Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Total: Self

In the 90's the various amount of girl's R&B groups was a growing momentum. Every group with their own different style so that the phase would never grow old. In 1994 after the infamous "Juicy" by Biggie Smalls was released everyone questioned: Who had the great vocals for the chorus? No longer than a year later did everyone know who these talented vocalist were. Total quickly became known as the girl group fueled from a man's perspective under the direction of Bad Boy Records. Throughout the 90's the battle between the music of both the east and the west became overwhelming and rocky, Total was able to remain solid and become the peace for Bad Boy Records.
 Total's self-titled album released on January 30, 1996 obviously had many songs that people felt would become a hit from the first listen such as "No One Else", "Kissin You" and "Can't You See". These 3 songs had very distinctive vocals than any other girl group out at the time which made them so intruiging to listen to. Although at many times Girl R&B groups can become very strenuous to listen to at times because it always is that one lead singer who always seems to hit the same note in every song and their must always be a Michelle of the group,Total was not that. With each girl having their own expressive voice portraying through their vocals, Total became a group that you could not get tired of listening to.
Throughout the album you get a variety of R&B experiences that you hear from different places. Their melodic sound makes the music relatable and easy to listen to. Every song becomes something you can listen to at any time or any place. "Kissin' You" turned into a summer time hit, the repetitive lyrics and distinctive beat. Overall the entire album was great and will be remembered as the best album throughout their career.