Monica | Still Standing

Monica | Still Standing

Listen to song samples from “Still Standing”, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!!

Once a voice that always seems to find a way to stay close to your heart & soul, R&B songstress Monica continues to make her tag a household name. Bringing to light not only her vocal prowess, but also showing the world what it really means to persevere in this music business. All by staying consistent…

The productions generated – by benefit of Missy Elliot, Bryan Michael Cox, Neyo & others – to create “Still Standing”, slightly sends a flashback to many of Monica’s earlier releases. Although catchy & predictable, there were a few that stuck to the membrane & helped kept the influential messages in each track & the power of the hypnotic beats in check.

Track Listing:

~ Still Standing (feat Ludacris)
~ Once In A Lifetime
~ Stay Or Go
~ Everything To Me
~ If You Were My Man
~ Mirror
~ Here I Am
~ Superman
~ Love All Over Me
~ Believing In Me

The Street savvy, “Still Standing” comes blasting through with Monica breathing energy through the lyrics – representing areas of her life as to where she touches on going through some tough situations, accepted the challenges that came & emphasized that through it all, she is “Still Standing”. Luda col’ represented the Rap on the mic.  Right On…

In a matter of fact, Monica continues to touch on subjects in comparable to relationships. “Stay Or Go” reflects on any & every reason why someone who feels they are in a relationship by themselves should ask their mate, if they are not serious about being together, there’s options – plain & simply ‘stay or go’.  “Once In A Lifetime” shares the same sentiments. And keep in mind, while the emotional value of love is compassionately on display here, the tracks slow with some catchy, melody minded, mid-tempo groove oriented arrangements.

“Everything To Me” was very easy to receive, considering the sample used to back up the track by Deniece Williams was highly acceptable by all means. A ‘check mark’ was attached to this track fa sure. And it happens again with the Evelyn “Champaign” King classic ‘Betcha She Don’t Love You’, rehashed for the making of “If You Were My Man”. Those 2 tracks received a lot of attention from my listening experience…

The original songs, “Mirror”, “Here I Am”, “Superman” & “Love All Over Me” keeps Monica’s voice at full detail. Direct, Upfront, Delicate, Sultry & Distinctive. Power ballad “Superman” stuck with me for a little while, well after the initial playback. Brian Michael Cox delivered his productive juices to it.

This was a charming addition to Monica’s discography, her 6th effort from J Records. I was pretty mixed with feeling about whether or not it was better than her previous, although I heard a bit more maturity & a much more deep feel/compassion Monica drew herself into with these slight hand of cards (songs).  Considering where R&B/Soul is positioned today, Monica doesn’t need to continue proving her skills & music to listeners. Undoubtedly blessed to sing, The album should be within arms reach of everyones’ CD or iPod collection, regardless. However, down the road, I would suggest hearing more complex arrangements, provocative productions. For now, this album will do.

T. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene