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The Love Experiencex$7.94
  (155 reviews)
Best Price: $7.94
MPN: 53723 - UPC: 828765372329
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Customer Reviews
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Excellent Debut from Raheem!
By A2BEU7GPGNIG44 on 2005-06-28
The Love Experience is the debut album from young soulful singer Raheem Devaughn. Raheem is signed with Jive Records. The album opens up with the intro which poses the question, "Are you feeling loved today?" The title track is wonderful and I am quite surprised that this wasn't chosen as a first or second single. It's followed by the album's first single, "Guess Who Loves You More." This is a nice laid back track.
One thing about the album that I'm not that fond of is the album cover. The art work is nice but the side profile isn't the most flattering picture of Raheem. I have met him in person and he is a very handsome young man. I have my theory about this picture. He is a very soulful and mature sounding young man, but when you see him in person with his cornrows and his baby face he looks more like a hip-hop artist than a soul singer. "Who" is another really wonderful song. The entire album for the most part is filled with uptempo soul songs. "Sweet Tooth" is a great song and "You" is a unique sounding song.
All I can say now is buy this much anticipated CD and you won't be disapointed. There is nothing out right now that sounds like this and this album is great from start to finish. The song "Until" which borrows from a popular Isley Brothers song is sure to be a favorite with listeners. "Cadillac" is another great song which has a Lenny Kravitz feel to it.
If you enjoys artists such as Anthony Hamilton, DeAngelo, Angie Stone, Raphael Sadiq or Jaguar Wright you may enjoy this album.
(4.5 stars) Experience The Love, Y'all!!!
By A27RIWPJMP3XYD on 2005-08-05
Raheem Devaughn is the hands-down R&B newcomer of the year! That's a bold statement considering most people probably never even heard the name Raheem Devaughn before. Some of you might have been lucky enough to have heard his first single "Guess Who Loves You More" on your local radio station or satellite radio channel. But if that's all you heard, you are in for a real treat in his debut album entitled The Love Experience. Raheem takes you on a whirlwind of love, heartache, and everything in between.
Take for instance "Ask Yourself," a stand-out single that takes you back to the good old days of Prince and Marvin Gaye when they practically tantalized women with their songs. This notion is further repeated in the songs "Breathe" and "You," but each track stands on its own despite the seductive characteristics they all have. But the title track "The Love Experience" digs a little deeper in describing the different situations that we all go through when dealing with love. "Where I Stand" is Raheem's effort at getting into the mind of a girl who can't make up her mind on whether they will be more than friends.
But the album isn't all romance. "Green Leaves" is an attempt at giving advice on enriching your life and aspiring to do more regardless of the obstacles that get in the way. "Catch 22" is basically Raheem's story about how pushing forward and ultimately ending up right where you started and accomplishing very little in the end. He goes further into the everyday struggles in "Until," basically exclaiming that we shouldn't judge each other because we don't know anything about how good or bad another person's got it. "Who" is his dialogue on how we need to start caring about what goes on in the rest of the world and not being self-centered and concerned only with our own lives.
Raheem Devaughn is a well-rounded artist with a lot of things on his mind. With The Love Experience, he gives you a piece of his soul and hopes you will see that there is more to love and life than what conventional wisdom tells us.
BELIEVE!!!
By A1XCLREPLESWEM on 2005-06-28
YES!!!! It's about time this CD came out! And yes it's worth it. I went to another store to buy this joint and they only ordered 6 copies!!!! And this store is smack dab in the middle of Maryland!!!! How is a store in Maryland only going to buy 6 copies of local talent??!!?? They might as well went down to downtown DC and smacked Raheem in the face. They was doing the same thing! But I still got this joint and it's hot!! You get an extended version of "Guess Who Loves You More" and "Believe" is hotter then hot! (Is that even possible?)
There is one slight disappointment. I was wishing that his jam with the Isley Brothers sample in the back ground, you know the one that Ice Cube used, was on this album. Oh well I have to get that CD too. It's called the Street Experience No. 1 I believe. And that song is hot too. Get this album. It's good music. Raheem delivers us some good music to the massess that are hungry for good music. For those of us who are tired of listening to the same cookie cutter stuff over and over. He asked us to believe and he delivered. Must buy!!!
