Two-Eleven

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AMAZON
Toni Estes has already proved her R&B worth, writing two of the Top 10 hits that resurrected Whitney Houston's career with Rodney Jerkins: "If I Told You That", Whitney's duet with George Michael, and the come-back anthem, "It's Not Right But It's Okay". Her debut long-player asserts that while the production genius of those tracks was unmistakably Jerkins, their unshakeable tunes were most definitely Estes. After her hounding melodies on "Independent Lady", the sexually charged "Hot" and Prince-esque love song "I Adore", Two Eleven's distinguishing mark is Estes' phenomenal sense of soul. The trappings of intros and outros, tripping beats, ringing mobiles and rap interjections may be the definition of modern R&B, but her sumptuously rich vocals and empowered delivery have old-soul in every breathe. Even her slow-tripping ballads, "She Already" and "Stupid", manage to avoid the normal R&B sentimental slush and warbling excesses. Instead, Estes injects a hit of integrity and intelligence to their words, concentrating on screwed-up relationships rather than idyllic ones, while admirably resisting endless demonstrations of just how athletic her voice is. Add "Let Me Know", "U Don't Got What I Want" and the disco slam of "Change Of Heart" which beg for radio play, and Two Eleven more than lives up to the promise of Toni Estes' CV. --Dan Gennoe