What can I say? This has got to be the best debut album within the urban genre since Lauryn Hill's marvellous "The Miseducation Of...". Although "Southern Hummingbird" isn't quite as groundbreaking, it is a little masterpiece in it's own right. Tweet proves that there's more to the r&b genre than dull, overrated drivel produced by the likes of more commercial artists such as rival starlets Alicia Keys and Ashanti. Track-by-track review:
01 "So Much To Say" - Gorgeous intro, her voice sounds incredibly sexy.
02 "My Place" - A laid-back slice of soulful r&b, with Tweet's vocals and lyrics once again combining to provide a sexy atmosphere. 7.5/10
03 "Smoking Cigarettes" - One of the stand-out tracks from the album, a potential classic. Chilled yet cool, Tweet's vocals are irresistable, the production sounds as if it derives from folk influences, and it all works perfectly. 10/10
04 "Best Friend" - Here, Bilal - a star in his own right, provides duet vocals for a sweet tune about friendship. The chemistry between the 2 stars is simply fascinating. 9.5/10
05 "Always Will" - Tweet proves herself to be a lyrical genius with this track, that's sung beautifully. Another stand-out. Who said you had to sing like Aretha Franklin to have soul anyway? 10/10
06 "Boogie 2nite" - THE stand-out track of the album. Destined to be a classic in the future, a catchy hook, Tweet's sultry vocals, and a male vocal that sounds like a 27th century Barry White, I DARE you not to love this. 10/10
07 "Oops (Oh My)" - Understandably controversial debut single, sexy, sassy, and superb. 10/10
08 "Make Ur Move" - Another funky uptempo tune in the style of "Boogie 2nite", and almost equally as brilliant! 10/10
09 "Motel" - Tweet proves she can sound vulnerable as well as dominant, your heart breaks when she squeals "go to hell baby". 10/10
10 "Beautiful" - Another slow, laid-back tune, but not quite up to the standard of songs like "Motel" and "Always Will". The lyrics are gorgeous, but the vocals sound slightly forced. 8/10
11 "Complain" - Yet another slow tune, but it's another irresistably gorgeous one that will bring a tear to your eye. 10/10
12 "Heaven" - One of 2 surprisingly weak tracks on the album, and incidentally it's co-produced by Timbaland. The production is appalling, and Tweet sounds off form, with the song ending up in a big mess. 5/10
13 "Call Me" - Superb 2nd single in the style of Missy's "Get Ur Freak On". Short, but oh so sweet. 10/10
14 "Drunk" - Lyrically superb, musically poor. 3/10
15 "Southern Hummingbird" - Nice enough outro.
16 "Sexual Healing" - Excellent uptempo track, very catchy. 9/10
Congratulations Tweet. Your debut effort shows that there are still amazing talents in the music business (Tweet wrote and produced the vast majority of the tracks on the album). It'd be a crime if this lady doesn't become the global superstar that she deserves to be.