More

Album Review

After several inexplicable record company delays to the project and a four-year hiatus, Tamia's long-awaited third album finds her sticking to many of the roots that were in place through her previous releases. Her voice is stronger than ever and while she hasn't really lost a step, it's the producers who equally share the spotlight here. On each track, they present a different environment in which Tamia can flex her skills. From the pop-savvy genius of Jermaine Dupri and Trackmasters taking her to the club dancefloors and radio-friendly unit shifters ("More" and "Still") to the 7 Aurelius ballad "Officially Missing You," which takes a blatant page from the Babyface book of ballad production, she delivers a strong performance right from the onset of the record. There are moments of filler (getting through "Still" is a tedious exercise in patience at times), especially if you're looking for shades of innovation. While there are moments of pure R&B pop indulgence that will satisfy casual listeners and those looking for the hits, More really doesn't break new ground, nor does it separate her from the rest of the pack (right down to the Beyoncé/Lopez image makeover in the packaging) of acrobatic divas who adhere to the same formulas.