Woman to Woman (Keyshia Cole album)
Woman to Woman | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | November 19, 2012 | |||
Recorded | 2011–2012 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 49:19 | |||
Label | Geffen | |||
Producer |
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Keyshia Cole chronology | ||||
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Singles from Woman to Woman | ||||
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Woman to Woman is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Keyshia Cole. It was released on November 19, 2012, by Geffen Records. The album was recorded between 2011 and 2012 and features guest vocals from Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Ashanti, Elijah Blake and Robin Thicke.
Woman to Woman received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number ten on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first week sales of 96,000 copies.
Background and concept
Cole started work on her fifth album in early 2011, after releasing her unsuccessful fourth album Calling All Hearts in December 2010.[1] Woman to Woman is Cole's first album without mentor and A&R executive Ron Fair, following his departure from Geffen Records.[1] Cole described the album as a "return to her roots" and a dedication to "her ladies".[1] On a visit to BET's 106 and Park she told her fans, “I took myself out of the equation this time around and I focused on my fans, just make sure that they’re gonna be happy.”.[2] Despite touching on subjects similar to previous records, Cole was adamant that Woman to Woman would be different. On her official Twitter page she wrote, "I'm in love with these songs I've recorded. REAL TALK".[3] Woman to Woman is named for the title track, a duet that Cole recorded with Ashanti.[4] Cole appeared on BET's 106 & Park on August 1, 2012, to reveal that Woman to Woman would be arriving in Fall 2012 alongside Cole's new reality TV show Keyshia & Daniel: Family First.[2]
New Management
On January 17, 2011, Cole tweeted "Would like for u guys to know that Manny Halley is no longer my management." followed by "Someone said if the people around u won't change, change the people around you." This happened shortly after the decline of opening week sales of Cole's album Calling All Hearts.[5] She also disclosed that recent business disagreements played a part in their split. This was Cole's first album to be released without Halley, as he stayed with her from the beginning of her career.[6] The two reconnected in 2013.[7]
Production
"I am trying my hardest for this album to help them get over the bull that they go through with these guys even though I’m not experiencing it at this moment. I want to be supportive and understanding and caring to my fans as well."
— Keyshia Cole, JET Magazine.[8]
Recording primarily took place at Geffen headquarters and Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Material was also recorded at Westlake Recording Studios. Other recording sessions took place in New York and Cleveland, Ohio, including Cole's home studio. In early 2011, Cole started production in early stages working with producers Boi-1da, Cool & Dre, Earl Powell and Toxic, along with Ester Dean.[1] Cole also collaborated with Sak Pase.[9] More producers for the album include Rodney Jerkins, T-Minus, DJ Camper, and Carlos McKinney. The album is produced by Cole, G Roberson, among others from Interscope Records.[10]
Cole worked with Elijah Blake, formerly known as Redd Stylez on the lead single, "Enough of No Love".[2] Among those artists with featured vocals on are Ashanti, who appears on the title track "Woman to Woman",[4] Meek Mill on "Zero", Elijah Blake on "Wonderland", Robin Thicke providing backing vocals on "Next Move", and Lil Wayne who appears on the album's first single "Enough of No Love".[11][12] The song "I Choose You" was first recorded by Mary J. Blige and then by Jennifer Hudson, both of whom rejected the song.[13]
Titling and artwork
The album title, Woman to Woman, comes from Cole's decision to speak especially to females with this album.[1] She is encouraging ladies who are in bad relationships, as she once was.[citation needed] On October 11, 2012, Keyshia posted the photos for the standard and deluxe editions. When asked about the album cover, Cole stated "It's literally me taking my face off. I have to for a second step outside of myself. The pain I've experience and the things I've been through, you don't forget."[14]
Release and promotion
Woman to Woman was first expected to be released in early fall. However, more recording and production pushed the release to November 19 comprising standard, deluxe, Target deluxe, and iTunes deluxe versions.[15] On October 9, 2012, the album's official Target promotional ad premiered during a commercial break for the series premiere of Keyshia & Daniel: Family First with an extended version premiering on November 13, 2012.
