Jaheim Albums (4)
'The Makings of a Man'
Release Date 12/18/2007
Tracks 12
Label Atlantic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Jaheim switches from Warner Bros. to Atlantic after 2006's number one Ghetto Classics, and it's business as usual for the singer. He continues to surround himself with a complementary roster of fellow songwriters and producers, including associates old (KayGee, Wesley Hogges, Darren Lighty, Eric Williams, Balewa Muhammad) and new (R. Kelly, Babyface, Ivan Barias, Carvin Haggins). Like an overwhelming percentage of Jaheim's first three albums, there's nothing flashy about The Makings of a Man. It's built-to-last R&B with a foot in the past and another in the present, his tough-yet-smooth Teddy Pendergrass-meets-Luther Vandross voice in full effect. Particularly bright spots include "Hush" (the R. Kelly collaboration, where Jaheim feels conflicted over sleeping with his best friend's woman), the Force M.D.'s-sampling "Have You Ever" (a frank check-yourself number, despite its wistfulness), and pretty much every other track that incorporates a soul classic, whether it's Bobby Womack's "If You Think You're Lonely Now" ("Lonely") or Atlantic Starr's "Let's Get Closer" ("I've Changed," featuring Keyshia Cole). ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'Ghetto Classics'
Release Date 12/13/2005
Tracks 11
Label Warner Bros.
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Jaheim's viewpoints on music haven't changed a bit since he debuted in 2000, and fans of intelligent R&B should be praising that fact. With a raft of excellent productions from KayGee (Naughty by Nature) and others, plus a focus on celebrating love and family with well-written songs, he's remained free to craft albums full of rich harmonies and his excellent vocals (he's one of the few modern vocalists who knows exactly how far he should go with melisma). Ghetto Classics may boast nothing as ambitious as 2002's "Fabulous" (a Top 20 hit and an artistic breakthrough, all in one), and it may amp up the rapper collaborations in search of hits (Jadakiss and Styles P have appearances), but overall very little distracts from the qualities that have made him the most durable talent in commercial yet traditional R&B music. Opener "The Chosen One" is an immediate standout, a bumping love song that finds Jaheim floating serenely over one of KayGee's best productions (based on Willie Hutch's "I Choose You"). He and Jadakiss trade off on the single "Everytime I Think About Her," and the combination of smooth and rough sounds perfect. The final three songs ditch the samples for straight R&B, and while the absence is missed, it represents an intriguing direction for Jaheim in the future. Classic R&B may seem like just a memory to some, but with artists like Heather Headley and Jaheim in action, it doesn't have to be about the past. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Jaheim's considerable vocal talents only increased during the recording of his second album, and a stronger set of songs made Still Ghetto a definite improvement over the debut. As before, it all begins with his voice: a deep, throaty croon that makes him sound at least ten years older than he actually is (basically, about as old as the soul samples dotted throughout the record) and marks him as one of the few R&B artists active who can summon the spirit of a Teddy Pendergrass. Better yet, Jaheim takes the loverman persona to another level, devoting more songs here to relationships than love itself; one of the best is "Put That Woman First," his remake of the Stax nugget William Bell's "I Forgot to Be Your Lover," a great performance that's a natural fit with his persona. The single "Fabulous" is simply beautiful, balancing a back-in-the-day feel with self-esteem issues and riding out with a chorus of children's voices. For "Everywhere I Am," Jaheim recorded a postcard to his mother, who died before he gained fame; it's another testament to his power as an artist that Still Ghetto never descends into maudlin sentiments. Just like his soul forefathers, everything about Jaheim is honest and heartfelt. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On his debut album Ghetto Love, soulful crooner Jaheim runs the gamut of a wide variety of R&B styles, showcasing himself as a multi-faceted artist. Despite the ghetto posturing, one listen to the album reveals the baritone-voiced singer to have more in common with the likes of Will Downing or even a more street version of Luther Vandross, with song styles reminiscent of Keith Sweat, especially with his ample use of female vocalists. The album is something of a musical journey. It begins with mid- to up-tempo material, from the '70s sounding "Let It Go" (complete with a horn section) to the album's smoldering first single, "Could It Be," arguably one of the best R&B songs in years. Other breezy tunes follow, such as "Happiness," the jeep-flavored "Lil Nigga Ain't Mine" (almost comically tacking an obviously sensitive issue), "Finders Keepers," and "Just In Case," which resonates as a perfect summer jam. The album is unfortunately weighted down by some unremarkable material, but thankfully is salvaged at its close, when Jaheim sings more traditional fare, allowing his gorgeous voice to truly shine. Most memorable among these tunes are "Love Is Still Here," which, unfortunately, is more of an interlude than anything else; "Ready, Willing & Able"; and the church-organ lullaby "For Moms." As a final and remarkable note, Jaheim never stoops to use foul language. The music is just as effective the way it is, without the need to degenerate itself with obscenities. Despite some dull moments, this is a first-rate debut from a very promising artist. ~ Jose F. Promis, All Music Guide
