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Should You Go Loopy Over Lucy?

© Paula Chase-Hyman

If Lucy Pearl never drops another CD after its self-titled debut album, the workings of their hype machine will still go down in music history as one of the most successful publicity campaigns ever. Since being announced at an Internet press conference in December, a healthy buzz and a track phatter than Jennifer Lopez's bootie made the group a hot commodity before there was ever even a product. Now the long awaited CD is in stores and the question is - was it worth the wait? But the answer isn't as simple as yes or no and here's why: Lucy must master the blend.

I'll explain - I'm a big Tribe fan and have been since they left their wallet in El Segundo; also as a loyal follower of Tony, Toni, Tone I'm an official Tonehead. Among other legitimate hits by the group, not many jams can touch the live version of "It never rains in Southern California". Last, the fact that I purchased two of EnVogue's albums marks me as a supporter if not true fan. So when I heard about this collabo that brings these three groups together, sort of, I was curious.

Now there's no doubt that the unique sound of "Dance Tonite", the CD's hottest track, establishes the group's ability to churn out hit music. But can Lucy sustain its own sound?

The answer is yes, if Lucy Pearl plans to stay together. Staying together is the key because the group needs time to truly establish their sound as theirs! Right now Raphael Saddiq's style and talent dominates - he authors or co-authors every track - so the style teeters and totters between being Lucy and bing Raphael. But in time, I believe Dawn and Ali Shaheed can truly influence the sound to a point where the group legitimately breaks into its own.

Glimpses of this is evident in tracks one, two and five: "Lucy Pearl's Way", "Trippin'", and "Everyday", respectively. Through a twist on the beats and lyrics of a Tony, Toni, Tone and Tribe jam, "Lucy Pearl's Way" introduces the group, successfully reminding fans why they're worth the listen. In "Trippin'" Raphael and Dawn Robinson show how well they can play off of one another. And "Everyday" is a solid jam, funky and soulful, in this one EnVogue's influence shines through in Dawn's contribution.

Of the 14 tracks, these three plus "Dance Tonite" gives the listener a preview of what Lucy Pearl will sound like once they completely meld together, musically.

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