P.S. Okay. It helps if you listen to the whole CD but that track I'm talking about is on the CD. It's track 13,"Until"
Here is a break down of the whole CD.
2 The Love Experience: A catchy tune that get's you into the mood and picks your mood up.
3. Guess Who Loves You More: The hit that's been blazing the airwaves for the past few months.
4. Who: A catchy tune that gives Raheem a little cross over appeal. But he really doesn't need that.
5. Where I Stand: A nice mellow groove that I can definitely see making the radio
6. Breathe: Another jam I think could be on the radio
7. You: Ditto
8. Sweet Tooth: I'm not really feeling this one. But all tracks can't be perfect.
9. Ask Yourself: This jam is slightly better then "Believe". I think I already heard this one on the radio. It's definitely a blazin' track.
10. Believe: Is definitely on the radio and is just as blazing as "Guess Who Loves You More". I like how they put "Ask Yourself" and "Believe" back to back like that. Back to Back jams.
11. Is it Possible: A nice mellow track. Not just a CD filler thou if you know what I mean.
12. Catch 22: This track had to grow on me. It's alright and worthy of a listen.
13. Until: I struggle to figure out why this track isn't blazing the airwaves right now because it's hot. It's hotter then "Guess Who Loves You More". This track will definitely have you bopping your head.
14. Cadillac: Definitely a CD filler track but it's worth of a listen.
15. Green Leaves: CD filler, probably won't make the radio.
16. Thank you: A track that should have "(Outro)" in it as well because that's what it is.
As you can see, Amazon only shows this CD with 12 tracks but it actually has 16. With one intro, one outro, and 10 out of 14 tracks that are really good, that more then justifies the purchase of this CD. With so many good tracks, you could put this joint in your player and just hit play. You could even put it in Shuffle mode. Buy it and enjoy it.
Solid Debut - 3.5 Stars
By AZ0JE672Z45T7 on 2005-07-02
Unlike many of the people reviewing this album on Amazon I had never heard of Raheem DeVaughn until seeing his album in a Circuit City flyer. Being the music fan that I am I listened to a snippet of "Guess Who Loves You More" on iTunes and became immediately interested in purchasing The Love Experience. I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised by this release. Having read the majority of the Amazon reviews, DeVaughn appears to have a strong buzz in the DC metro area. Although he does not break ground lyrically or in production, he has just enough uniqueness to distinguish himself in today's R&B market. However, he occasionally drifts and sounds a bit like other artists. Namely, Prince on "Who" and "Cadillac"; D'Angelo on "Sweet Tooth"; and Lyfe Jennings on "Green Leaves." I'm sure DeVaughn's true fans will refute my view having observed as he developed underground over the past few years. In my opinion the standout tracks include the aforementioned "Guess Who Loves You More", the fabulously composed "Ask Yourself", and the gentle jingle of "Is it Possible." Having listened to the album for a few days I find myself fast forwarding a few cuts that seem a bit flat in comparison to the better songs. Overall, this is a pretty solid debut for a mainly unknown artist. I wish him well.
Haters not allowed!
By AXIAA3FZF3IHV on 2005-07-14
First to all the people hating on this album because they think he sounds to much like other artist need to pay attention. All artist nowadays remind people of someone before them. When Prince came out people hated on him because they said he sounded to much like James Brown. And because Prince and Michael Jackson competed on the charts. When D'angelo first came out people hated on him because they said he sounded like Prince. Instead of hating because the artist sounds similar appreciate Raheem for his talents, production, and songwriting skills. And for those who think Jive isn't pushing his album because of the similarities in sound to other artist remember this there are a lot of talented artist that don't get the recognition they deserve just because the labels tend to push artist who have been out longer or have a more hardcore, rauchy, or club banging sound. Also people have to remember that R. Kelly is on the Zomba Label as well and the company spent more money and time promoting R. Kelly's album because of his history selling records ( by the way for those wondering I do Like R.Kelly). When Amerie first came out with her song "1Thing" her label wasn't feeling it, so she took it upon herself to promote her album. The end result was a pretty successful sophomore set.
