Lyfe 268-192 [PA] by Lyfe Jennings

Pros: Intimate, even folksy, songwriting.
Cons: The songs are upstaged by Lyfe's autobiographical narrations.

Gritty R&B newcomer Lyfe Jennings backs us into an uncomfortable corner on his debut album, Lyfe 268-192. Redefining the word “confessional” away from its usual demographic (i.e. totally emotional pop singer-songwriters who pour out their ...

Pros: Testimonial lyricism blended with fitting production
Cons: That voice!

I’d like to consider myself pretty open-minded when it comes to music. I listen to practically every music genre there is and I’m willing to give any artist or band a fair chance at tickling my fancy. But one thing I don’t do is buy into hype. No matter ...

Pros: excellent songwriting and production; Lyfe isn't afraid to discuss real life topics
Cons: he raps (only once, though)

In 2004, R&B unquestionably belonged to one Usher Raymond. In taking his already successful formula and adding a few more layers of gloss, he created an album, and perhaps more profitably, an image that shut down the whole genre. But for listeners ...

Pros: Very passionate vocals, intelligent lyrics, soothing and fitting production.
Cons: I beg your pardon?

Thanks to certain R&B performers in the past and present like Usher, B2K, and Marques Houston have given R&B a cliche and highly dominate image nowadays. The image was that you have to have a GQ look, a muscular body, and know how to dance like ...