stretch_nutz69's Full Review: Don't Be Cruel by Bobby Brown (R&B)
I remember when this album hit and his career was in full swing. I was in the 1st Grade. And my school was a scant few miles away from Roxbury, where Bobby grew up.
ANYONE worth a Dime at school had "Don't Be Cruel" in their Cassette WAlkman (Before CD's took hold heheh, back then they were relegated to Audiophiles. )
And if that wasn't the case you were going to see him live in concert, where he'd be putting on a Marathon stage show. After school on the bus ride home some kid used to always bring a Tape Deck w/ Speakers, and we'd play the title track at Full Blast.
Make no mistake Bobby Brown was the musical Messiah, the man of the moment. I've always lived in the City, so of course Bobby Brown was popular Near me, but what I wasn't aware at the time was that "Don't Be Cruel" was an across the board success, 7 million copies as of April 1995. So he had huge appeal in the Suburbs, but I wouldn't know cuz at the age of 6 You don't track record
sales.
Plus my only contact with the Suburbs were my teenage girl cousins, whom were more into the likes of New Kids on The Block. But I compared their sales with Brown's and the two numbers are equal! So Bobby was insanely
popular.
This album is a mini best-of in itself, it spun off five humongous hits: The Title Track, "My Prerogative", "Roni", "Rock Wit'cha" and "Every Little step", and they are sequenced in that running order, on most other albums which boast numerous hits, there's always a track which breaks the "Hit-Parade" flow.
The opening Title Track was diced and severely butchered from 6:45 Running lentgth to a 4 Minute and whatever seconds for a Radio Single, which doesn't do the song justice at all. In fact the Whole "Goosebump" feeling is lost for me. The version you'll hear on this album is vastly superior, cuz it is set up brilliantly by a haunting gospel chant, then those triggered drums kick in, which still ring in my head loud and clear 14 years later. The Rapping And Chorus keep building up over the Synthesized Choir, and the ending is downright stunning.
"My Prerogative" was the album's biggest hit, but I remember it having more momentum towards the beginning of '89 than when I entered First Grade in Late Summer. Well in any event it's a front and center showcase for his charisma and Flamboyance, And Teddy Riley's production fits like a Glove, probably the edgiest work he's ever done comprised of A heavy Rhythm section, a Catchy repetitive Keyboard Loop, and atmospheric synths. This song helped me and millions of others with grammer, I'd never again forget what a "Prerogative" was. Even today when someone says "Prerogative" this song is what I immediately think of.
"Roni" was another Stellar cut that received the Dice 'N Slice treatment for to be released as a single. I forget how it was modified. Though "Roni' doesn't quite qualify as a Ballad, during the live show it made the Girls swoon. Showing up on occasuion are perfectly placed Synth Harmonics. The song's 'Hook' is framed around a keyboard line which mimics the chorus "My heart belongs to A-Roni".
The lyrics, peend by Gene Griffin are clever, variations of the title: "I hope you find a Tenderoni that is right for you". Well I'm still searching ;)
"Rock Witcha" continues the slower pace which is fine by me, except this time around the feeling is more laid back on "Rock Wit'Cha". (Not to be confused with Ashanti's hit song which appeared fifteen years later.) The opening melody is Beautiful, and BabyFace chimes in for background vocals on the chorus.
"Every Little Step" was all over the place in September '89, you couldn't go a falf hour without hearing it. Bobby's vocals posses such a charm to 'em, and the lyrics are basically a message to his girlfriend to "Ignore the detractors, you and I were meant to be". The backing music boasts a full platter of Synth-Instruments, and snippets of Bobby saying "Got 'ta good lovin". The video was also great, the performance on White Floor. Sadly, this is the only song from "Don't Be Cruel" that still gets Radio play today.
The Overlooked "I'll be Good to you" goes from a Light Keyboared line to a Monster Strong Bass Groove! Why it wasn't released as a single baffles the mind of this young lad.
"Let's Take It Slow" is a ballad in the classical Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes sense. The chorus buildup particularly struck me. The verses are sung in such heartfelt manner. "All Day All Nights" follows with great mood.
"I Really Love You gril" sounds so sweet that it's literally ear candy if such a thing existed. This song will ease you of worries and make you relax with lyrics like "Dreams were made for those who sleep, tears are made for those who weep". The Organ tone is unique, I don't hear it on too many other recordings.
If there was one odd aspect of this album, it's The "Cruel Outro" which features the same haunting gospel wail that began the title track. This isn't a dig against the sound itself which is great but I'm puzzled why would anyone want this to end the album/ Following a Real Happy sounding song at that? My only guess is that the producers wanted the album's ending to be the same as it's opening seconds. For continuity, to come full circle. Even so the 'Cruel Outro' is a tad out of place but that doesn't detract from a Classic album.
I actually LOVE the Big "Sounding" clean production of "Don't Be Cruel", much moreso than Neo-Soul and that God Awful "My love is like Wo" crap that passes for R & B as I write this.
Sadly, in the years that followed the whirlwind Success of this album he hasn't been quite the same. Although, it's impossible to re-gain momentum like this.
He recorded the song "On our Own" which was the lead single off of the "Ghostbusters II" Soundtrack and it terrorized the Radio in 1990. Signature Babyface/LA Reid production it was a huge presence at Barbecues.
Then came the constant rumors of a relationship with Whitney Houston, I didn't believe em at all til I Saw the Wedding Footage. Stupid Was I. It hurt both their careers: It damaged Whitney's Ice Princess image, and for Bobby it placed him in the shadow of his famous wife, no matter how big he was Whitney always loomed over.
In Summer 1992 He released his third album "Bobby" which was fairly decent throughout, but a real drop-off from the skyscraper heights of 'Don't Be Cruel". Plus his voice got noticeably deeper and it didn't appeal to me as much. Though had to accept he was a little older, but I still prefer his older voice; the new one is character-less and boring.
He briefly re-united with his old band New Edition but they sent him packing. Apparently Bobby's ego got in the way of the Group effort just like what occurred in the 80's.
It pains me to write this, Since then the Highs he has reached haven't been on a musical or commercial level (pardon the pun). When Bobby Brown had his fitrst 90's Run-Ins with the Law I thought he'd recoup and quickly bounce back.
But I shake my head over his continual Bad Behavior Streak, Yeah it's part of his image but his repeated Run-ins with the law get pretty pathetic. Shouldn't he know that given his past history that Authorities watch over him like a Hawk?
Am I the only one who's puzzled about Bobby and Whitney's recent trip to Africa?
As evidenced by the recent Ja Rule Duet "Thug Lovin" the man is talented, and the potential will never cease to exist. Here's hoping he gets his act together.
Track List:
1. (Cruel Intro)
2. Don't Be Cruel
3. My Prerogative
4. Roni
5. Rock Wit'Cha
6. Every Little Step I Take
7. I'll Be Good To You
8. Let's Take It Slow
9. All Day, All Night
10. I really Love You Girl
11. (Cruel Outro)
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