Man I got to tell ya'll it's been a while before I felt an album this much. Raheem's production, lyrics, and sweet vocals are fyurrr. I agree that not since D'angelo has an artist reminded me of a young Prince. And by far Prince is a tough artist to stand up against. But, with his own style and a deeper voice Raheem definitely has me a a fan. When I first heard "Guess who loves you more" during quiet storm hour on the radio. I instantly fell in love with the song. I kept calling the station until I got through to find out who the artist was. Once I found out I went online and realized he had a site called urbanave31. I couldn't wait for his CD to drop. Record companies these days tend to push out lower quality albums just cause of one or two hot songs. I hope Jive records gives Raheem the support he needs and pushes this album. Here are my song ratings:
1. Intro
2. The Love Experience 8/10
3. Guess Who Loves You More 10/10
4. Who 7/10
5. Where I Stand 10/10
6. Breathe 10/10
7. You 10/10
8. Sweet Tooth 9/10
9. Ask Yourself 10/10
10. Believe 10/10
11. Is It Possible 9/10
12. Catch 22 8/10
13. Until 5/10 ( song lyrics decent but the beat throws the whole song off for me. That Isley beat is truly a unique sound). 14. Cadillac 8/10
15. Green Leaves 9/10
16. Thank You (outro)
A lot of people feel some of the best songs on this album are " Guess Who" and " Believe". As much as I love these two songs. The one song I find myself repeating is " Breathe". This is definitely a song you fellas should play for your ladies when your planning a romantic evening. :)
Keep up the good work Raheem I wish you much success because you most def' have the talent.
- CD worth buying
By A1S82INWF6JCN4 on 2005-07-14
After hearing two of his tracks on the radio, I knew that I liked Raheem's music. But when the cd hit the stores, I was hesitant to buy it. Why? Because there have been so many self-proclaimed "neo-soul" artists with about 3 goood tracks on their debut cd. During my hunt for Anthony Hamilton's cd "Soul Life", I spotted the last copy of "The Love Experience". Before I opened it, I told my self, 'This brother has 5 cuts to impress me or this cd is going on eBay.' Well, after owning this cd for close to 2 weeks, I'm happy to say that it's on HEAVY ROTATION in my truck. I love this album. After listening to some of the sorriest R&B music in history made by whiney, chicken boned chested little boys, I am so very grateful for Raheem's grown man essence.
Ladies, this is a cd to lay back with. Fellas, this is a cd to take to your ladies' house if she doesn't already have it.
He either wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on this cd which shows that the talent he display on this debut cd is just scratching the surface.
Buy this cd.
- DECENT
By A1IJEUXCATW499 on 2005-07-11
This is a really cool CD. this kid plays has adopted a style from Prince and Marvin Gaye. If there was one thing to improve this piece, it must be some "Originality".
- Remember his name-He's our Marvin Gaye for the 2005
By A24KR08PZYWLBS on 2005-07-29
The 1st time I heard Raheem DeVaughn sing was at Barr Nunn in Washington DC around 1999 or 2000. I was literally in tears when he sung Until. He has such a passionate voice you feel it deep down in your soul. I knew at that very moment that this boy was going to go far. I am honored to write this review because I knew it would come to this-Raheem DeVaughn having a CD that the world can hear. For this gentleman to finally have his CD drop(he waited so long for this-patience is a virtue) and to come in at # 9 on the Billboard charts is a blessing!! Congradulations Raheem-you deserve it.
Darlene
- One of the best CDs I've heard in a long time
By A17DIGKP3IGXSL on 2006-11-24
I absolutely love this CD...I am a very picky listener and not since Mary J's "My Life" did I find a CD that I could listen too over and over again each time giving me goose bumps...His voice is beautiful and the songs definitely get you in a good mood. Absolutely one of the best CDs out there today...This CD is a must have...You'll have no regrets!!!
- Buy This Album!!!!!!!!!
By A2ADN4GRV72PWV on 2005-07-03
I've been a fan of Raheem DeVaughn for years. The Love Experience is spectacular. The loooooong wait for this calibur of music is a testament to the backward nature of the music industry. This young man has talent and actually has something to say. "Where I stand" alone is worth the money and when you play "Ask a question" have your significant other, by your side just a suggestion. When you love the cd send two other people to buy it. I know I will...
- Im very pleased
By A1L3CEZ7ISPEA1 on 2005-07-11
Its about time I got a CD that had more than 1 song on it that I enjoyed. I heard Believe on the Radio while driving threw the MD/DC area and decided to get it once it was released. In my opinion there are at least 5 strong songs that I love, and 2 or 3 that I'm sure will grow on me, and these days I would consider that a damn good CD!!! I havn't heard his music in Philly and it's a shame becuase he is an artist that actually deserves some radio time everywhere, not just in his hometown. Buy it, It's worth it.
- Classic Soul In The Making
By A39RSJEN2ZFUGR on 2005-07-11
Raheem DeVaughn is an amazing singer and songwriter. His music is classical soul in the making.
The entire CD is worth listening to. I found myself skipping ahead not because I was disappointed but because I wanted to discover the other amazing songs. I listen to this CD daily, without skipping through. Besides the two singles, Guess Who Loves You More and Believe, other stand out tracks are Breathe, You, Catch 22, Ask Yourself, and Until.
He reminds people that love is possible and should be romantic; subtly implying at a sexual encounter instead of the raw, boldness of his lesser counterparts.
His vocal range is broad and at times reminds me of D'Angelo and Marvin Gaye.
Raheem is also the lead singer of the R&B group Urban Ave 31. Check them out at [...]
I am spreading the word to everyone that I know that enjoys good music, grown folks music.
- THIS IS THE CD TRUE R&B FANS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!!!!!
By A18R8EC9BGQ5VQ on 2005-07-13
I HEARD ABOUT RAHEEM 2 YEARS AGO & HAVE BEEN WAITING ON HIS DEBUT FOR AWHILE & IT'S WORTH THE WAIT. R&B IS SO PITIFULL (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF USHER & THE UNDERATED CARL THOMAS) BUT HE BEAUTIFULLY PUTS BACK LOVE IN MUSIC. HE HAS A MARVIN GAYE/PRINCE TYPE FLOW BUT CONSIDERING THE CRAP ON THE RADIO IT COMES OFF AS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FELLAS,PLAY BELIEVE,ASK YOURSELF,& YOU TO LET HER KNOW HOW YOU FEEL (TRUST ME!). ALL IN ALL IT'S A GREAT CD & I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE MUSIC FROM HIM. JIVE NEEDS TO PUT MORE PROMOTION BEHIND HIM BECAUSE HIS CD WILL MAKE YOU THROW R. KELLY'S BACK IN THE CLOSET! A MUST BUY FOR ANY REAL R&B LOVER
- AMAZING!
By A11BKO9U7PSJNH on 2005-07-16
THIs CD IS INCREDIBLE. EVERYONE HAS TO PICK IT UP. AND I AGREE WITH THE OTHER REVIEWER. WHEN PRINCE CAME OUT PEOPLE HATED CAUSE HIS DANCE MOVES AND MUSIC WERE SIMILAR TO JAMES BROWN. AND D'ANGELO WAS SIMILAR TO PRINCE. IF THE ONLY REASON YA'LL DON'T LIKE THE CD BECAUSE HE SOUNDS A LITTLE LIKE PRINCE AND/OR D'ANGELO THEN YA'LL GOT PROBLEMS AND ARE MISSING OUT ON A PHENOMONAL ALBUM. AND HE DOESN'T SOUND THAT MUCH LIKE THEM HIS VOICE IS SLIGHTLY DEEPER THE BOTH OF THEM. RAHEEM I SUPPORT YOU. BY THE WAY I LOVE "BELIEVE" AND "BREATHE". ;-)
- I BELIEVE!!!!!!!
By AJTZ8V50CY5OK on 2005-07-23
RAHEEM DEVAUGHN'S ALBUM IS ONE THE BEST R&B ALBUMS I HAVE HEARD IN AWHILE. HIS LYRICS ARE CAPTIVATING, AND CONVINCING. HE SINGS FROM HIS SOUL!!! I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO GO OUT AND PURCHASE THIS ALBUM YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!! (I PINKY SWEAR)!!!! ALTHOUGH HE'S A LABEL MATE OF R.KELLY, I WOULD RATHER LEAVE KELLS TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET AND ENJOY RAHEEM'S LOVE EXPERIENCE!!!