Singles
"Enough of No Love" is the album's lead single. It is a mid-tempo song featuring hip-hop artist Lil Wayne. It was sent to radio[16] and released for digital download on July 3, 2012.[17] The song was written by Redd Stylez and Cole and was produced by Harmony with a mid-tempo R&B production.[18] It peaked at number seven on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. On August 9, 2012, the song debuted at number 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it ultimately peaked at number 84.[19]
"Trust and Believe" is the album's second single. It is a heartfelt[according to whom?] ballad written by R&B duo The Righterz and was produced by DJ Camper. "Trust and Believe" was released for digital download on October 22, 2012[20] and again on November 13, 2012. On October 24, it was ranked the number one added song to Urban radio of the week.[21][22][23][24]
Cole announced on her official Twitter account that "I Choose You" will be the album's third single.[25][26] It was sent to urban radio on August 23, 2013.[27] The music video for the song was filmed in August 2013.[28] It was directed by Ethan Lader.[29] The video displays a story of Cole in love with two men, but unable to let one go. Cole appeared on BET's 106 & Park on October 2, 2013 for the world premiere of the video.[30] The video premiered on VEVO later that evening.[31]
Live performances
On October 13, 2012, Cole performed "Trust and Believe" at the Black Girls Rock! Awards. The show aired on BET on November 4, 2012.[32] On November 17, 2012, Cole performed in Chicago at WGCI’s Big Jam 2012 alongside Usher, Rick Ross, Kelly Rowland, Fat Joe and Future. Cole performed "Enough of No Love" and "Trust and Believe".[33] On November 20, 2012 Cole and Ashanti performed "Woman to Woman" at Best Buy Theater in New York City[34] Cole performed "Enough of No Love" and "Trust and Believe" at the 2012 Soul Train Awards, which premiered on November 26, 2012.[35] On March 18, 2013, Cole performed "Trust and Believe" on Jimmy Kimmel Live.[36]
Tour
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cole revealed that she was planning a tour called the Woman to Woman Tour for 2013. "I want to do a “Woman to Woman” tour. I want powerful singers, Brandy, possibly, Melanie Fiona, possibly. Just singers that can really blow but also have some things and records out right now." says Cole. "We’re working that out right now, so that could be a February–March."[37] The Woman to Woman Tour started on March 28, 2013 at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury in Westbury, New York and ended on April 21, 2013 at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California visiting 18 North American venues, featuring Chrisette Michele and Mateo as supporting artists.
Reception
Critical response
Aggregate scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 78/100[38] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
About.com | [39] |
ARTISTdirect | [40] |
Allmusic | [41] |
The Honesty Hour | [42] |
USA Today | [43] |
Woman to Woman received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 78, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on five reviews.[38] Ben Ratliff of The New York Times states, "Woman to Woman, Ms. Cole's fifth album, is an R&B almanac of shaky romance, nearly every song a first-person narrative with gnarled details, endlessly recombining data about suspicion, jealousy, pride, punishment, self-respect, the led-up, the aftermath."[44]
Mark Edward Nero of About.com rated the album 4.5 stars out of 5 labeling it as "angrily defiant" and "consistently good".[39] Allmusic’s Andy Kellman gave the album 4 out of 5 starts stating "Although women are rarely addressed directly, Cole makes music for women dealing with a wide variety of emotionally painful romantic issues" while informing that this is "among her best work."[41] Rick Florino of Artistdirect gave the album a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars saying "Cole's got that timeless talent and presence that make for essential records, and that's exactly what 'Woman to Woman' is."[40] Embrace You Magazine gave a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars saying "‘‘Woman to Woman’’ reigns in maturity, depth, and solidity, and Keyshia’s voice is sounding more passionate than ever."[45] R&B website ThisIsRnB.com gave a rating of 4 out of 5 stars stating "Back to her signature sound on emotional heavy ballads such as the new single, 'Trust and Believe', she is reminding fans why they fell in love with her back in 2005."[46] Steve Jones of nationwide magazine USA Today rated the album 3 out of 4 stars calling Cole a "feisty soul singer" saying that it's "a conversation that women might actually have and that men might want to be aware of."[43]
