Luther Vandross - Luther Vandross

This is the album with the same name as Luther Vandross, released on June 19, 2001, on the J Records label. This album marks the first release under the LV Records banner, a specific partnership between the artist and Epic. The structure of this thirteenth studio album consists of fourteen tracks and a total running time of one hour and six minutes, offering an auditory experience that asserts a regained artistic strength. While the commercial figures confirm the singer's vitality, with a number six ranking on the US Billboard 200 upon release and a platinum certification in the United States for more than one million copies sold, an analysis of this period also reveals a shared critical reception among specialized media.

Luther Vandross: A strong signature on the LV Records label

The release of this album marks Luther Vandross's renewed determination to establish himself, particularly through a hybrid production approach that combines established figures with newcomers. The core sound relies on collaborations with Nat Adderley Jr. and Marcus Miller, long-time collaborators whose work is essential for grounding the album in the artist's signature "soul chic" sound. This approach is further enhanced by a range of contemporary producers such as Warryn Campbell, Shep Crawford, Eddie F., Darren Lighty, Soulshock and The Underdogs, who contribute to modernizing the sound without sacrificing the essence of the ballads. These tracks, often featuring collaborative writing with Miller or Vertelney for original and exclusive songs, depict an evolution where the artist fully embraces his role as a composer and performer, without relying on credited featured artists.

Take You Out: The triumphant opening track of the album

The album opens immediately with Take You Out, the first track on the tracklist, which serves as a major statement of intent for this new cycle under J Records. This documented single was a resounding success, reaching number one on the Adult R&B Songs chart and placing in the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100, proving that the artist was still capable of breaking through on the major charts. The opening track of this song is not insignificant: it lays the foundation for a dynamic that combines seduction and elegance, confirming the thesis of a return to artistic roots marked by a slimming that some critics, such as those at People magazine, have noted, highlighting how Vandross works his charm on sensitive slow jams. This triumphant opening track serves as a commercial and critical anchor, validating the association with LV Records and demonstrating that the singer's voice retains its power after more than ten years of a career already full of successes.

Any Day Now and Love Forgot: Intimate vocal performance

Beyond the radio anthem, the album features a deeply intimate vocal performance through tracks like Any Day Now, which was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance at the 2003 Grammy Awards, and Love Forgot, the final track that closes the album with a touch of melancholy. The nomination of Any Day Now, a cover of a Chuck Jackson song from 1962, illustrates Vandross's ability to draw from the R&B heritage while interpreting it with a modern sensibility specific to 2001. These tracks, often marked by collaborative writing with Miller or Vertelney for original and exclusive songs, and covers, depict an evolution where the artist fully embraces their role as both composer and performer, without relying on credited featured artists. The album's ending with Love Forgot offers a nostalgic conclusion that seals the integrity of this comeback, confirming that the voice remains the absolute center of the sonic experience, far from any attempt to be carried by collaborations with established stars.

The critical debate: platinum success versus negative press reviews

The reception of this album was mixed, with a notable difference between commercial success and some critical reviews in specialist publications. On one hand, media outlets like AllMusic hailed the album as one of Vandross's best efforts since Power of Love in 1991, while People magazine saw it as a return to a classic style with a collection of songs worthy of his smooth voice. However, more skeptical voices, such as PopMatters editor Mark Anthony Neal, criticized the album as a disastrous attempt to remain relevant to contemporary listeners. This dichotomy is summarized by the final sales figures: a platinum-certified album in the United States with record sales of 136,000 copies in its first week, which remains an essential reference for understanding the adaptation of R&B in the 2000s.

Technical Details

- Release Date : June 19, 2001 - Label : J Records - Tracks : 14 (1 h 06 min) - Opening / Closing : Take You Out / Love Forgot - Previous Album : I Know (1998)