Amerie, 'In Love and War'

Release date: November 3, 2009
Record label: Def Jam
Official Web site: http://www.loveamerie.com/

The buzz: Amerie had that super catchy, Meters-sampling, hit single “1 Thing” in 2005 and then—nothing. Her 2007 album, “Because I Love It,” didn’t even get released in the U.S. The singer-songwriter has smartly switched labels, releasing “In Love and War” on Def Jam.  

The verdict: Amerie remains an expressive vocalist who steers clear of histrionics on “In Love and War.” The album deftly balances contemporary hip-hop and pop with the rock-fueled funk of the 1970s. The singer co-wrote each song; most of them maturely chronicle crumbling or busted relationships. Fabolous offers humorous rebuttals on the couple’s squabble number, “More than Love.” Lil Wayne makes a memorable cameo on a remix of the anthemic “Heard ’Em All.” Unlike most R&B releases aimed at pop audiences these days, “In Love and War” is a nuanced album. There are ample hooks but the overall production wisely remains unfettered by sonic gimmickry—allowing the spotlight to stay where it belongs, on Amerie. 

Did you know? Though this album was recorded in all the usual places (California, New York and Atlanta), Amerie says she'd like to lay down her next disc in a decidedly more exotic locale: Egypt.

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