Xscape - Traces of My Lipstick

Traces of My Lipstick closes Xscape's studio trilogy, cementing their status in American R&B before the end of their career. Released on May 12, 1998, by So Def Recordings Inc. and So Def, the album blends soul, R&B, and pop to mark a decisive step in their artistic lineage during the 1990s.

A sonic architecture signed by production legends

The opus stands out for its producer diversity: each track bears the imprint of a specific creator rather than a uniform approach. Daryl Simmons signs several notable interventions, including on Your Eyes and The Runaround, adding a synthetic and rhythmic touch that anchors the group in the decade's standards. Keith Sweat also steps in with his distinct style for Am I Dreamin', while Diane Warren adds her signature to The Arms Of The One Who Loves You. These collaborations illustrate the project's international reach and confirm that Xscape managed to attract the best names from the scene to accompany their evolution.

Manuel Seal, the thread tying together Jermaine Dupri's tracks

Beyond the big names, a recurring presence structures part of the album: Manuel Seal. He acts as a frequent co-producer on tracks written by or associated with Jermaine Dupri, including "All About Me (Intro)," "My Little Secret," "Do You Know," and "I Will." This collaboration anchors the group in a specific aesthetic, marking a close tie with the production house So Def. Manuel Seal's presence on these songs confirms the label's influence and its central role in building Xscape's sound during this crucial period.

Diane Warren: A Legendary Touch on "The Arms Of The One Who Loves You"

Diane Warren's contribution to "The Arms Of The One Who Loves You" elevates the project to a rare level of excellence. The legend of the genre signs this track, which appears in position 6 on the official tracklist, thus confirming the international scope of the project. Her presence on this key song is not limited to a simple technical contribution; it gives the album a dramatic and emotional dimension that surpasses the usual R&B standards of the era.

My Little Secret and Softest Place On Earth: The Hymns That Seal Xscape's Identity

Two tracks perfectly crystallize the trio's sonic identity and discography: My Little Secret and Softest Place On Earth. The former, co-produced by Manuel Seal and written by Jermaine Dupri, LaTocha Scott, and Manuel Seal, embodies the group's vocal and rhythmic maturity. As for the latter, produced by Joseph Thomas (3) and written by him as well as Joshua Thompson, it offers a softer, more melodic approach, illustrating Xscape's ability to navigate between intensity and intimacy. These two tracks, each preceded by their promotional single, remain absolute references of the album.

Discography review: a landmark album before its time

Traces of My Lipstick positions itself as the final chapter of a brilliant career for Xscape. While certain aspects were judged mixed by critics, the album remains a consolidation of their status in the musical landscape of the 1990s. The variety of producers, ranging from Daryl Simmons to Diane Warren and including Manuel Seal on Jermaine Dupri's tracks, testifies to an artistic ambition rare for a female group of that era. This record marks the end of an era where Xscape managed to impose its unique style and powerful voice at the heart of global R&B.