Common Sense Note
Former rapper Houston is refreshingly sentimental on IT'S ALREADY WRITTEN, creating a rare aura of caring and respect in which the artist actually appears to like women. Might be worth pointing out to your daughters.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Houston is often compared to Usher, an artist who isn't afraid to dig deep into risky emotional territory. Though there may be good reason for comparison, Houston is more than just an Usher clone. His debut CD, ALREADY WRITTEN, is an accomplished collection that explores a variety of musical styles as well as emotional terrain.
Most notable is the fact that, unlike many of his contemporaries, Houston seems to genuinely like and respect women. His lyrics are unflinchingly romantic, while exploring some unconventional themes. "Let Me Love You Down," a remake of Ready for the World's classic, earnestly addresses his attraction to a much older woman. "Twizala" is a shopping list of all the qualities the singer hopes to find in his dream woman. In less skillful hands (and vocal chords) this song could sound really dumb, but somehow it doesn't, coming off instead as a touching "if only" love song, kind of a contemporary version of "Goodnight, My Someone."
"I Like That," featuring stellar cameos by Nate Dogg, Chingy, and Disturbing Tha Peace's I-20, is already a familiar dance tune and hit single. But Houston is more than a one-hit wonder or Baby Usher. There's a lot of worthwhile, interesting, and well-produced music on this CD, performed by a talented young singer and songwriter.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
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Sexual ContentSome innuendo, sweetly romantic. |
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ViolenceNone. |
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LanguageNothing offensive. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorHouston isn't afraid to reveal his romantic side. |
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CommercialismNothing obvious. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoNothing obvious. |
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