Bittersweet [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]
Despite living in a generation of R&B; females overshadowed by the indomitableMary J. Blige, Blu Cantrell can hang. Blessed not only with a strong voice, but a jazzy style that comes across more subtly on this, her sophomore effort, than on 2001’sSo Blu.Bittersweetfinds her teamed at various points with a handful of hot producers, ubiquitous dancehall artistSean Paul, and some predictable lyrics, but nonetheless showcases a supple vocalist with her own mind. At the same time, Cantrell recalls some of the best of her influences on theStevie Wonder-like "No Place Like Home" and "Happily Ever After," which would’ve fit in on any number ofPrincerecords. If Cantrell continues to get the attention she deserves, she may well prove to be an artist we’ll be following for decades.--Rickey Wright