Keith Sweat

★ 8.8

album

Make It Last Forever

“For a debut album, Keith Sweat came out the gates swinging. Every so often, I'm reminded of how big this album was back in 1987 by my parents. I can only take their word for it, but I've always knew there's some truth to it. How couldn't there be truth to it? From the opening track "Something Just Ain't Right", you can tell that it sounds like a relic of the 1980's, but still comes off as a great song and record as aa whole. Keith Sweat and Teddy Riley essentially helped create and propel New Jack Swing at the same time with this one album. When I listen to "Make It Last Forever", I transport myself into that time and envision myself in Keith Sweat's perspective and feel these tracks on a spiritual level. Vocally, Keith Sweat is good, but not the best. I say "not the best" because he does come off as a bit whiny to the point where it's a bit annoying to me... but does make his vulnerability come off as genuine. Regardless of whether Keith is singing a slow balled or a danceable New Jack Swing track, Teddy Riley was the mastermind behind the boards help shaping the musical world for the vocalist to execute his magic. For me, "Tell Me It's Me You Want" is the worst song here, but it's still amazing in its own right. It just doesn't compare to the other seven bangers this project has. The title track with Jacci McGhee is a musical equivalent of marriage and unity based on how cohesive they sound with each other. It's a shame they didn't make any more duets with each other (that I know of). "I Want Her", "How Deep Is Your Love", and "Right and a Wrong Way" are also... shit, actually, it's hard to exactly pinpoint which song is the best on here, as it rotates with every listen. Keith Sweat's "Make It Last Forever" definitely leaves a lasting impression even while not overstaying its welcome. As I get older, I understand why my parents say this album was enormous back in 1987. A true R&B classic.”

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