Editorial Reviews

By the time they assembled the soundtrack for the film adaptation of Terry McMillan's acclaimed novel How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis were no longer the hippest names in urban soul, but they hadn't lost their groove. They still knew what worked and what didn't within the context of urban R&B, they could still write strong songs, and they had a keen eye for talent. All of which is a complicated way of saying that How Stella Got Her Groove Back is an exceptional soundtrack -- a well-constructed, consistently entertaining collection that manages to be cohesive despite its eclecticism. Or maybe, it's successful because of its diversity -- it's great to hear the music slyly shift from updated Soul II Soul grooves to reggae to hip-hop to urban ballads. Everything is tied together by a classy, stylish attitude and sultry production that makes even the weaker songs sound alluring. Boasting highlights from Stevie Wonder & Wyclef Jean, Shaggy & Janet, Mary J. Blige, Big Punisher & Beenie Man, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, Maxi Priest and K-Ci & JoJo, How Stella Got Her Groove Back comes close to matching the dazzling heights of Waiting to Exhale and Soul Food, and that's good company indeed. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating: