Authenticity

So often artists create album titles attempting to entice the listener with a title that may urge them to go and purchase. Others just try and come up with album titles that come off as clever or tie back to their stage name in some manner. What you don't find, is an album title that actually reflects the content within the album. Three years ago the Foreign Exchange released "Leave it all behind," an album that takes the listener thru the ups and downs of any normal relationship and parallels the fundamental differences between today's male and female. From there, the listener goes on a remarkable journey that eventually leads to an understanding of letting go of your fears and working toward your future. In the words of Phonte, "It don't have to be so All or Nothing!" 

 This past year, the Foreign Exchange again has blessed us with another masterpiece that is Authenticity. As an avid listener of the Foreign Exchange, I'm learning that 99.2% of their work is about or dealing with relationships, and as a young black man in a committed relationship, I don't mind listening to their advice. The title track has one simple line that in my opinion sums up relationships and dating altogether. As a matter of fact, it was my mantra for a short time. The line says, "She wants me to fill her needs, she begs for Authenticity. You don't want truth from me, YOU JUST WANT WHAT U WANT!" Track number 5 "Fight for Love" resonates what so many people feel once they've been in a committed relationship for a while. That basically, "I'm tired of fighting for this because it seems like the fight NEVER ENDS!" **WAVES HAND IN TESTIMONY.* My favorite track by far is "Make Me a Fool," where Phonte pleads with his lover to resist the temptation of playing with his heart as his love grows deeper and deeper. This album is definitely one for the collection, and once u cop this make sure you get "Ladies and Gentlemen and Evening with the Foreign Exchange (LIVE)." As an FE, I'm eager to see where this group will be in 5-7 years because I don't see them being a secret for very long....you can't hide from Good Music.