It’s tough not to compare modern-day Ginuwine to the twenty-something who once glided so effortlessly across dance floors in unbuttoned silk shirts. The musical synergy he created with Timbaland and Missy Elliot on his 1996 debut, Ginuwine…The Bachelor (Epic), was avant-garde, innovative and undeniably some of his best work. In that era, the women were screaming, the moves were slick and the lyrics were titillating. Now, more than a decade into his career, Elgin Lumpkin, 33, is still wooing the ladies, but he’s no longer on the market. On his sixth studio album, the family guy is baring a bit more of his soul and less of his chest.
After a four-year hiatus, a dramatic, dance-inducing comeback to compete with newer acts like The-Dream seems forgone. But on A Man’s Thoughts the singer tiptoes in quietly, exploring a more mature side on ballads like “One More Time For Love,” flexing a stronger, subtler voice. Ginuwine and Brandy join forces for “Bridge to Love,” a soaring duet of yearning over an infectious guitar melody and on the party track, “Trouble,” featuring Bun B, Ginuwine challenges a young lady to test his dance skills. As the album progresses, smooth, synth-filled songs like “Touch Me” and “Open The Door,” transport to another, safer time for R&B: the ’90s.
But this isn’t a throwback. Ginuwine teamed up with producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Johnta Austin to create a new sound, harder-edged, if not as ground-breaking as his debut. Though the Virginia crew has been absent from his latter albums, it’s hard not to long for their influence. That’s why “Get Involved,” featuring Timbaland and Missy, is so welcome. As soon as the song begins, the snare creeps in and Tim and Ginuwine echo each other like they once did. It’s not quite vintage, but it’ll do.
Eager to slow it down and reflect, Ginuwine incorporates all the elements of a solid R&B album: alluring lyrics, steamy ballads, and the occasional two-step. He may have toned down the bachelor shtick, but every now and then the Same Ol’ G emerges and all is right with the world.
Cover art for Ginuwine's "A Man's Thoughts"
A Man’s Thoughts Track Listing
1. “Interlude”
2. “Show Off”
3. “Trouble” feat. Bun B
4. “Last Chance”
5. “Interlude”
6. “One Time For Love”
7. “Open The Door”
8. “Get Involved” feat. Timbaland & Missy Elliott
9. “Orchestra”
10. “Touch Me”
11. “Lying To Each Other”
12. “Even When I’m Mad”
13. “Bridge To Love” feat. Brandy
14. “Used To Be The One”
15. “Show Me The Way”
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