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 selling 96,000 copies in its first week in the United States, becoming Cole's fifth consecutive top ten album.[47] In its second week, the album fell to number fifteen, where it sold 37,100 copies.[48] In its third week, the album fell eleven spots to number twenty-six, selling 28,600 copies.[49][50]
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Enough of No Love" (featuring Lil Wayne) | Keyshia Cole, Harmony Samuels, Sean Fenton, Dwayne Carter | Harmony "H-Money" Samuels | 3:49 |
2. | "Zero" (featuring Meek Mill) | Cole, Vidal Davis, Tyler Williams, Melanie Fiona, Guordan Banks, Jessyca Wilson, Robert Williams | Dre & Vidal, T-Minus | 4:08 |
3. | "Missing Me" | Cole, Eric Hudson, Fenton | Eric Hudson | 3:41 |
4. | "Trust and Believe" | Cole, Darhyl Camper, Jr., Wilson, Banks | Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Jr. | 4:16 |
5. | "Get It Right" | Cole, Melvin Hough II, Rivelino Wouter, Banks, Wilson, E. Noel | Mel & Mus | 3:50 |
6. | "Woman to Woman" (featuring Ashanti) | Cole, Betty Wright, Frederick Taylor, Earl Powell, Walter English III, Ashanti Douglas | Frederick "Toxic" Taylor, Powell, English III | 3:55 |
7. | "Wonderland" (featuring Elijah Blake) | Cole, Jerry Duplessis, Fenton, Wilson, Banks, Arden Altino, Akene Dunkley, Olivier Castelli | Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, Arden "Keys" Altino (co.), Akene "The Champ" Dunkley (co.), Olivier "Akos" Castelli (co.) | 3:53 |
8. | "I Choose You" | Jack Splash, Fenton, Lundon Knighten, Cole | Splash | 4:49 |
9. | "Stubborn" | Cole, Rodney Jerkins, Paul Dawson, Fenton | Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Paul "Hollywood Hotsauce" Dawson | 4:20 |
10. | "Hey Sexy" | Cole, Terius Nash, Carlos McKinney | Carlos "Los" McKinney | 3:57 |
11. | "Next Move" (featuring Robin Thicke) | Cole, Roosevelt Harrell, David Balfour, Wilson, Banks | Bink! | 4:35 |
12. | "Signature" | Cole, Ryan Williamson, Banks, Wilson | Ryan "Rykeyz" Williamson | 4:08 |
Total length: | 49:19 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Enough of No Love" (featuring Lil Wayne) | Keyshia Cole, Harmony Samuels, Sean Fenton, Dwayne Carter | Harmony "H-Money" Samuels | 3:49 |
2. | "Zero" (featuring Meek Mill) | Cole, Vidal Davis, Tyler Williams, Melanie Fiona, Guordan Banks, Jessyca Wilson, Robert Williams | Vidal, T-Minus | 4:08 |
3. | "Missing Me" | Cole, Eric Hudson, Fenton | Hudson | 3:41 |
4. | "Trust and Believe" | Cole, Darhyl Camper, Jr., Wilson, Banks | Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Jr. | 4:16 |
5. | "Get It Right" | Cole, Melvin Hough II, Rivelino Wouter, Banks, Wilson, E. Noel | Mel & Mus | 3:50 |
6. | "Woman to Woman" (featuring Ashanti) | Cole, Betty Wright, Frederick Taylor, Earl Powell, Walter English III, Ashanti Douglas | Frederick "Toxic" Taylor, Powell, English III | 3:55 |
7. | "Wonderland" (featuring Elijah Blake) | Cole, Jerry Duplessis, Fenton, Wilson, Banks, Arden Altino, Akene Dunkley, Olivier Castelli | Jerry "Wonda" Duplessis, Arden "Keys" Altino (co.), Akene "The Champ" Dunkley (co.), Olivier "Akos" Castelli (co.) | 3:53 |
8. | "I Choose You" | Jack Splash, Fenton, Lundon Knighten, Cole | Splash | 4:49 |
9. | "Stubborn" | Cole, Rodney Jerkins, Paul Dawson, Fenton | Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Paul "Hollywood Hotsauce" Dawson | 4:20 |
10. | "Hey Sexy" | Cole, Terius Nash, Carlos McKinney | Carlos "Los" McKinney | 3:57 |
11. | "Forever" | Cole, T. Williams, Ester Dean, Clifford Harris | T-Minus | 2:42 |
12. | "Next Move" (featuring Robin Thicke) | Cole, Harrell, Balfour, Wilson, Banks | Bink! | 4:35 |
13. | "Who's Gonna Hold Me Down" | Cole, Harrell, Banks, Wilson, I. Hayes | Bink! | 3:58 |
14. | "Why Lie" | Cole, Dru Castro, Ebong | Castro, Uforo "TAKTIX" Ebong | 3:49 |
15. | "Signature" | Cole, Williamson, Banks, Wilson | Rykeyz | 4:08 |
Total length: | 59:47 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
16. | "Here We Go" | Cole, Fenton, Deondre Darrelle Collins, Ernest Wilson, J. Shakoor | Trakmatik | 3:57 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
16. | "I Can't Make You Love Me" | Betty Wright, Greg Curtis | Greg Curtis | 3:53 |
17. | "Wonder" | Cole, Banks, Wilson, Chauncey Hollis | Hit-Boy | 4:26 |
Personnel
Credits taken from the official album booklet.
