Face2Face (Babyface album)
Face2Face is the fifth studio album from R&B singer Babyface. It was released by Nu America and Arista Records on September 11, 2001, in the United States. His first album in five years after 1996's "The Day", it also marked Babyface's first album with Arista, which reunited him with his former songwriting and production partner L.A. Reid who was the president of the label at the time of the album's release. The album was a radical departure from his previous works, as the balladeer was focused on more uptempo songs. "Face2Face" was also different  due to Babyface working with outside producers on roughly half of the album. Producers on the album included Tim & Bob, Heavy D, The Neptunes, Diggin' in the Crates producer Buckwild, Brian McKnight's associate producer Anthony Nance and Dan Reed Network member Brion James. Reviews of the album were mixed, as critics and fans did not know what to make of Babyface's new musical direction. "Face2Face" is notable for being one of a few albums released on the same day as the September 11 attacks. It was released alongside other recordings such as Slayer's "God Hates Us All , Jay-Z's The Blueprint", Dream Theater's "Live Scenes from New York", Mariah Carey's "Glitter", Fabolous's "Ghetto Fabolous" and Nickelback's "Silver Side Up". Critical reception. Allmusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine called "Face2Face" "a gleaming, stylish platter of urban funk and smooth soul that is easily among his very best records [...] Though he's dabbled in funk since the beginning of his career, the grooves here cut deeper and are flashier than ever before, and the sweet croon of his voice just makes them seem deeper. Then there are the ballads that he's always excelled at  – they're just as good here, but they not only offer good contrast, they sound better in this context, surrounded by such exquisite dance numbers and grooves [...] Babyface has never been in better form, and from beginning to end, this record captures him at the peak of his powers." Personnel. Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.