Because I Love It

by

Amerie

Edit

I have loved Amerie since she came out. I loved her first two albums. So when I heard that she was working on a third one, I was so excited. That was about a year ago. The amazing, innovative "Some Like It" was intended to be the first single. In an unfortunate twist of events, Amerie decided to not release it because other females were beginning to talk in their songs also, and she didn't want to be seen as just a follower again. (First off, I think that was a bad decision. The song could've had a huge impact and is nothing like anything out there. Plus, the whole reputation of being a copy-cat is a mistake. Amerie actually recorded "1 Thing" before "Crazy In Love" even came to frution. But I digress...)

So she releases "Take Control" instead. Catchy song? Yes, but it's just too much like her other works. So that single came and went without any airplay or success and us fans are left wondering what's going to happen next. A few months later, the inspirational "Gotta Work" leaks onto the internet and there is hope. I wait and wait and finally there is news of the new album... but not in the US. It figures. This kind of stuff always happens. I see that this album is coming out everywhere else in the world, except for the United States, in May. I get worried. Based on previous tendencies of the American recording industry, I begin to think that this may never see the light of day in my country. And if it ever does (it's supposed to come out in July) the track list will be extremely altered. So I decided that as soon as this came out, I would buy the import. I am so glad I did.

I love this album from start to finish. It is energetic, fun... wonderful. The first half of the album is mostly composed of Amerie's usual fare: blasting horn-infused track layered with bursts of harmonies. They are all catchy in their own right and I never skip them. But the second half shows why the working title of this album was 'None Of The Above.' The whole album doesn't fit into one category. Amerie completely flips things around and challenges herself, broadening her horizons. She dabbles in pop-rock balladry with successful product. It's unlike anything she's done before. Yet, she still keeps it personal and soulful. It feels genuine; it's still 'Amerie.' I am now convinced that she can pull off almost any genre.

Because I Love It will please all. Not only does it have the upbeat, energetic pieces she is known for, but she also branches out into 80's, pop, rock... wow. I listen to the whole thing straight through. This is her best to date. Great job, Amerie! Here's to hoping it's released in the US!