Ginuwine GINUWINE ... THE BAT

Personnel includes: Ginuwine (vocals); Magoo, Timbaland, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Virginia Slim (rap vocals); Tim Mosely (background vocals).
Recorded at Pyramid Sound Studios, Ithaca, New York.
Ginuwine's tasteful arrangements and subtle, insinuating vocal style make his debut album an exceptional slice of contemporary R&B. Utilizing sparse electronic backing that allows for plenty of atmospheric space, Ginuwine lays down sensuous, low-key vocals that avoid the melismatic histrionics of too many of his contemporaries. He is adept at setting a mood, using samples and snatches of dialogue to create interludes between several of the songs that add to the evocative feel of the proceedings. Several songs make good use of guest vocalists, particularly "Holler," which gets plenty of mileage from a sassy rap by Virginia Slim.
While Ginuwine indulges in his share of lascivious banter, he manages to flesh out (no pun intended) his characters by showing their loneliness and desire for true love along with their more carnal concerns. The music is smooth and organic, melodically inviting and rhythmically irresistible.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop