Day In The Life, A

Q - (4 out of 5) - Excellent - "...[A DAY IN THE LIFE] is not only rich with unusual, inventive touches but allows Benet the space to show off his singing to better effect, from scat to gospel, from polished harmonies to Stevie Wonder. Soul album of the year already?" Rap Pages - "...Benet's follow-up to his highly acclaimed but rarely played debut...is a blend of feel-good, sing-along tunes....A DAY IN THE LIFE explores the mind of Eric...and his past experiences..." The Source - "...With his aching, soaring tenor, he delivers love songs that work as much on the head....Eric Benet proves that his is a voice that must be heard." Muzik - 5 stars (out of 5) - "...superceded his first [album] with his subtle mix of sweet and bluesy soul music....oozing respectability from start to finish....[a] hot contender for soul album of the year." Entertainment Weekly - "...Benet's latest...soars, thanks to his five-octave vocal sincerity and transcendent soul stylings. This savory homage to '70s soul is so unique it can't be contained in today's urban-music category..." - Rating: A Entertainment Weekly (4/30/99, p.96) - "...Benet's latest...soars, thanks to his five-octave vocal sincerity and transcendent soul stylings. This savory homage to '70s soul is so unique it can't be contained in today's urban-music category..." - Rating: A Q (6/99, p.100) - (4 out of 5) - Excellent - "...[A DAY IN THE LIFE] is not only rich with unusual, inventive touches but allows Benet the space to show off his singing to better effect, from scat to gospel, from polished harmonies to Stevie Wonder. Soul album of the year already" Muzik (4/9, p.105) - 5 stars (out of 5) - "...superceded his first [album] with his subtle mix of sweet and bluesy soul music....oozing respectability from start to finish....[a] hot contender for soul album of the year." The Source (5/99, p.226) - "...With his aching, soaring tenor, he delivers love songs that work as much on the head....Eric Benet proves that his is a voice that must be heard." Rap Pages (5/99, p.149) - "...Benet's follow-up to his highly acclaimed but rarely played debut...is a blend of feel-good, sing-along tunes....A DAY IN THE LIFE explores the mind of Eric...and his past experiences..."

Though he's possessed of a sensual vocal style employed in the service of romantic contemporary R&B, Eric Benet is far removed from the R. Kelly school of overemoting and crass carnality. There was obviously no expense spared in creating the complex textures that define A DAY IN THE LIFE, but the overall impression is one of an artist who doesn't have to overstate his case. Benet keeps things understated in his singing as well as in the album's production. The presence of guests like Roy Ayers and Me'Shell N'Degeocello reinforces the notion that Benet isn't just another dime-a-dozen crooner, but rather a highly developed artist capable of making the very individual statement that is A DAY IN THE LIFE.|