness? 4 stars
Artistry? 3 stars
Also Recommended:
Mary J. Blige - What's The 411?
Salt-N-Peppa - Very Necessary
SWV - It's About Time
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