Introduction
"Write Me Back" is the eleventh studio album by American R&B singer, songwriter and manufacturer R. Kelly, released on June 25, 2012 by RCA Records. The album is a follow-up to his highly acclaimed and Grammy-nominated 2010 job, "Love Letter", which explored a classic soul sound influenced by the similarity Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. "Write Me Back" continues to check out R. Kelly's deep infatuation with traditional soul and R&B, taking hints from various ages, including the disco-infused noises of the '70s and '80s.
Noise and Production
R. Kelly, a flexible artist who easily transitions in between modern R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and soul, adopts a sentimental approach on "Write Me Back". He uses his flawless songwriting and production skills to bring a classic ambiance to the album, efficiently carrying the soul and R&B legends of the past.
Throughout the album, R. Kelly pays homage to numerous impacts, from the sultry grooves reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White to the dancefloor-ready beats influenced by Michael Jackson and Prince. He incorporates rich string arrangements, smooth bass lines, and disco-infused guitar rhythms to create a warm and layered sound, with his signature high-pitched falsetto shining through.
The production on "Write Me Back" is polished and mature, utilizing live instrumentation, horns, and even a rich orchestral backdrop on tracks like "Party Jumpin'" and "You Are My World". R. Kelly is not only a masterful singer but also an experienced arranger and producer, bringing each of his songs to life with precision and sensation.
Track by Track
"Write Me Back" opens with the smooth and sensual "Love Is", a mid-tempo, Al Green-inspired groove. The album then transitions to the up-tempo single "Feelin' Single", which nods to both disco-era Michael Jackson and the stylish soul of Curtis Mayfield.
R. Kelly continues his journey through music history with tracks like "Lady Sunday", a gospel-tinged love letter in the vein of traditional Marvin Gaye, and "When A Man Lies", a cinematic, horn-heavy R&B jam that harkens back to the orchestral plans of Barry White.
"Write Me Back" likewise includes more standard ballads, such as "All Rounds On Me" and "Believe That It's So", showcasing R. Kelly in a familiar, sincere kind where his singing expertise takes spotlight.
Nevertheless, it is not all ballads and sluggish jams - the album likewise provides a few dancefloor-ready tracks like "Party Jumpin'", which might quickly be a long-lost disco struck from the 1970s.
Reception and Legacy
"Write Me Back" received generally positive reviews from music critics, much of whom applauded R. Kelly's homage to traditional soul and R&B. The album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, offering over 68,000 copies in its very first week.
Given that its release, "Write Me Back" has continued to work as a testimony to R. Kelly's adaptability and impact as an artist. While his storied profession has actually seen its share of ups and downs, this album proves that R. Kelly remains a force in the world of R&B and soul music. His desire to continuously develop and reinvent himself while paying homage to the legends who came before him sets him apart as a truly iconic artist.
Artist: R. Kelly
R. Kellys impactful career, from pioneering R&B and gospel to his iconic I Believe I Can Fly, in this biography with quotes from the artist.
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