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Jam & Lewis, Volume One Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The debut full-length studio release for R&B producers/songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis features guest appearances from Babyface, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Morris Day, Heather Headley, Jerome & The Roots, Sounds Of Blackness, Usher, and Charlie Wilson.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Mojo
    Aug 17, 2021
    80
    Achieved what they wanted: Mariah Carey scaling dramatic peaks on Somewhat loved (There You Go Breakin' My Heart); Babyface recrowned the king of quiet storm on He Don't Know Nothin' Bout It, and Usher, the love doctor, all breathy and hot on Do It Yourself. [Oct 2021, p.95]
  2. Aug 17, 2021
    80
    If these collaborations occasionally rely on comfortable nostalgia, the prowling, Usher-assisted Do It Yourself – all splintering electronics and heaving beats – is a welcome reminder that Jam and Lewis can still conjure up something fresh-sounding. ... Overall, however, this is an immaculately produced debut that makes you instantly long for Volume Two.
  3. Aug 17, 2021
    70
    Though some of the songs start to sound a bit uniform, Jam & Lewis smartly end the record on an uptempo tune, “Babylove” which reunited them with Morris Day and Jerome.
  4. Aug 17, 2021
    70
    For the most part, it's a continuation of what the giants have done over the preceding several years with the likes of Dave Hollister, Johnny Gill, and Peabo Bryson: compositionally rock-solid adult contemporary R&B with an emphasis on ballads and slow jams. And, as always, the songs are tailor-made for the singers.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of