Brooke Valentine makes quite a first impression on the opening single of her debut album, CHAIN LETTER. As much a declaration as a song, "Girlfight" announces Valentine's commanding presence with unquestionable authority, as she throws down a supremely catchy tune, abetted by crunk king Lil Jon and Outkast's Big Boi.
While CHAIN LETTER boasts some high-profile cameos, not one of them is phoned in or wasted. Valentine's sultry, decisive voice stands on its own, and guests are only brought in as embellishments. The late Dirt McGirt (AKA Ol' Dirty Bastard) offers another reminder of why he was such a sought-after collaborator on "Blah Blah Blah," an immediate classic where Valentine spins around the usual male "playa" song as she toys with a pleading boyfriend. Throughout the record, Valentine possesses the control of Janet Jackson at the top of her game, whether touting her own sexuality ("Taste of Dis") or giving the ultimate kiss-off to an ex ("I Want You Dead"). A hip-hop chanteuse with spark to spare, Brooke Valentine opens her solo career on a strong note with CHAIN LETTER.
Composer: Deja (The Great).
Personnel: Brooke Valentine (background vocals); Brooke Valentine (vocals); Queenz Deliz (vocals, rap vocals); Deja (The Great) (vocals, guitar, programming); J.R.K., Dirt McGirt (vocals, background vocals); Hype (vocals); Randy Washington (guitar, programming); Craig Love, Erik Nordquiest, Erik Nordgren, Chris Traynor, Sharief Hobley (guitar); Guyora Kats (organ); Bink, Sheila Taylor, Soul Diggas, Bloodshy, Avant , B Howard, Soul Diggaz, Brandon Howard (programming); David Jimenez Lopez (sound effects); Corte Ellis (background vocals); Lil Jon (vocals, programming); Big Boi (vocals); Adam Rogers, Henrik Jonback (guitar).
Audio Mixers: Jermaine Dupri; David Jimenez Lopez; Gimel Keaton; Phil Tan; Ray Seay; Tony Maserati.
Recording information: Axis Studios, New York, NY; Circle House Studios, Miami Beach, FL; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA; Embassy Studios, North Hollywood, CA; Quantam Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Quantum Studios, LA; SouthSide Studios, Atlanta, GA; Subliminal Studios, LA.
Photographer: Andrew McPherson .Uncut (p.102) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[W]ith potent production honchos from Soul Diggas to BloodShy, this bombshell brooks no debate."
Underated Album this is a excellent debut album, that shows a lot of creativity. the album doesn't stay in one genre it switchs from r&b to pop/hip hop/and rock. there are a lot of songs on the album that would make excellent singles . the worse song on the album is girlfight in my opinion. i read a lot of the reviews here and saw a couple of bad ones, and by reading them i can tell that some never even bothered to listen to the album. but for those actually interested here are some of the best songs on the album even though i like most of them.
1. long as you come home
2. playa
3. cover girl
4. dying from a broken heart
5. pass us by
6. Laugh til i cry (best song)
Submitted by SoInfamous (Detroit, MI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Brooke Is on Point. This CD is underrated This CD is better the I thought it would be. This lady has skills she wrote or co-wrote every song on this album except one. That shows true talent in my book. Plus the songs are actually good. My favorite songs are Girlfight, Long As You Come Home, Blah-Blah-Blah, Cover Girl,Tell Me Why?(You Don't Love Me), Million Bucks, I Want You Dead, And many more. Don't sleep On this Album. Submitted by Pure-Tay (Chi-Town) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great Debut Album Brooke is my girl and Imma break it down to ya... The album was great for a solo album... I think there is much more to come from this songstress... The girl got mad vocals no doubt and her songs are very original. Girlfight is a great song but, the song doesn't really fit the album in my opinion... Ballads are her strong point I believe. "Laugh Till I Cry" "Cover Girl" and my favorite "Dying From A Broken Heart" are highlights for me... "Tell Me Why You Don't Love Me" and "Pass Us By" are also good songs... I give the album a 4 because "Million Bucks" is a horrible song in my opinion but, The album is hott!!!! Submitted by Sillyneilly05 (Texas) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
It's different This cd is different from whats out now.... This girl can sing, even though girl fight doesnt showcase her voice well. Im not disappointed i bought this. Submitted by SP (B-lo, NY) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
She'z SEXY! her album iz hott jus like her..she'z very talented also..i would like ta wife her..lol! Submitted by pghkydd (Pennsylvania, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Underated Album
Great Debut Album
She'z SEXY!
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