THE UK CORNER CD REVIEW: Ginuwine: ‘A Man’s Thoughts’

*Ginuwine returns with a more mature sound on his sixth album A Man’s Thoughts.

It would seem that he is still thinking about the ladies if the lyrics are anything to go by, although he states that he no longer sings about ‘the latest VIP club or expensive drink.’

Indeed he shouts out Barack!

“I’ve matured a lot since I was last on the scene. I want to take it back to the blueprint that Marvin Gaye and soul legends designed.’ Ginuwine says. “This is a new beginning for me.”

At 34, after a four-year hiatus, this father and husband to rapper Solé, who has seen personal tragedy such as bereavement, has become more responsible and the stance extends to his music. Not quite political, his daughters may have provided some inspiration for the lyrics in his interlude about just what a man’s thoughts are. If he can provide the answers, it will have a lot of girls hooked, but can he? Yes he can, not only his thoughts, but also those of guys who are equally struggling to be ‘a better person.’

Ginuwine has declared that he no longer does back flips on stage, he was quite the mover, demonstrating just how to ride his infamous Pony in his live shows. So has all the raunchiness disappeared?

This album is certainly laid back and ballad driven. This occasional actor has the part of male R&B crooner locked down. But don’t despair; there is a silver lining in that the dream team is back. The album sees Ginuwine reunited with Timbaland and Missy, whom he met on a Jodeci video set in 1996, on the funky Get Involved, which injects the right amount of up-tempo, but which Missy almost steals the shine on. Brandy is another notable appearance on Bridge for Love.

The Brian Michael Cox produced, and Johnta Austin penned, One Time For Love is a silky hit. And newcomer Oak’s beat on Orchestra is infectious. The catchy Lying To Me cleverly spins out the dramas of relationships. But there is no proof to fuel the rumours of infidelity!

PR aside, the laid back mood of the album definitely sets the tone for romance. Touch Me is a slow jam that sets the perfect pace for chillaxing. Trouble ft. Bun B (a double A side with Last Chance) is another standout track where Ginuwine sounds as youthful as any of his contemporaries.

Ginuwine was always more than (a very pretty) face. Not only can he move; but his vocals are smooth. His dulcet tones set slow jams alight. Memorable in the R&B fraternity for his appearance in Aaliyah’s One in a Million video, Ginuwine’s latest album proves that with an award-winning career thirteen years standing, he continues to stand out in the crowd.

A Man’s Thoughts is out in the UK now on Notifi/Warner Records

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