J. Holiday Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
J. Holiday probably won't improve upon the commercial success of Back of My Lac'. Its two singles, "Bed" and "Suffocate," topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, which helped place the album at the same position on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He has hit the jackpot and does not have the pop appeal of the more polished Ne-Yo, whether in sound or image, so he should just attempt to make another "Bed," collect a moderate amount of radio play for his effort, and fade into the background, right? A move possibly made in part after witnessing several artists attempt to make their own "Bed" (whether through enlisting the song's writing/production team, the-Dream and Carlos McKinney, or approximating it with other studio hands), Holiday instead delivers a second album that is not a retread. It's not a reinvention, either, but the roster of collaborators is almost completely different, and Holiday all but eliminates the tough guy and stoner talk. While the singer hardly sounded on edge throughout Back of My Lac', he sounds even more comfortable and assured here, like someone who has nothing to prove and can get down to making some durable bedroom music; part of this could be due to his significantly increased songwriting input. It all lends itself to an album that is stronger than the debut (if without unique songs that scream "massive hit potential"), one that is less cocky, more confident, and all the more charming for it -- you can't help but be won over by a singer who is not too proud to reference and even namecheck a spectrum of inspirations, from the Chi-Lites to "Bed" and "Suffocate" co-writer the-Dream, while serenading his woman. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
You'd probably have to dump a bucket of ice on J. Holiday's head in order to see his eyelids open more than half way, at least going by the singer's photos and persistently slack delivery. He's always relaxed, even when he's decreeing the "Thug Commandments." It doesn't mean he's lacking passion. (He might even sound like Chris Brown if he wasn't high and/or intoxicated so frequently -- who knows?) Despite what it seems like on the surface, Holiday has the stoned but deep-feeling thing down pat, as indicated by "Bed," the gently rocking, unapologetically sleazy, and uniquely endearing single that became a number one R&B single just before the release of Back of My Lac'. Those who are hoping for the album to contain more of that sensitive thuggery delivered by a swaggering softie won't be let down, as most of the other songs revolve around seduction and heartache. Holiday also likes to sing about getting high and drunk, quite possibly far too much for those who don't indulge. While some of the come-ons are problematic as well -- he compliments a woman by comparing her body to that of a call girl -- there's enough sincere sweetness to lure a guarded heart. And it wouldn't hurt to have a thing for slight lisps. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
