Fanmail [PA] - TLC (CD 1999)

The Main Idea:
After a five-year hiatus, split with manager Perri "Pebbles" Reid, bankruptcy filing, and rumors of a breakup, TLC came back with a vengeance in 1999 with their most innovative album yet. Complete with the freshest in hip-hop beats, inspirational lyrics, and more smoldering vocals, Fanmail was the best album of 1999. The girls achieved critical and commercial success on this Grammy-winning hit album. Each song sends its own message and has its own unique sound.

Song-By-Song Breakdown:
1. FANMAIL - The title is self-explanatory: the song is dedicated to every fan who has ever sent them fanmail and tells of how the group can relate to all of the problems their fans are going through. The stuttering, Timbaland-style beats are a real treat as well - 5/5

2. THE VIC-E INTERPRETATION (interlude) - This interlude is pretty stupid. It's just an incoherent, robotic voice saying something about the diamond Rolexes and Versace clothes people use to get a pick up. Pretty pointless - 2/5

3. SILLY HO - A great hip-hop anthem with a good background beat and background vocals. The lyrics are awesome, too: "I ain't never been no Silly Ho/Waiting for your call/Like the other girls want you." It's good to know that not all the girls in the world are trying to be hoes - 5/5

4. WHISPERING PLAYA (interlude) - Another lame interlude, though it's better than the first one. It's nothing but some guy whispering to the girls and trying to get them to come home with him. No music or anything - 3/5

5. NO SCRUBS - The usual male-bashing song, though TLC do it with a whole different level of class. It's produced by Shekespere, so the beats are awesome. Chilli's voice sounds better than ever on this one, though I think it would have been better if T-Boz got at least part of a verse. A great first single - 5/5

6. I'M GOOD AT BEING BAD - Don't be fooled by this song's lovey dovey, ballad-like opening, because it's the hardest song on the record. The naughty lyrics and pulsating beats are among the best on this album. There isn't much singing on this song, however; it's mostly just rapping. Best song on the album - 5/5

7. IF THEY KNEW - A good mid-tempo jam with great vocals and a really good rap section from Left Eye. The lyrics aren't the best on the album, but they are noteworthy. Another one of my personal favorites, mostly because of the beats - 5/5

8. I MISS YOU SO MUCH - Now let's face it - none of the girls from TLC could qualify as balladeers, but they all have soul, and that soul is what saves this song. It's a nice little breakup song, and the guitar is pretty as well. A good attempt at a ballad - 4/5

9. UNPRETTY - This one is along the same lines as "Waterfalls" from their previous album. It sends a very clear message of loving yourself for who you are and being beautiful on the inside. It has a very catchy melody and chorus - 5/5

10. MY LIFE - I think this song should have been a single because it has "hit" written all over it. It's upbeat and talks about wanting to be your own person and doing whatever the hell you want to do regardless of what everyone else says, which is something most people can relate to - 5/5

11. SHOUT - Has a similar sound as #'s 6 and 10. Another upbeat party song that has a message nearly everyone can relate to - your man is ticking you off, and sometimes you just need to shout at him and let off some steam, right? The beats on this one are sure to get you dancing - 5/5

12. COME ON DOWN - Another attempt at a ballad. Though written by Diane Warren, this one sounds a bit bland. The girls' soulful voices save it once again, however, though it's still not my favorite song on the record, mostly because of the production - 4/5

13. DEAR LIE - Still another ballad! This one is really simple - everything from the melody to the instrumentals to, especially the lyrics ("Dear lie/you suck"). Not the best song on here, but it's worth a listen. Not a very good choice for a third single - 3/5

14. COMMUNICATE (interlude) - I don't really get this interlude or what it's all about, so I can't really say much about it. It seems kind of pointless to me - 2/5

15. LOVESICK - I love the beats on this one, but I don't care for the lyrics. It's a bit too poppy and radio-friendly, but it still works. This song sounds like it was rushed together, which is what makes it just short of a filler song - 4/5

16. AUTOMATIC - I often have a tough time telling this song apart from the previous one because they sound very alike. I haven't listened to this song much because I don't really like it. The beat is alright, but it sounds like a filler song - 3/5

17. DON'T PULL OUT ON ME YET - Another ballad and not a very good end to the album. Other than the interludes, it's the worst track on the record. It sounds kind of like #12, but it's not as good. This song is skippable after a first listen - 3/5

The Big Picture:
Actually, this album is more like a four and a half stars, but oh well. Anyway, I think the break TLC took was a really good choice because they were able to take some time out and record a great album and totally reinvent themselves with a new sound. Fanmail is a real growth from CrazySexyCool, and a good one. I think this harder, more hip-hop sound is good for TLC. They still have that same soul they started out with, but now they've grown and matured and are using that soul in a different way. Still, Fanmail is probably the most unique record TLC has ever made.

Fanmail is a real declaration of independence for the ladies of TLC and a great contribution to the music world. It's an essential album for any collection, due to its almost futuristic beats and insightful songwriting. Though much of the material is rather, um, "adult," TLC still maintains the girlish charm that made them so popular in the early 90's. That charm is what has made the group survive personal turmoil, legal woes, and professional setbacks to come out on top of their game and more successful than ever. TLC are true survivors, and they're proud of it. That pride is perfectly displayed on their third album, as are their great talents for singing, songwriting, and producing. Though it has its rough spots, Fanmail is simply a great album!

Final Notes:
Average Song Rating: 4.00
Best Song(s): "I'm Good At Being Bad," "My Life," and "No Scrubs"
Worst Song(s): All of the interludes, "Automatic," and "Don't Pull Out On Me Yet"

How Would I Rate This Record's...
Vocals? 3 1/2 stars
Lyrics? 4 stars
Production? 4 1/2 stars
Timelessness? 3 1/2 stars
Artistry? 3 1/2 stars

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