Three years after the release of After The Storm, Monica returns with her fourth album, The Makings Of Me. She has delivered a solid release filled with several good songs. Only a couple of missteps keep the album from going to the next level.
The album opens with "Everytime Tha Beat Drop," which features Dem Franchize Boyz. It's by far the worst song on the album. Even though both Monica and Dem Franchize Boyz are both from the ATL, this collaboration doesn't work. It feels like a calculated attempt to capitalize on snap music that came a year too late. Even though Monica's still pretty young, she's been in the business for over 10 years. This song feels like a step backward. Fortunately, the rest of the album is better.
Monica again collaborates with Missy Elliott on The Makings Of Me, this time on three of the album's 10 tracks. The best song of the three is "A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)." A sample from Curtis Mayfield's "The Makings Of You" drives the song as Monica puts a spin on R. Kelly's "You Remind Me Of Something." Unlike R. Kelly's song, Monica's comparisons of her man to her Gucci shoes because "every time you walk past, all the girls be lookin' at you" sounds sweet as opposed to objectifying. The only issue with this song (and the other two songs produced by Missy) is the fact that Missy can't stay quiet.
Other high-profile producers work with Monica on this album and for the most part, give her good stuff to work with. The Underdogs are behind the boards for "Sideline Ho," a blistering song where Monica takes the other woman in her man's life to task. This song is a bit rougher than what we're used to hearing from Monica but she somehow keeps herself from crossing the line between angry and over the top.
Article comments
1 - eric hernandez
i really like monicas mucic becuz my boyfrind really like it