Billboard Review

TLC "Fanmail"



It's hard to believe that more than four years have passed since TLC released its last studio album -- the blockbuster "CrazySexyCool," which cemented the Atlanta-based hip-hop/R&B trio's standing as crossover superstars. While it's hard to imagine TLC repeating the 10-times platinum feat of "CrazySexyCool," there's no doubt that the group's latest, "Fanmail," offers tremendous potential. Notwithstanding the pandering single "Silly Ho," which leans heavily on sexual stereotypes and tired beats, the album features the saucy "I'm Good At Being Bad," the clever and assertive "No Scrubs," the Artist Formerly Known As Prince-inspired "Unpretty," and a raft of smooth R&B ballads: "I Miss You So Much" (written and produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Daryl Simmons); the Diane Warren-penned "Come On Down"; and "Dear Lie," written by Babyface and TLC's T-Boz. Other writers and producers include Dallas Austin, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Jermaine Dupri. The state of the art in R&B: street-wise but appealing to a wide cross section of fans.


From Billboard Magazine

March 6, 1999