Album Review: Ginuwine- 'A Man's Thoughts'

On October 9th Ginuwine returns with his sixth studio album 'A Man's Thoughts'.

In a career that spans over ten years with platinum and multi-platinum albums as well as BET, American Music & Soul Train award,s Ginuwine's first album in nearly five years does not disappoint.

Since 2000 there have been many turbulent situations from the loss of both of his parents (see 'Two Reasons I Cry' from his 2001 'The Life' LP) and severe depression through all of this Ginuwine could always rely on his music as a form of release and expression.

Gone are the days of a slip 'n slide pony riding performer, A Man's Thoughts is a very grown and sexy album, but is still able to hold it's own in a market which now has the likes of Chris Brown & Trey Songz at it's forefront! From the intro Ginuwine sets the tone for his opus.

With this album Ginuwine says-

”I wanted that growth to be reflected in my music. Forget about singing about a club or some drink, I’m trying to take it back to the blueprint that Marvin Gaye and other soul legends designed.”

 After ten years at Sony Records, Ginuwine is now recording for Kedar Entertainment which is home to artists like Joe Thomas & Chico DeBarge. After recording over forty songs, what you have is an 11 track long player about love, relationships, settling down, promoting self-confidence, being true to your feelings and accepting your responsibilities.

Collaborations are set to a minimum with only Bun B, Brandy, Missy and a much overdue reunion with super prducer and old friend Timbaland. Production is handled by Brian Michael Cox (Day 26, Mariah Carey, Usher, Amerie & Musiq) with writing credit from RL Hugger (of Next) and Johnta Austin.

The lead single 'Last Chance', is a mid-tempo song described as an anthem for 'dudes tired of being players'. Set to a guitar string beat this track is a tale of forgetting your pride and all other outside influences to be with the one you truly love. Good choice for a jump-off single.

'Show Off' could be this years 'ode to all females' no matter their shape, size or colour. It's refreshing to hear someone sing about female’s qualities rather than focusing solely on her assets.

'One Time For Love' is definitely one for the fine slow jam connoisseur! G's velvet tones over a smooth piano driven instrumental showcases his vast vocal range perfectly. If there are any ladies out there who forgot about Ginuwine will definitely be drawn back in by track!

The standout track on A Man's Thoughts for me has to be 'Even When I’m Mad'. Not many artists can really make you feel exactly where they are coming from when they sing. Having known what Ginuwine had been through over the last few years you can tell he has a new appreciation for life and what and whom he has in it.

What I like about this album is that Ginuwine has stayed true to his craft and has not tried to fit in to pop-locking, swagger splashing, finger snapping market, but has come back with honest RnB that will please previous and new listeners. You definitely won't be disappointed with this album.


I give this album 4 out 5.

Image via Vibe.com