Sparkle (Sparkle album)
Sparkle is the 1998 self–titled debut album by American singer Sparkle. It was released on May 20, 1998, through Interscope Records and was entirely produced by her former mentor R. Kelly. The album was a success in large part to the Sparkle–R. Kelly duet lead single "Be Careful", which peaked at number three on the US Rhythmic Top 40 and topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. The album itself peaked at number three on the "Billboard" 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA on December 7, 2000. Further singles "Time to  Move On" and "Lovin' You" were also released as singles, but did not make any "Billboard" charts. Critical reception. "Entertainment Weekly" gave the album a grade of B+, writing: "Unlike her wannabe-diva peers, this R. Kelly protegee remembers what the 'B' in R&B stands for...R. Kelly surrounds her with blaxploitation-vintage wah-wah guitars, haunting strings, and blue-collar blues; the resulting soul digs far deeper than Kelly's usual bump'n' grind". Track listing. All track written, produced and arranged by R. Kelly. Samples