Jody Watley - Flower (1998)

Jody Watley's popularity dipped drastically in the '90s, forcing her into the position of making her Atlantic debut, Flower, something of a comeback record. Watley decided to go all the way with the record, hiring an all-star cast of producers -- Malik Pendleton (SWV, Mary J. Blige), Phil Galdston (Vanessa Williams), Masters at Work, Dwayne Wiggins (Tony! Toni! Tone!), Derrick Edmondson, Bryce Wilson (Groove Theory) -- that help bring her sound into the mainstream of the late '90s. Flower presents a more mature Watley, one more concerned with well-crafted, seductive urban soul than dance-pop. It's an attractive sound and, surprisingly, her vocals are rich and nuanced, giving the music the treatment it deserves; she's never sounded better or more assured. Since Watley and the production are both alluring, it's a shame that the songs aren't deserving of such loving treatment. Only a handful of cuts, such as the Pendleton-produced single "Off the Hook," are actually strong, memorable songs, but that doesn't hurt the album considerably because the sound of the record is appealing on its own terms. © Stephen Thomas Erlewine