3D (Clean)

How good is TLC? So good that they survive the tragic, early death of a key member -- Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who was killed in a car accident during the recording of 3D -- with grace and style, turning out a record that sits comfortably next to their modern classics, Crazysexycool and FanMail. Perhaps surviving members Chilli and T-Boz spend a little too much time in the lyrics paying tribute to their colleague, but it's easy to glide past that and just concentrate on the strong songwriting and stylish production. Like their previous albums, the particulars don't matter as much as the overall impression. No member of TLC has an astounding voice, but their skills are exploited to the hilt, since the material not only suits them; it's melodic, memorable, and grows in stature with each play. Best of all, the production plays to the strength of the song, balancing the group's character and abilities with the hooks and character of the song. Perhaps 3D doesn't blaze trails like their other albums, but it never plays it safe, it always satisfies, and it's one of the best modern soul albums of 2002. A bittersweet triumph, perhaps; but it's better to go out on a positive note. [The album is also available as a 13-song clean edition.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide