Because I Love It

As a whole, 'Because I Love It' unapologetically falls into no particular box. There are many elements (70's soul, 80's New Wave, hip-hop, live instrumentation), yet the sound is remarkably consistent throughout and makes complete sense. Although the musical inspiration is broad, the arrangement of the material is signature Amerie: strong, aggressive vocals, beautiful melodies, and lush harmonies.

'Take Control', takes an authoritative approach to love. Produced by Amerie, Len Nicholson, Mike Caren, and Cee-Lo, the song oozes attitude. Over a funky guitar and punctuated horns, a confident Amerie urges her love to take the initiative. 'Make Me Believe' is a terrifically interpreted cover of the 1975 song by Curtis Mayfield protege Patti Jo. Amerie is tough and blunt, but in a velvety way, and the record is reminiscent of the long Cadillac cars, fedoras, and posturing of the seventies. Amerie even picks up the flute and plays on the record. 'Some Like It' samples Malcolm McLaren's 'World's Famous', and was something Amerie and Nicholson dreamed up while riding to the airport, listening to an old school mix. The lyrics and delivery demonstrate quite a swaggering side of Amerie, and the sound is a brazen departure from what people are used to hearing from her. The innovative record goes down smooth, but is hard-hitting at the same time; one can't help but see images of roller-skating on a sunny day.

In 'That's What U R', probably the sexiest song on the album, Amerie sings the praises of that special someone who has been patiently waiting to take the relationship to the next level. In the effervescent 'Crush', which brings back the cool energy of the early eighties, the artist yearns for, at the very least, a chance encounter with her heart's desire. Of course, one can't speak on love without acknowledging its darker side. Amerie has created an astounding album, one that escapes simple classification.