Another Level (CD)

Powered by the massive hit single "No Diggity," Another Level is arguably the finest album created by Teddy Riley, the leader of Blackstreet. Riley has masterminded an album that blends street-level rhythms with urban soul and pop crossover potential, adding two new members -- Eric Williams and Mark Middleton -- to the lineup in order to position Blackstreet as an heir to the classic R&B vocal group tradition. The realignment works, since the group sounds fuller and more eclectic with the two added voices. But the key to the success of Another Level is Riley's songwriting, which is by and large catchy and inventive, whether he is writing ballads or party jams. Another Level sags a bit halfway through -- it's hard to sustain interest for a nearly 70-minute album -- but it has enough strong moments to make it an enjoyable listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide