Introducing ReWind!
Every Month UrbanBridgez.com will take you back to a year & focus on a CD release. With commentary from the UBGteam! This month we start with the year 1998, 10 years ago when the first T M H forum debuted online!
Xscape | Traces of My Lipstick
(So So Def)
Traces of My Lipstick was the third album from Xscape. Released in May of 1998, the album included three hit singles: "My Little Secret", "The Arms of the One Who Loves You", and "Am I Dreamin".
Kandi Formally of Xscape Speaks Exclusively to UrbanBridgez.com & Shares her Thoughts on The Release!
UrbanBridgez.com: What did Xscape set out to do when recording "Traces?"
Kandi: Sad as it is, we didn't really set out to do anything but get through it! They wanted us to crossover more with this album, and that would have been great in my opinion. Yet, during negotiations for our third album we found out Tocha wanted to put the group on hold to do a solo album. So So Def decided to sign her but the agreement was she had to do our 3rd album first. It was tension through the recording of the whole album, so getting through it again was what we set out to do.
UrbanBridgez.com: What was it about that album you enjoyed the most?"
Kandi: That was my least favorite album. Not because of the quality of the records because they were great records, but because of the drama that went on during the making of it, and also I did not know what was next for me or the other girls.
UrbanBridgez.com: What is a single from that album you would of personally liked to be released and why?"
Kandi: I didn't listen to that album a lot it really brings back so many memories. The only songs I can even name other than the two that had videos (My Little Secret & Run To The Arms) are "Hold on to Love" & "Softest Place On Earth." So I guess one of them could have been a single to me.
<--------Here's What The UBGteam Has To Say-------->
LaRonda (UBGteam): With their third album, Traces of My Lipstick, I think Xscape decided to show the sexier, sultrier side of themselves. The group sounded as good as ever, bringing real soul and passion to their performances. I, however, did find their previous efforts more enjoyable but all in all this record does go hard.
Personal Favs: The Arms of the One Who Loves You, My Little Secret, Softest Place on Earth
Aries (UBGteam): I was an Xscape fan from the start! The first two CD's really set a tone for what a young R&B female group could do, specially with the fact they all could blow! With "Traces" it was obvious, the girls were now women and the music reflected that. One thing that remained the same was the fact they all shared lead vocals & that stands out so clear on "Traces." The music was a tad bit better for the group with songs like "Hold On," & "Softest Place on Earth." That CD was one of the best R&B CD's released that year!
Personal Favs: Hold On, Softest Place on Earth, One of Those Love Songs, Am I Dreamin.
Dhaani (UBGteam): To me I thought this was the best Xscape CD released from their entire career. We received hints of their sexy sides with their earlier releases but nothing of his caliber. To me my favorites from this disc are "The Softest Place on Earth", and "Your Eyes". It sums up growth, maturity, and how well Kandi knew to construct songs based on her group-mates singing limitations.
Bryan (UBGteam): Xscape's third album, Traces of My Lipstick, showed their sexy side and also maturity and unity. This album was like a blueprint to what a great R&B album was during that year. From the lyrics to the harmonies, everything was on point, and because of that the ladies delivered a classic album. It's hard to believe that after 10 years, it stills feels fresh.
Personal Favs: Personal Favs: The Arms of the One Who Loves You, My Little Secret, Softest Place on Earth
Brianna (UBGteam): Xscape's 1998 "Traces of my Lipstick" contains all the ingredients of a perfect R&B and soul album not only for its time, but one which also stands forever as a classic in the history of R&B and soul music. The ladies of Xscape flawlessly epitomize the quintessential 90s R&B girl group. Less hardcore than TLC, but more defined than the likes of 702, Xscape was known for their sensual and smooth flavor.
Personal Favs: Personal Favs: The Arms of the One Who Loves You, My Little Secret, My Little Secret
