LSG Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
Six years after the first collaborative release, Gerald LeVert, Keith Sweat, and the otherwise MIA Johnny Gill reunited to present a more driven and carnal LSG. The Whodini quoting opener, "Just Friends," makes for a decent lead single with its sure beat and Loon's languid rap, but in the context of the rest of the album, its ode to platonic love seems downright deceiving and sneaky. The sexier than expected LSG2 presents the singers as swashbuckling lords of the bedroom and shows little interest in crossing over to the pop world's more chaste framework. It's a good thing they allow themselves the freedom, since the album's highlights are the more racy numbers. "Wide Open" combines LSG's bedroom promise to perform to satisfaction with an inspired choppy beat, while "Fa-Free"'s smirking and spicy lyrics are hard to resist and a great showcase for Sweat. "Shake Down" may hang on to its arrest and cavity search metaphor too long, but few could deliver lyrics like "Come and get your punishment/This is a shakedown all over your body" without sounding farcical. Well-written and well-produced, "Yesterday"'s over the top emotion and meandering way bring reminders of Prince at his most lonely and lustful and give the album some needed substance. Elsewhere the songwriting lags, but the slick production and LSG's passionate vocals make this seduction hard to resist. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Levert Sweat Gill'
Release Date 11/11/1997
Tracks 12
Label East West
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Gerald LeVert, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill -- three vocalists who have sustained successful careers in urban R&B. They've hit the top of the charts, but they never quite became superstars. They were never washouts, either -- they stuck around for years, continually racking up hits without drawing attention themselves. In short, they're R&B journeymen -- you can always rely on them to deliver the goods. And that's what makes their supergroup LSG's first album -- called Levert Sweat Gill, funnily enough -- so enjoyable: these guys know how to pick a good song and deliver it memorably. There are a few weak cuts scattered throughout the album, but they're so well crafted, they're easy to enjoy. But the true moments to treasure occur when everything falls into place -- when they have a strong melody and lush production, LSG's voices blend in thrilling harmony and produce some truly affecting smooth R&B. And while its roots are certainly in old-fashioned, lover-man R&B, there's a distinct new flavor to the music, thanks to contributions from such producers as Sean "Puffy" Combs and Jermaine Dupri. That helps make LSG's first album a satisfying debut indeed. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
