Tevin Campbell Albums (4)
'Tevin Campbell'
Release Date 2/23/1999
Tracks 12
Label Warner Brothers
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Dig the slow jams: this young R&B singer kicks out some easy beats and infectious hooks with the help from the likes of Wyclef Jean, Quincy Jones, and Stevie J.. Check out hip tracks like "Never Again" and "For Your Love." Granted, some of the material doesn't rise above the standard vocal grandstanding, but there are signs of great things to come. ~ Tim Sheridan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Back to the World is where Tevin Campbell returns as a man, ready to prove that he is no longer the child prodigy of yesteryear. For the most part, he succeeds in establishing himself as a vocalist of prodigious talents and significant worth. Of course, it was clear even in his earliest recordings that he was something special -- a vocalist that could sing with a sweet, easy grace but remain soulful and not cloying in the slightest. No matter how Campbell tries to phase out that sweetness on Back to the World -- after all, one of the first steps of maturity is to shed your childhood affectations -- he retains that appealing quality, which makes the album all the more endearing. That's not to say that the uptempo cuts don't work. On the contrary -- they are state-of-the-art pieces, thanks to the talents of producers like Puffy Combs, whose "I Need You" is a highlight. But the key to the record's success is how Campbell grows and matures without sacrificing his gift for pure sweet contemporary soul. Back to the World is proof positive that the teen idol is now a man. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tevin Campbell emerged as a true soul singer with I'm Ready, his second album. The Texas native had the good fortune of working with some of the best producers and writers in the business to construct an excellent work. The first single, "Can We Talk," was written and produced by Babyface and his longtime partner, Daryl Simmons. Behind a percussive rhythm track and a sensuous melody, Campbell patiently steps into the lyric, but soon bows to an urgent cry. The infectious chorus has a timeless ring and there's no secret as to why it held the number one spot on the R&B charts for three consecutive weeks. "I'm Ready," the title track, isn't as explosive as its predecessor, though both songs have a resemblance. The two singles to follow were "Always in My Heart" and "Don't Say Goodbye Girl." The former romances the heart with its comforting melody and supplicating lyric, while the latter is a mid-tempo number with a romantic lyric insulated with a pop texture. Prince, whose credit is listed as Paisley Park, also gives the project a funky edge with the unreleased numbers "Uncle Sam" and the grooving ballad "Shhh." There is much to savor on this album. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If T.E.V.I.N. had been recorded by an adult instead of a teenager, the album would still be impressive, but the fact that Tevin Campbell was only 14 years old when this was made makes it all the more amazing. Campbell's voice is remarkably expressive, able to handle both ballads and up-tempo dance tracks without losing confidence. When he has the right material -- like the hit single, Prince's "Round and Round" -- the results are flawless; if the material is weak, he's merely enjoyable. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