- I keep #6 on repeat
By A3TB1OF14Z1YTS on 2005-08-04
What an excellent debut album! I absolutely cannot understand the reviewers who criticize this cd because he "sounds like" Prince or D'Angelo. New artists are ALWAYS going to remind you of someone who came before! So because his voice "sounds like" D'Angelo some songs, he shouldnt have gotten a record deal? Please. All that comes out today is one artist after another whose voices are exactly alike AND they put out formulaic, cookie-cutter albums. That is not the case here. His voice may remind you of others, but the music and style is all his own.
My only criticism is that this album didnt come out any earlier!
The Love Experience is great from beginning to end and I have been playing it non-stop for weeks. The only song that did not grab me right away was "Sweet Tooth" and even that one grew on me after a few additional listens! Absolute standout tracks are "Guess Who Loves You More", "Breathe", "Believe" and "Until". Those are all perfect tens, but every other cut is still a 9.5! I hope Raheem will be around for many more albums to come, but if not, then Ill be perfectly happy listening to The Love Experience over and over for years!
- Don't sleep on this one
By A1XAXFLET6GL1D on 2005-09-14
Although, I don't have this album in my collection like I should, I do listen to it on Rhapsody. And I must say, I'm in love with Raheem DeVaughn. This album is awesome. I really hope that he doesn't die off and leave us hanging. I hate when I start liking someone and then they leave me waiting and waiting and waiting (ie. Donnie...Colored Section, excellent album, but where the hell are u). So please, if u don't have this album in your collection, please do so now. I will be adding it to my collection real soon.
- THE "NO LOVE EXPERIENCE" OK, WHERE DO I START?
By A2VM3LB47CENIY on 2005-11-30
I hate to be the "Anti-DeVaughn" but I just wasn't feeling this cat. His poetic interludes sounded forced and fake to some extent and the musical content didn't really impress me. He seemed like he was getting off on his own steelo and I just didn't feel the vibe like everyone else has. I mean, I WANTED to like the brotha but I just didn't vibe him. Maybe next time.
- The more I play, the more I like. . . .
By A1SO9YLKMLDWXV on 2006-08-12
Like many folks in my, um, age range (late 30s) and older, I'm super-hyper-critical when it comes to music, especially R&B, if you can even call it that these days. We're critical, because we just love REAL music so much, and too often it seems that the best music has already been recorded years ago, never to return. Then, every once in a while, a few authentic, earthy, raw, organic, truly talented individuals crop up to do the genre justice. I think Raheem DeVaughn is one of those people. I'd actually give the "album" 3.5 stars (see I'm so retro, I can't even say CD!!!) The first time I let the CD play, I though it was good, not great. But the more I let it play, the more I can't stop playing it. It takes me on a journey outside the present, which, for me, is a very good thing (he can lose the speaking interludes though). Clearly he has an appreciation for some of his musical predecessors -- not just by sampling but by actually coming up with a whole new lyrical concept to put to classic tunes like EWF's "Can't Hide Love" and Isley Brothers' "Footsteps In the Dark". I love DeVaughn's twist on those two songs. The song "You" is nothing short of a masterpiece, and that "chocolate" dance song was certainly written for me and every other attractive "sistah" I know! Thank you, Mr. DeVaughn! Keep it up. Clearly you're progressing nicely, and we'll be hearing more from you in the future!
- A Real Experience
By A19YEDEXO31ZOF on 2006-10-06
I heard Guess Who Loves You More about a year or more ago, however I kept hearing this guys tracks on XM radio. If you like the neo-soul movement then you'll definitely like this cd. At first listen I couldn't get past that track, however after listening to more tracks definitely have my favorites. Track #7-You, is by far one of my favorites! The beat and the lyrics make this one the sexiest song on the cd!!!! Much props Raheem!!! Believe, Ask Yourself, and Sweet Tooth are good. Finally, the beat alone in Until will have your head nodding! Obviously this guy has been through some things and he tells his story well on the track. Overall, this is a good cd. I'm looking forward to the next!!
- This man deserves a Grammy
By A1M6J1XF8A1T6D on 2006-11-05
The CD was an amazing experience and I look forward to hearing more great works from this wonderfully talented artist. The CD is a breath of fresh air amidst all of the Romper Room type music going on in the music industry as of late.
