Published on Jul 3, 2000
Sometimes, it takes more than one sitting to really appreciate
an album. There might be some nuances that you just don’t catch the
first time around, but the more comfortable you get with the disc,
the more you’ll tend to recognize them.
Well, I’ve been listening to
Daydreamin’ from Before Dark now for the better part of two
weeks – I honestly think I’ve listened to this disc 10 times, and I
still think I’m missing something. Why? Simple: I’m not finding
myself overimpressed with this Los Angeles-based female R&B
trio. It’s got some moments to it, but overall, it’s like I’ve
heard this all before.
The trio – Mia, Arike and Jeni G. – do know how to work some
magical vocal harmony into their music. If only they utilized it a
little more instead of singing in unison on certain parts of the
album. Tracks like “As Far As They Know” could have had much more
impact than just being your typical hip-hop-fused R&B that
seems to perpetuate the market today.
Oh, but there are times that Before Dark proves they’re worth
the attention. “Monica” is a killer track, and is rightfully
selected as the first single off of
Daydreamin’. With an infectious beat, a catchy chorus and
powerful vocal performances throughout, you can’t do anything but
like this track – and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going
back to this one performance often. Likewise, tracks such as
“Always On My Mind” and “It’s All About You” demonstrate the power
that Before Dark has, and just how good they can be when they
choose to utilize it.
The second half of
Daydreamin’ makes the unfortunate decision of dipping a
little too far into the world of hip-hop, with spoken-word
interludes really wrecking the progress the trio seems to be
making. The advances of tracks like “Tough Love” are quickly erased
by the failed experiments of “Push-N-Shove” and “Back Around”,
ending the album on a disappointing note.
And while I can’t say I was crazy about the theme of the album –
having the girls go to the movies – it does serve as a means of
breaking the album into two halves, providing a more definite line
that can be drawn between the stellar material and the songs which
aren’t quite as strong.
Daydreamin’ is still very much a first effort from Before
Dark, and given some time and seasoning they could well develop
into one of the more influential R&B vocal groups around. But
this disc shows these young ladies still need to find their niche,
wherever it may lie. Until then, this disc has its moments, but is
a tentative first step.