"But it's funny how negative things can turn into something positive," says Rozonda, "because when the album came out it was like, We want to know who the heck these TLC girls are anyway," she says in a mock mid-western accent.
The fact that they haven't been out in the media circuit since Lisa began rehabilitation for substance abuse, actually allowed the keenness of their album to shine through by itself - without the publicity hype. Filled with soulful/bluesy songs that are reminders of soul music in its early stages when it was a part of rock 'n' roll, this album's musical tone is a departure from the previous in sound, but not in content. It's debut single, "Creep" (produced by Dallas Austin) which went to Number One on the pop charts (their first), talks about nto begging for it, but going out and getting it when the man in your life is getting it somewhere else. Not your ideal family values type of situation, it's hypnotic arrangements - combined with the "crazysexycool" video - eased its way into the hearts of many. "Red Light Special," (produced by Babyface) speaks of sharing and caring for your mate, and "Waterfalls" (a personal favorite, produced by Organized Noize) the third single, speaks about delusions in relationships: male and female, mother and child and friends.
"When we were on the first album I came up with the term, CrazySexyCool" states Lisa. "So we knew from the beginning what direction we wanted to go in. The problem was that they would bring us back a crazy song, a cool song, an a sexy song for each of us. We were like no, it's one word because we all have those qualities."
"The only plan we had this time was to still talk about reality like we did on the first album," adds Tionne. "...It's not that we're trying to be mature because we were mature when we first came out, but when you dress a certain way you have to always take it to another level. We still wear baggy clothes, It's just to the next level. ...The last time we talked about date rape, friends, and this time we took it to another level and talked about other stuff that's going on today because problems never die."
"In my opinion, Jermaine Dupri saved us with 'Kick Your Game,' and 'Switch,'" interjects Rozonda, "because the songs that we had were so mellow it's like I can't dance to this. Something was missing, and he truly brought the rest of the ingredients together."
1992: Oooohhh... On the TLC tip 1999: Fan Mail
