Still Climbing (Brownstone album)
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| Still Climbing | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 23, 1997 | |||
| Recorded | 1996–1997 | |||
| Length | 58:03 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Brownstone chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Still Climbing | ||||
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Still Climbing is the second and final studio album released by American R&B trio Brownstone. It was released by MJJ Music and the Work Group on June 23, 1997 in the United States. The album contains the second line-up of the group after the departure of original member Monica Doby. She was replaced by Kina Cosper, whose first and only appearance was on this album before departing for a solo career in 2000. Still Climbing features the singles "5 Miles to Empty" and "Kiss and Tell" as well as "In the Game of Love" which originally appeared on the soundtrack to the 1996 film The First Wives Club.
In early 1995, the R&B group Brownstone underwent significant lineup changes following the departure of Monica "Mimi" Doby due to a persistent bronchial infection. This departure came at a crucial time, as the group's debut album, From The Bottom Up, had garnered considerable attention and was being actively promoted, particularly through the single "Grapevyne." The timing of Doby's exit posed challenges for the group, which was in the midst of a promotional tour. To address the vacancy, Brownstone recruited Kina Cosper, a former college acquaintance of group member Nicci Gilbert.
The band began recording their second studio album, Still Climbing, in January 1996. During this period, Brownstone faced considerable pressure from their record label. The album's production involved collaboration with several new producers and songwriters, including notable figures such as Rodney Jerkins and Robin Thicke. [1]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [2] |
| USA Today |  [3] |
In his review for Allmusic, senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that Still Climbing "suffers from the same inconsistent songwriting that plagued their debut From the Bottom Up, yet that isn't a fatal flaw. There are as many strong singles on Still Climbing as on the debut, and Brownstone sounds stronger and more confident on the record, making it an enjoyable, if tentative, step forward."[2] USA Today critic Steve Jones wrote that Still Climbing was "a solid follow-up" that continued their focus on "smooth ballads," with "5 Miles to Empty" typifying their sound through "soulful choruses," and noted that "slow jams far outnumber the handful of sparkless uptempo tunes."[3]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Let's Get It Started" |
| Jerkins | 4:51 |
| 2. | "5 Miles to Empty" |
|
| 5:11 |
| 3. | "Love Me Like You Do" |
| Hall | 4:31 |
| 4. | "In the Game of Love" |
| 4:44 | |
| 5. | "Foolish Pride" |
| Soulshock & Karlin | 5:21 |
| 6. | "Kiss and Tell" |
|
| 4:45 |
| 7. | "Baby Love" |
|
| 4:58 |
| 8. | "Around You" | Robin Thicke |
| 4:50 |
| 9. | "Revenge" |
| Soulshock & Karlin | 4:59 |
| 10. | "All I Do" |
|
| 4:21 |
| 11. | "You Give Good Love" |
| Middleton | 4:57 |
| 12. | "If You Play Your Cards Right" | Kevin McCord |
| 4:35 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 13. | "I'm Not Her" | 4:41 |
Notes
- ^a denotes co-producer
Samples
- "Let's Get It Started" contains a sample from "Dance to the Drummer's Beat" as performed by Herman Kelly and Life.
- "Love Me Like You Do" contains a sample from "A Love of Your Own" as performed by Average White Band.
- "Foolish Pride" contains elements from the recording "La La for Love".
