3 Deep

Surface remains consistent on this effort, following in the footsteps of their previous album 2nd Wave, which brought them three consecutive Billboard R&B number one singles. The first release from this project also spawned the same results, in addition to claiming the top spot on the pop charts for two straight weeks. "The First Time" is a romantically written number in the vein of "high school sweet hearts who fall in love"; the song blossoms with splendor. The second single, "All I Want Is You," teams Bernard Jackson with songstress Regina Belle. She humbly complements Jackson's pleading vocals with lyrical sighs. The passionate single peaked at number eight. "Never Gonna Let You Down" is a sentimental number whose title speaks for itself. Jackson's persuasive delivery helped the song to #17 and #24 on the Billboard pop and R&B charts, respectively. Behind the group's trademark bass pattern, Jackson meekly caresses the lyric of "You're the One" with a velvety intonation. The single topped off at #35 on the Billboard R&B charts. The uptempo numbers are appealing, but the ballads seem ideal for the trio. Although their chords and selection of notes sway very little from some of their previous songs, the group knows how retain the magic in each composition with their simplistic arrangements and ample production. ~ Craig Lytle