Charleston 2007-03-09

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

This is a great album with an insane amount of energy that if you listen to it. . .right before you go out for the night, run errands, take a long drive, then this is the album that is a necessity in a music collection.
Though too much of a good thing, is never a good thing, so moderate intake with the previous album.
Switch it up, go crazy, do whatever just do something. I gotta run some errands now.

Joseph Geni 2007-02-16

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

No one questions Lyrics Born's talent, which can be matched by few. His breakneck delivery will make you swear they sped him up in the studio, except then if you go see him do it live (recommended: he is a charismatic performer) you realize they didn't.

The problem with this release is not, therefore, Lyrics Born himself. It's just that there's not enough interesting things happening around him. There are handful of standout songs on this record, but there is no excuse for it running as many tracks as it does. The skits remind me why I sometimes think the whole idea of skits on CDs tired itself out in about 1997, if not earlier. Worse, the fillers sound similar to the hits but less memorable, making the whole album kind of drag, and the grooves, guitar licks and keys, all of which are good in small doses, become sort of flat after a time, especially when Joyo Velarde isn't singing backup vox. Surely a few of the songs could have become B-sides on the single, or something, instead of bloating the album itself.

Do That There, Rise and Shine, and One Session are my favorite tracks, the ones I would say go buy from the iTunes store or something right now. There's nothing wrong with the rest, I just don't find myself listening to them much. I like the concept of Later That Day but it should probably take less time out of the day to listen to.

Power SC 2006-06-30

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Sick, sick, sick .. no matter what your feelings are on hip hop this album is a must have. Tight beats, solid lyrics, great mix. Lyrics Born shows why he is a force to be reckoned with.

Enigma 2006-01-07

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

This was my introduction to Lyrics Born so I had no preconceived notions nor hopes of what this cd should be; thus, I am not disappointed. My introduction to LB came from the international channel, or AZN as it's called now, believe it or not.

I saw the video for The Last Trumpet and was blown away. I loved the way he flowed and I liked the overall vibe of the track. This caused me to hunt down LB, listen to samples, and buy the cd. I just finished listening to it for the first time and I found it entertaining, creative, and yes something I'd listen to repeatedly. Granted, I didn't love the whole thing, but what cd grabs you from note 1 to note last nowadays? NONE!

For me Later That Day starts with track 4, Callin' Out, which is my favorite, and goes from there. I will admit I am not particularly fond of the female who sings the hooks and chorus on too many of his songs. Her voice is too high, or shrilly, or something...it's just no. However, when Lyrics Born starts, she's easy to tune out.

When I think of the music I bought when this cd came out in 2003 and how dissatisfied I was with almost everything, I wish I would have had this. When I think of all the cringe worthy music that will be out this year, I'm damn glad I have it now.

Peace.

BC 2005-11-02

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Actually, I rate it 3.5 stars.

The creative ingenuity of this album is a bit small when it comes to this large Asian man. Lyrics Born's solo album doesn't quite live up to the Quannum crew's standards. But it still is a noble effort that turned out some excellent tracks- the album isn't a complete flop in its entirety, it's just dull.

The album doesn't pack enough punch to interest the average LB fan. It had way too many skits and filler songs that just weren't exciting. If anything, the album seemed not under or over-produced.... more like, incorrectly-produced- which is a shocking miss for LB. The chorus for many songs were monotonous, especially the songs in which he tries to sing. I say leave the singing to Joyo Velarde, who is a divine songstress and the highlight of this album.

On the good side, some tracks were excellent, like the soulful "Rise and Shine," the ever-pounding Bay-pride anthem "Callin' Out," and the emotional and intense ride of "The Last Trumpet," featuring Lateef. Finally, this album is worth picking up just for one track alone, "Love Me So Bad," which is by far the sexiest, most rhythmic, and funkiest song released by the Quannum crew. It's a hypnotic track. Sadly, the rest are mediocre.

It seems that Lyrics Born alone in the studio doesn't cut it to be the powerhouse he was when he collaborates with others. Which is why the follow up album "Same (blank) Different Day" is an excellent improvement. "Later That Day" just seems too raw and misguided- the remix album is a considerate touch-up. It still is a noble effort, though. And it sure is a lot better than Gift of Gab's solo album- that review's coming soon.