USA Today Review

TLC "Fanmail"



Leave it to TLC to return with a mouthful to say. Never ones to take conventional approaches or shy away from clever commentary, they come out on Fan Mail slinging lyrical darts at vapid social climbers (Silly Ho), lame pickup artists (No Scrubs) and a society forcing women to live up to unreasonable cosmetic standards (Unpretty). Longtime collaborator Dallas Austin provides most of the production, with Babyface and hot newcomer Kevin "Shekspere" Briggs also contributing. The searing I'm So Good at Being Bad was produced by Jimmy "Jam" Harris and Terry Lewis, marking the first time LaFace co-presidents Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds have teamed with their fellow legends. But despite all the talent behind the board, the record is both edgy and a bit outlandish . . . and distinctly TLC. Once again, their adroit handling of sexual topics allows them to tiptoe the racy tightrope without falling into vulgarity. Having confessed that they Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg and promised to deliver a Red Light Special, they now coyly urge that you Don't Pull out on Me Yet. With music like this, who would even think of it?


From USA Today

February 22, 1999