'Touch' [Sony Urban Records]    Genre: R&B

Cultured from youth with appreciations of classical arts from her mother and Rhythm & Blues from her father, the Korean-African American army brat, and baby girl is becoming a wanted addition to the music industry. After graduating from Georgetown University, Amerie’s singing aspirations introduced her to Rich Harrison - which lead to a deal with Rise Entertainment, moving her into Columbia Records. In the height of Spring (2002), we were offered a laid-back breathe, fit-to-boot single “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” introducing the starlet and her debut album, All I Have. It steamed with an indifferent base of eclectic production, lyrics, and impressionable personality… but without a familiar name, new-comers are often overlooked. Regardless of how fresh the release, Amerie’s first LP found itself easily set in the 9th position of Billboard’s 200 and the 2nd position of the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. After getting wet behind the ears with production of BET’s The Center, a role in First Daughter (starring Katie Holmes & Michael Keaton), and a brief hiatus - the sophomore set, Touch is an R&B album worth the listen. With the opportunity to get her hands more involved, Amerie shows a freshened and jazzed work - along side the gold production works of Lil Jon, The Buckinghams, Bink, Red Spyda, Dre, and Vidal (oh, and of course Rich Harrison). Hitch (Will Smith’s successful “Love Dr.” film) opened the new year, featuring one of the hottest releases in 2005; the album’s first single, “1 Thing.” The Meters’ stimulating magic behind Amerie’s sweet vocals is one thing that hones an addictive energy. “All I Need” is blended, hinting a jazzy texture and tones a well-feathered beat. Lil Jon's input is highlighted on the album's title song, "Touch," offering a subtle, get-close, and erotic delivery. Vibrant and melodic, “Not The Only One” is a reality check, with an attractive mesh of highlighted ad-libs and breathless vocals. Laid back, with a heavy bass “Like it Use to Be” is one of the more paced songs… and before you can get comfortable, “Talking’ About” grabs your attention with its party tick & throb. “Come With Me,” shines a light on the perfect-fit connection between Amerie & Harrison, as his production is feckless between her raw delivery, on the save-love song. Oozing an obvious matured voice “Rolling Down My Face” and “Can We,” featuring Carl Thomas, are additional proof of the colors in Amerie’s talent. The album closes with two noteworthy ballads, “Just Like Me” a passionate, candle-light injection and the delicately laced “Falling,” giving a soft pouring medley that brings the set to a pleasurable form. Also featured on the LP is the “1 Thing Remix”, featuring Eve, as well as a more adult-contemporary version of “Why Don’t We Fall in Love,” one song we’ll always acknowledge with Amerie. Overall, Touch remains with a specific diversity that is soulful, modernistic, and projecting. “At the end of the day the music speaks for itself. I really had a lot to get off my chest and there were specific ideas I wanted to express. And even though it's only my second album, I definitely think that I've established my own lane," Amerie exclaims. And though “just” the second release into her career, the latest is a pleasing growth, both artistically & musically... and after a few spins, it’ll feel like it was worth every fingertip.

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