The Future

In some respects, the importance of 'Guy' has yet to be widely recognised, but the fact is that the trio laid the blueprint to much of the music that you hear today - and this is largely because of the production work of Teddy Riley. This album was released when the appetite for 'New Jack Swing' was high, that strange predominantly black urban hybrid that drew on elements of Hip Hop, Gospel, Pop, Funk, and anything else that Riley felt was appropriate. And this can not be overstated, Riley's importance to the music can be evidenced by looking at the roster of artists that he worked with developing and perfecting this new genre's sound -from his early work with Keith Sweat, Bobby Brown, Deja, Al B Sure!, Heavy D & The Boyz, Stevie Wonder, Wrecks 'In' Effect....

Furthermore, Riley's dominance of the genre can be seen in the number of hits from the period which bear his imprint, and by the numerous groups which appeared trying to emulate in some way the magic formula that Riley had developed - such as Basic Black. It was also clear, when this album was released, that something special was expected, as the group had worked tirelessly to build upon the success of the groups first album (entitled 'Guy' MCA Records) and the growing awareness of the talents of Riley and Damion and Aaron Hall.

Listening now, it is true to say that some of the power and impact of the album can sound diminished, but this is perhaps largely due to the fact that elements of the 'sound' have now become so widely dispersed back in to the musical mainstream generally. But to remember hearing 'Her' for the first time, and the impact of Aaron Hall singing as if his life depended on it, can not be forgotten. This was a group that could produce tracks which hit the chest like a hammer ('Her'), drag you straight to the dancefloor ('I Wanna Get With You'), and then allow you space in the bedroom ('Let's Chill'). There could also be moments of reflection ('The Future' and 'Where Has The Love Gone'), followed by moments of funkiness that respectfully,clearly and knowingly drew on a funk musical heritage ('Teddy's Jam')and excursions which hinted at the genre's effect on Hip Hop ('Gotta Be A Leader') - something which Riley had been involved in previously with Doug E Fresh ('The Show'), Kool Moe Dee and B Fats.

So this record was and is important. Perhaps the production can seem a little 'bright', but I suspect that this owes more to the fact that the album has not been remastered in the same way that the recent 'Best Of' compilations featuring the group have been. And this is perhaps a little unfair, as 'The Future' was the groups highest achievement before the money and everything else coincided to result in the group splitting, and it deserves to be treated with a degree of respect. Listen carefully and you will hear how elements of black musical culture were fused in such a way to produce something that was new and exciting and inclusive, and which would be picked up and re-utilised by mainstream pop groups to this day (often drawing on the production talents of individuals given their first chance by Riley). And like the very best music, more than ten years on, it can still communicate the vibrancy and sheer fun that informed its production.

So. If you are looking at this album to replace a previously owned copy then this album will need no introduction. If you are looking to explore early 1990's black music then this (in conjunction with the first album) should be regarded as an essential purchase.

And, finally, whilst the group came together to record '3' some years later (possibly to fulfill contractual obligations), which didn't quite hit the heights, there is always the hope that Riley will reconvene with the Hall brothers and show some of the youngsters masquerading as artists in contemporary black music (now apparently called 'Urban') exactly how it should be done.

And, as was often the case at the time, the cd version of the album contains a host of tracks which never made it to the vinyl release

Superb music that just wants you to pump iron or run along with an energetic jog!!! :)
Seriously.. this is music for everyone.. very talented group of musical people.