TLC - TLC

TLC
TLC
2017
Spotify

You could have spotted that all might not be well with this new record from TLC when on the first track "No Introduction" they reference their biggest hit "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" multiple times. Funded by kickstarter it would be easy to assume this is a record just for devoted fans wanting to say goodbye to the trio now duo for the last time. TLC is the first record done without Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes regarded as the real creative brain of the group, yet after the first track Chilli and T-Boz slide right into their groove. This album could have easily felt forced like a lot of crowd funded records tend to, but TLC ignore that and instead slide into their lane easily. "It's Sunny" features a beat with pieces from Earth Wind & Fire's "September" and furthers the celebration vibe, sort of breaking the cloud of negative press and death that seems to surround the group for years. "Haters" follows suit though in kind of a childish way with a sort of Brat Pop type of track. They have a lightness to this album that feels like it took until 2017 for the duo to remember. They are breaking musical molds or pushing boundaries, instead this can be seen more as a retrospective. The record does not feel dated though or like some kind of plea for nostalgia, it fits TLC right now. Even some of the heavier handed songs like "American Gold" with it's electric guitar lick lying just underneath, still maintain a heart to them that is intoxicating.

Some of the production is definitely missing that old punch, like on "Scandalous" where the beat could have some impact but just hovers in the background instead. "Aye Muthafucka" also doesn't feel as big and goofy as it should, it is right on the edge of something great but never fully gets there. Restraint is a real benefit to TLC allowing them to sit in their own pocket without trying to be something that they are not. The album closes on "Joy Ride" which brings their music to a triumphant and thankful close. The song is a direct letter to their fans, like much of the album is, and wishes them peace, love and happiness showing what a strong connection TLC has to the people who love them. As one of the most successful girl groups in history TLC's legacy is already etched, but this album paints it in a much brighter light where they can be celebrated rather than discuss how it all fell apart. TLC may be their swan song but T-Boz and Chilli have still said they will perform together, hopefully some of these songs will make the set list.

7.0 out of 10