

Much of the thrill of soul balladry is hearing a singer, especially a male singer, overcome the cultural emphasis on toughness and self-sufficiency and confess the most vulnerable of desires. In this hip-hop era of exaggerated toughness, there are greater obstacles to overcome and thus the potential for even more thrilling revelations. DeVante Swing, the mastermind behind the male vocal quartet Jodeci, seizes that potential more than once on the group's new album, Diary of a Mad Band . The group shares the vocal responsibilities, but the credits on nine of the album's 13 tracks read, "Music and Lyrics by DeVante Swing; Vocal arrangement: DeVante Swing; DeVante Swing: All Instruments." Thus the challenge of juggling romantic vulnerability with street credibility comes down on DeVante's 23-year-old shoulders. He fumbles the ball on a few occasions--the dumb, juvenile demands for sex on "You Got It" and "Sweaty"--but more often than not he comes through with soul ballads in the classic mode, revealing the tender heart beneath the thickened skin. The first single, "Cry for You," harkens back to the slow hymns of Jodeci's church backgrounds; the singers promise, "I would get on my knees for you," and the dizzying free fall of the melody underscores the total surrender of the lyrics. The next single, "Feenin'," is a similar confession, but it's juiced up with tape-reverse percussion sounds, a Zapp-like vocorder riff and a gruff lead set against angelic harmonies. Even "Ride & Slide" and "Alone," rather frank sexual propositions, have the good grace to plead rather than demand; they even promise detailed attention to female erogenous zones. At its best, Jodeci is the most promising soul harmony group of the hip-hop generation. --Jeffrey Himes Review: R & B Greatness! - My Fave Album!👍🏾 Review: Smarter than I remembered - Classic album I listened to both in undergrad and grad school. Still impressed by the depth of this album. Recommended.
D**S
R & B Greatness!
My Fave Album!👍🏾
J**N
Smarter than I remembered
Classic album I listened to both in undergrad and grad school. Still impressed by the depth of this album. Recommended.
S**E
Love Jodeci
Jodeci has always been one of my favorite bands. Diary of A Mad Band is one of my favorite albums. They always deliver great music that is soulful, genuine and packed full of romance! As their sophmore follow up to Forever My Lady, which is the best by far,they certainly do not disappoint. My favorite tracks are the slow songs, Feenin, My Heart Belongs To You, and What About Us which are perfect romantic mood setters! The fast tracts are bold and flirtatous yet fun. KC and Jojo's vocals are passionate and heartfelt in every track. Jodeci has delivered some of the best R&B love songs of all time! Part of the reason I Love Jodeci and this album!
B**.
90's Music
The great sound of the 90's all the music then was great from R&B to Rock and Alternative music.
M**E
Oh, how I miss my babies!!! R&B's finest (90's) and beyond!!
"Diary Of A Mad Band" is my favorite album by Jodeci. K-ci's voice is sexy and soulful and he be "sangin" his lil butt off! There aren't many groups that compare to Jodeci (maybe Dru Hill). I really miss them and keep hoping for a new album. Until then I will be groovin to this one. Songs like "Feenin", "Gimme all U got" and "Cry for you" are beautiful, but this is a CD you can play all the way through. They don't make music like this any more, and it's a damn shame! I've been a fan since 1992, when I was only 13. I love you K-ci, Dalvin, Jo-Jo and DeVante!!
M**S
Really good!
This album has some great tracks! The slower songs are the best, but some of the dance tracks are also good. The harmonies are awesome and it's not one of those albums you listen to just a few times and put to the side to forget about. Buy it!
L**D
THIS IS DEVANTE BABEEEEEYYYYY!
This album is a classic. If the first record doesn't knock your socks off, you may not be human. K-Ci, Jojo, DeVante, Dalvin, life don't get much better than this pertaining R&B. It's amazing DeVante was 23 orchestrating these classics, which will be songs our young in's youngins will play. Wholly recommend, especially for the slower, heartfelt ballads. P.S. DeVante, come back to R&B, it needs you like peanut butter needs jam brother. Put these hacks in their place man.
K**A
Why not 10⭐
Of course..anythinh jodeci makes is a banger!! No matter how old. Still listen n its 2021. They do nt make music like this anymore.😍🔥