Eve-Olution (International Version)

Album Review

Having proved herself with 2001's rough and tough Scorpion, Eve changed direction slightly for Eve-Olution. The focus here is less hip-hop and more contemporary R&B, with fewer rappers invited as guests — only appear on only two tracks, "Hey Y'All" features Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg and the Scorpion sequel "Double R What" features Jadakiss and Styles. After the intro, Eve focuses squarely on neo-soul. The productions keep the groove going coutresy of the beatheads behind the boards Irv Gotti, Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz, and Poke & Tone. ("Irresistible Chick" features a smooth Irv Gotti production that's moving almost as fast as Eve's fluid raps. There are a few tough-love tracks along the lines of Scorpion's "You Had Me, You Lost Me" and "You Ain't Gettin' None," and a nod to her Ruff Ryders past with "Ryde Away." [The CD was also released with a bonus track.]