Managerial
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Performance credits
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Instruments
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Production
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Charts
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
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US Billboard 200[55] | 10 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[56] | 2 |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label | Edition |
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United States | November 19, 2012 | CD | Geffen Records | Standard,[51] Deluxe,[52][53] Target[54] |
References
- ^ a b c d e "Keyshia cole Speaks to the Ladies with New Album Title". Rap-Up.com. 2011-10-14. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ a b c "Keshia Cole's Woman 2 Woman Due in October". Rap-Up.com. 2012-08-02. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Readies New Album for February". Rap-Up.com. 2011-09-20. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ a b "Ashanti Dishes on Album Title Keshia Cole Due Coach Carter 2". Rap-Up.com. 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Fires Manager in Wake of Declining Sales". Billboard.com. 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
- ^ "Guess who's Back with a fire single? Keyshia Cole!". SandraRose.com. 2012-06-25. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
- ^ Keyshia Cole rehires Manny Halley
- ^ "Keyshia Cole on Finally Being in a Happy Space Covering Jet Magazine". Brittney M. Walker. September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Sak Pase Reveals Queen's Influence on "Watch The Throne" Tracks, Rihanna's "Man Down" Controversy". HipHopDX.com. January 3, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
- ^ Video on YouTube
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Enlists Lil Wayne for New Single 'Enough of No Love'". Rap-Up.com. 2012-06-25. Retrieved 2012-08-04.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Says Expect 'Woman To Woman' In October". Only-Keyshia.com. 2012-08-09. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
- ^ Video for I Choose You
- ^ Keyshia Cole/Ace Hood
- ^ Album announcement Tweet
- ^ K97FM
- ^ "Enough of No Love (Feat. Lil Wayne) [Explicit]: Keyshia Cole: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2012-07-03.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Has 'Enough of No Love' in New Single: Listen". Billboard. 2012-07-02. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
- ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/keyshia-cole/chart-history/
- ^ Trust and Believe release
- ^ "R&B Songstress Keyshia Cole to Release "Woman to Woman" on Monday, November 19th". Interscope Records. 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2012-10-25.
- ^ Tweet on Trust and Believe
- ^ T&B tweet
- ^ WUSL FM
- ^ I Choose You tweet
- ^ I Choose You tweet 2
- ^ PlayMPE I Choose You
- ^ Keyshia Cole readies I Choose You video
- ^ I Choose You video
- ^ Keyshia Cole 106 and Park
- ^ Video on YouTube
- ^ "Alicia Keys, Brandy, Ciara, Missy Elliott, & Keyshia Cole Celebrate Women at 'Black Girls Rock!'". Retrieved October 26, 2012.
- ^ Performance at Chicago's Big-Jam
- ^ Keyshia Cole with Ashanti
- ^ Keyshia Cole at Soul Train awards
- ^ Keyshia Cole on Jimmy Kimmel
- ^ Kennedy, Gerrick D. (November 19, 2012). "Keyshia Cole continues emotional journey with 'Woman to Woman'". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b "Woman to Woman Reviews, Ratings, Credits and More at Metacritic". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
- ^ a b "Keyshia Cole – Woman to Woman". About.com.
- ^ a b Florino, Rick (November 21, 2012). "Keyshia Cole "Woman to Woman" Album Review — 4.5 out of 5 stars". Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ a b Kellman, Andy (November 19, 2012). "Woman to Woman – Keyshia Cole". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved November 25, 2011.
- ^ The Honesty Hour review
- ^ a b Jones, Steve (November 20, 2012). "Album of the week: Keyshia Cole's 'Woman to Woman'". USA Today. USA Today. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Ratliff, Ben (November 19, 2012). "Albums by Pitbull, Keyshia Cole, and Kurt Rosenwinkel". The New York Times. The New York Times. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
- ^ Embrae You review
- ^ This Is R&B review
- ^ Caulfield, Keith (November 28, 2012). "Rihanna Gets First No. 1 Album, Phillip Phillips & Kid Rock Debut Top Five". Billboard. Los Angeles. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Langhone, Cyrus (December 5, 2012). "Alicia Keys Lights A Fire At No. 1, Kendrick Lamar Returns To Top 20, Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah Tear Down The Block". Sohh.com. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
- ^ "Wiz Khalifa Misses The Top Spot, Alicia Keys Stays Hot At No. 7, Rihanna Undresses The Top 10". SOHH.com. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
- ^ "Bruno Mars Strikes Gold, T.I. Gets Dethroned From Top 10, Frank Ocean, 2 Chainz & Pitbull Return To The Chart". SOHH.com. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
- ^ a b "Woman to Woman: Keyshia Cole: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
- ^ a b "Woman to Woman: Keyshia Cole [Deluxe Edition]: Audio CD". Amazon.com. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2012-11-20.
- ^ a b "Woman to Woman (Deluxe Version) Keyshia Cole". iTunes Store (US). Apple. 2012-11-19. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
- ^ a b "Keyshia Cole – Woman to Woman – Only at Target". Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
- ^ "Keyshia Cole Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 12, 2013.