Eve: Eve-Olution : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

As its title suggests, Eve-Olution delivers some growing on the part of its namesake. Her third album packs even more sharp producers and better vocal talent than her last effort, Scorpion. But here Eve is the sole MC on every cut except two, and the drastic reduction in verbal interruptions emphasizes her musicality. Acoustic guitars flicker across chilly R&B, while hip-hop interprets electronica's woozy grooves. Irv Gotti and 7 Aurelius supply the funky harpsichord sounds that drive the radio-ready Alicia Keys collaboration "Gangsta Lovin'." Yet it's Gotti and 7's bell-laden "Irresistible Bitch," which resurrects an up-tempo Prince B side, that generates the boldest, most bootylicious results. Eve seems mostly happy now, and the album reflects her elevated mood by celebrating melody without suggesting pop sellout. Still, her lyrical strengths remain in her heavier material, which is saved for last. "Ride Away" struggles to steer clearly through life after 9/11, finding redemption in a breezy guitar riff. Floating on reflective piano chords, a squeaky synth and solemn singing children, "As I Grow" is Eve at her most sincere. She's still unfolding, learning to be herself through her communion with others -- this is the album that's finally all about Eve.