ROSIE GAINES - CLOSER THAN CLOSE

First off, I'm doing something different with this review.  In the past, when I picked an album I had singles from, I'd review the singles along with the record.  I've decided to stop doing this.  Partially because I don't always have the singles and partially because there are days when reviewing a single rather than an entire record is a better option for me.  They don't take as much time.  So even though I have cd singles from this album, I'm going to save them for other entries and focus instead just on the record.

For the sake of those people who don't recognize the name, here's a little history...  Rosie is probably best known for the time she spent playing keyboards and singing backup in the first incarnation of Prince's New Power Generation band.  This album has an interesting history as well.  Many of the tracks on this disc were slated to be released on a Paisley Park solo record by Rosie called, "Concrete Jungle".  Instead, the record was shelved and Rosie floated around until Motown picked up her contract and she was able to release a version of that original cd.

Rosie has one of those great soul voices you might remember from way back in the day.  She's got natural power, control and above all else, emotion.  She puts more into her delivery than most of the popular divas of our time.  She's also a multi-instrumentalist, song writer and producer.  Most of the material she performs on this disc are written or co-written by Rosie and she plays many of the instruments as well.  But that doesn't mean she's recorded a great cd...  Musical ability and a great voice do not a masterpiece make.  So let's talk about the album.

'I Want U' is the first and final cut on the disc.  Although I'm not sure why two versions of this song are necessary, I think it does help understand the progression of this disc and how it came to be.  The original version of 'I Want U' is probably the final track on the album.  It is co-written by Prince and has a very "Prince-y" sound.  But as you get to know Rosie outside of her time with Prince, you realize she's influenced more by Bob Marley and old Motown soul records than she is by funk and modern R&B.  

Here's what I think happened:  The original tracks recorded for "Concrete Jungle" had a Paisley Park vibe all over them.  You could probably hear Prince in every single number.  When Rosie signed the cd to Motown, I think she took the basic tracks and re-arranged them to fit her own style.  That's why many of the songs recorded at Paisley Park feature additional recording at other studios.  The first version of 'I Want U' incorporates elements of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues'.  I think this version is more in line with Rosie's solo work.  Personally, I prefer the Prince version.  I like Rosie when she works with Prince.  I like her solo too.  But this amalgam of sound is a bit on the overdone side.  

The next tracks are definitely more in line with Rosie's old school soul sound.  'Are You Ready' and 'Closer Than Close' are very similar in sound.  Both feature a mellow groove though 'Are You Ready' is more upbeat and faster in tempo.  The next track is 'Googaga' and although it maintains the quality of the music appearing on the disc so far, it does little to branch out.  It's very similar to the previous two tracks, but there is something different about this number.  It's the slowest of the three and has an almost Reggae quality to it.  It's also the first song with a story narrative.  It sets a scene rather than just expressing a sentiment.

Track 5 is the first of two Bob Marley covers.  'Turn Your Lights Down Low' and 'Concrete Jungle' are both exceptional covers.  Rosie was born to perform these cuts.  'Turn Your Lights Down Low' is the more traditional of the two with more standard instrumentation and less of a pop arrangement.  It's followed by the second Prince contribution, 'My Tender Heart'.  Now this track sounds completely out of place on this record.  Prince music often does when he doesn't have much of a presence on a disc.  It sounds like a typical Paisley Park production from the "Diamonds And Pearls" period.  It's a ballad and features a very soulful performance by Rosie.  You can feel the emotions on this track.  But it's conflicting with the rest of the album.  

The next number is a sparsely arranged bit called 'I Almost Lost You'.  It's a brilliant piece, but the real kicker is the next track.  'Slowman' kicks in with some horn playing you gotta hear to believe.  Rosie pulls out all her tricks on this number.  She scats, growls and croons her way through the track.  It's easily the sexiest, most romantic and enjoyable number on the disc.  The next song is 'Can You Handle It'; which is Rosie's contribution to modern pop.  This one has all the makings of a top 40 hit.  Sadly, it was never promoted as a single.  'Concrete Jungle' is next and it features a scattered, unorthodox hip hop arrangement that succeeds in speeding up the tempo and updating the tune.  Marley's own version is slower and more of a social cry for change, while Rosie gives us a version more in tune with the American inner city.  It's followed by 'Get The Ghetto Off Your Mind'.  This is a song I seriously can't believe Marley didn't write.  It's in step with his philosophies and echoes much of the subject matter he spent his career developing.  I'm sure he was the inspiration behind it and Rosie doesn't disappoint.  This is a song Bob Marley should've written.  The final cut is December 25th.  I'm not sure what to say here other than it's pretty good.

All in all, this is one of those cds you can put in, push play, sit back and enjoy the ride.  Every song is strong and the performance is equally satisfying.  It's a solid collection of material, though somewhat disjointed considering the out of place, but still exciting, Prince additions.  Rosie Gaines certainly burst out from behind the tailcoats of her former boss for those who were paying attention.  This is such a great disc is could easily land on a Desert Island list if I had to put one together.  If you have the chance to pick this one up, I highly suggest you do.  Even though there are radio accessible numbers here, she also gives you just as much jazz, reggae, hip hop, soul, r&b and funk.  It's a package everyone should try at least once.  My final words: EXCELLENT LAUNCH FOR A POWERHOUSE MUSICIAN!  YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THIS ONE.

ROSIE GAINES - CLOSER THAN CLOSE
01. I Want U (Inner City Blue) Earth Mama Version
02. Are You Ready
03. Closer Than Close
04. Googaga
05. Turn Your Lights Down Low
06. My Tender Heart
07. I Almost Lost You
08. Slowman
09. Can You Handle It
10. Concrete Jungle
11. Get The Ghetto Off Your Mind
12. December 25TH
13. I Want U (Purple Version)