Silktime

Silk: John John, Timzo, Big G, Elijah (vocals).
Additional personnel: Brandii Chyna Simpson (vocals); Darrell Delite Allamby (spoken vocals, various instruments).
Producers: Darrell Delite Allamby, Keith Sweat.
Recorded at Ghetto Pop Music, Dallas, Texas; Audio Dallas Studios, Garland, Texas and Sound Tracks, New York, New York.
Los Angeles vocal group Silk hurtled into the national spotlight back in 1993 when they were all over the radio with the smoothed-out #1 pop and R&B hit "Freak Me." While they've never quite matched those lofty heights since that auspicious debut, they've never gone away, releasing a well-received record about every three years. A decade later, they've released SILKTIME, perhaps the act's most ambitious outing to date.
Despite being reduced to a foursome with the departure of Lil' G, Silk's vocal harmonies remain intact. However, the musical landscapes behind the voices have become more varied and unpredictable, as previewed on the intro "Silklove," which uses a reverse-tape track behind pleading vocals that promise "good ol' fashioned Silk love," "sideshow love," and even "makin' baby love." In suave fashion, they make good on their promises, even the slyest one, presenting a deft cover of Blue Magic's classic "Side Show," in their own Silky style. On "Alibi," the boys layer an impressive, imploring vocal track over the insistence of a marching band drumbeat, while on "My Girl," they cover the familiar jealousy ground with their own twist. Years after "Freak Me," SILKTIME sees the R&B ensemble standing strong and still in good form.