- An Excellent CD
By A3BVZ9MD71F27M on 2006-11-27
When I first heard "Guess Who Loves You More" I bugged out and had to find out who this was. The artist name would always escape me or was never mentioned...then at some point I heard it and waited to hear the artist name. I immediately sought out Raheem DeVaughn. The CD is crazy and then when "You" dropped I was like "Oh my Lord this man is bananas." A must have CD for soul, neo-soul, r&b, hip-hop, rock...if you're a music lover this is a must have.
- Finally!!!
By A3MHPW14LYX0N on 2005-06-28
This long anticipated album has finally arrived in stores and I LOVE IT! Other R & B artists need to take notes from Mr. DeVaughn on how to be seductive and sexy without going over the top. If you don't know, now you know....you need to cop this ASAP!!!
- A Great Artist...
By A2J0SWREU9PBZY on 2005-06-28
Oh wow, I've been waiting for this Cd for awhile, i would always listen to "Guess Who Loves You More" which is a great song. I got the cd today, and popped it in my player. And im surprised, the cd is really good, his solo debut should be one of the top rated albums of this month, and this year. I love his voice and he has so much meaning through his voice. GET THE ALBUM, dont BURN IT BUY IT. My favorite tracks are THE LOVE EXPERIENCE, GUESS WHO LOVES YOU MORE, BREATHE, YOU AND MANY MORE!!! ITS GREAT, JUST COP THE ALBUM.
- Huge praise for Raheem DeVaughn from a die-hard Marvin Gay Fan
By A2MUF9EFIT2YDQ on 2005-06-30
It's been a long time coming, but the R&B/Neo Soul music scene has an unheralded talent in Raheem Devaughn. Expertly executed lyrics over sexy lush musical arrangements, evident in the heavy base line with strings and keys in "Position". There is not a bad track to be found on this one. Let's face it folks Raheem's voice is beautiful out front or in harmony. I bought this CD and immediately loaded it to my iPod and placed it in my car CD player.....I can't get enough. This is a must for anyone who appreciates real music. Voice, instruments and intelligent lyrics make for one of the best CD's I have ever owned.
- I can't stop listening!!!
By A14QTP0RIC3TBU on 2005-06-30
I am been saying for a minute that Raheem Devaughn is the truth...and this album definitely shows the world that I was right all along. My favorite tracks are Breathe, You, Believe, Who, The Love Experience and Sweet Tooth. Kinda upset that some songs I heard on XM Radio were left off the album...but in general the album is way above average and is selling out in DC, MD and VA. Let's make Raheem go platinum y'all!!!!
- This CD is TIGHT!!!!
By A15KTRBR04G7R on 2005-07-01
You will love this CD. Raheem's voice is so sexy and mesmerizing. Favorite tracks: "You", "Breathe", and "Until". I've been telling everyone to go out and grab this CD.
- GROWN FOLKS MUSIC
By A30TLMS3865CMB on 2005-07-03
His music has MEANING...not just catchy beats with meaningless flow. I highly recommend it. The Love Experience is AWESOME.
I'm DEFINITELY a fan.....Representing CHOCOLATE CITY.
- about a 2.5
By A9Q28YTLYREO7 on 2005-07-04
dude has Talent.good usage of live instrumentation&Songwriting,but like alot of other artists on the Neo Soul tip He just doesn't have any idenity of his own yet.time will tell.some cool ideas&whatnot,but nothing really stands out for me,but in His Musical Favor He has a strogn Upside I truyl Believe.
- Best CD I have purchased in a long time
By AAB38WH1HB91I on 2005-07-05
I wait a long time for this CD to drop. The date kept being pushed back. When I went to go by it, it was sold out at several stores. Finally, after two or three days I found it in stock. It has been a long time since I bought a cd that I like EVERY song on it. Lately I have felt dooped when I buy a cd and there are only four or five songs that i really like. "The Love Experience" is just that. Raheem DeVaughn is wonderful and I hope that his cd does well. I will buy anything that he puts out. There are so many songs on his cd that I like. The only one that I might not listen to alot is the club track, its ok but a hit club song it is not. Overall, I will be bumping his cd in my stereo for a long time to come.
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