Southern Hummingbird - Tweet

Has anyone else ever bought a cd that they've barely listened to and only given it a chance a few years later? For me "Southern Hummingbird" is one of those cds. I bought it back in 2002 but only gave it a proper listen this year - and it has definitely grown on me.

For Tweet (or Charlene Keys as she was christened) herself, this album was virtually a matter of life or death. Finding herself disillusioned with the music world ...
...her boyfriend, and unable to find herself even a regular job, she had just decided to end it all . . . when old friend Missy Elliot tracked her down to ask her to do some backing vocals for her. And, as it was Missy who effectively saved her, it was also Missy who helped and encouraged her to release "Southern Hummingbird".

Tweet's sound is hard to define. It is co-produced by Missy and Timbaland but it shows a different ... more

Has anyone else ever bought a cd that they've barely listened to and only given it a chance a few years later? For me "Southern Hummingbird" is one of those cds. I bought it back in 2002 but only gave it a proper listen this year - and it has definitely grown on me.

For Tweet (or Charlene Keys as she was christened) herself, this album was virtually a matter of life or death. Finding herself disillusioned with the music world after letdown after letdown, having endured a painful break-up with her boyfriend, and unable to find herself even a regular job, she had just decided to end it all . . . when old friend Missy Elliot tracked her down to ask her to do some backing vocals for her. And, as it was Missy who effectively saved her, it was also Missy who helped and encouraged her to release "Southern Hummingbird".

Tweet's sound is hard to define. It is co-produced by Missy and Timbaland but it shows a different direction for them. Tweet doesn't sound like Ciara, or Justin, or Aaliyah - she is generally far more mellow than that. Her tunes are laid back and mainly soul-driven, yet somehow full of angst at the same time. There's definitely an old-fashioned vibe on it which you don't really get in the r & b genre these days - everyone is so obsessed with sounding modern and up-to-the-minute, so this is actually a refreshing change.

Tweet transforms her own life experiences into tunes which sound good both lyrically and musically but which also are full of genuine emotion. "Smokin' Cigarettes" details a virtual nervous breakdown over a falling-apart relationship yet also could serve as a public service announcement - Tweet tells how she finds herself "nervous and tremblin', smoking cigarettes at night, wondering where you been" but also admits "no it ain't healthy, smokin', gotta quit." Other songs are less depressing - more sensual, for example, in the opening track "My Place", or more romantic like the beautiful, emotion-packed "Always Will". But the pain evident in Tweet's voice in the angry "Motel" packs more of a punch than the feelings in any of the other tracks, as she realises that her man has been unfaithful to her.

Of course, there can be such a thing as emotional overload and Tweet and her producers evidently realised this as there are moments of light relief, a break from the intensity of the slower tunes. Take Tweet's most famous hit for example - the disturbingly hypnotic "Oops (Oh My)". Is it or isn't it about masturbation? I personally think it is, but it is a matter up for debate, as others think it may actually just be a song about accepting yourself. Regardless of subject, it is a fantastically catchy track, and probably the closest to modern r & b that Tweet gets on this album. Similar in style is "Call Me" which sounds like a mix of Jay Sean's "Eyes on You" and Ashanti's "Baby" - very infectious and exotic sounding.

As well as the modern sounding upbeat tracks, we also have the more retro, old-school disco style tracks - "Boogie 2Nite" is a track I've often heard in clubs on r & b night and is a great tune to get your groove on to. "Make Ur Move" has a very similar vibe to it although its definitely a paler imitation of the former. But ultimately they, along with "Oops (Oh My)" and "Call Me" provide a good balance with the more angst-ridden tracks, as well as the more mellow selections.

The main disadvantage I find to this album is that the different tracks aren't mixed up properly, meaning there are a load of slow tunes to start with and then most of the upbeat offerings are together in the middle. I definitely think it would have been more interesting to spread out the faster tunes.

To me, this is a good album to either listen to if you are wanting to get "in the mood" (purrrrrr!) or if you just want to lie back and chill out, close your eyes and relax. The general mood within the album musically is a fairly chilled out, relaxed atmosphere - which often belies the complexity of the lyrics contained within. Comparisons to Tweet's style are hard to make. In terms of vocal ability, her closest competitor is probably Ashanti - although I would say Tweet's voice is actually more interesting. In terms of musical style, she is probably a cross-breed of various singers over the years - she has had comparisons to both Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, and at times, I even thought she reminded me a little of Norah Jones! But once again, Ashanti and her debut album is probably her closest modern comparison in this respect. However, Tweet's songs are darker and definitely more exotic and interesting in style. So if you like this kind of music, and you don't mind the laidback tracks outnumbering the upbeat tracks, then I would definitely recommend you give this cd a spin on your cd turntable!

Amazon - £11.99 (used and new from £3.31)
Play - £5.99
Cdwow - £6.99

 

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