Brothers Soundtrack CD

Much like the soundtrack to its female-buddy counterpart WAITING TO EXHALE, the more male-focused THE BROTHERS finds an impressive collection of artists representing the worlds of hip-hop and contemporary R&B. Neo-soul crooner Eric Benet sets the table with the up-tempo lament "Love Don't Love," while father and son Eddie and Gerald Levert provide a bridge between old- and new-school with the Quiet Storm duet "Two of a Kind."

Duganz throws some big beats into the mix with "I Put it Down," and Snoop Dogg goes with his trademark casual flow on the slow-rolling "Hi 2 U." Silk sheet and champagne moments abound whether it's RL making like Maxwell on "Good Love," Lil' Johnny giving Carl Thomas a run for his money with "Wheel of Fortune," or Dave Hollister pledging his love to his lady on the gospel-influenced "Forever." Elsewhere, this mix gets spiced up by '70s icons Frankie Beverly and Maze, who make a welcome return with the harmony-laden funk of "Teach Each Other," and Toaster DL with the dub-flavored rap "Josephine."

Eric Bennet/Eddie & Gerald Le- Vert/Dave Hollister/Snoop Dogg

Recording information: A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA; Amazement Studios, Lafayette, CA; Chung King Studios, New York, NY; Conjunction Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Dogghouse Studios, Claremont, CA; Doghouse Studios, Claremont, CA; Eissac Studios, Oxford, MS; Enterprise Recording Studios, Burbank, CA; Gamble-Huff Recording Studios, Philadelphia, PA; Hannibal Studios, Santa Monica, CA; Noontime Studios, Atlanta, GA; On The Way Studios, Cleveland, OH; Perfect Pair Studios, NJ; Playpeb Recording Studios, New York, NY; Playpen Recording Studios, New York, NY; Soundtrack Studios, NY; SouthSide Studios, Atlanta, GA; Southside, Atlanta, GA; The Crib, Milwaukee, WI; The Trackhouse, Chino, CA; Wyndmark Studios, VA.

Arrangers: Daniel Johnson ; Lil' Johnny; Daniel Johnson ; Salaam Remi; Jazz Nixon.

Personnel: Gerald LeVert (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Frankie Beverly, RL (vocals, background vocals); Eric Benet, Marcus Miller, Beres Hammond (vocals); Stacey McGee (guitar, strings, keyboards, programming); Salaam Remi (guitar, organ, drums, percussion); Jimmy Roach, Paul Jackson, Jr. , Willie Ross, Jubu (guitar); Sophie Labiner (harp); Charlene Kwas, Christine Reeves, Diane Barnett, Igor Szwec, Emma Kummrow, Olga Konopelsky, Gregory Teperman, Charles Parker (violin); Peter Nocella, Dave Barnett (viola); Michael Stewart, Michael "Patches" Stewart (trumpet); Jane Richter, George Barnett (French horn); Johnnie Croom (organ, keyboards, programming); Carl Wheeler (keyboards, background vocals); Meech Wells, Niles McKinney (keyboards); Joel Smith (bass guitar); Ricky Lawson (drums); Harvey Price (percussion); Sauce (programming, drum programming); Damon Jer'Core, Keith Clark (programming); Curt Wilson, Walter Milsap, Curtis "Sauce" Wilson, Chris Frazer Smith, Chris Smith (drum programming); Tank for the Base, Daniel Johnson , Lil' Johnny, Roame, Daniel Johnson , Sherena Wynn (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Kevin "KD" Davis; Dave Pensado; Wesley Hogges; Adam Kudzin; Che Guevara; David Luke; David Kahne; Dexter Simmons; Ben Arrindell; Booker T. Jones III; John Horesco IV; Kevin Jackson; Jamie Siegel; Jermaine Dupri; Phil Tan; Warren Riker; Booker T; Carlos Warlick.

Entertainment Weekly (3/30/01, p.69) - "...This album - like the film - is a fun ride..." - Rating: B