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Jagged Edge Speaks From the Heart

By Krisha Hollmon
Contributing Writer

Where were you when the slow melody "Gotta Be" was being played on the radio, or on television? Well, the group that came out with that hit song in 1998, Jagged Edge, released their sophomore album, J.E. Heartbreak, January 18.

Unlike A Jagged Era, their first CD, J.E. Heartbreak grabs your attention for the duration of the album. One powerful song is "Let's Get Married," because the theme, marriage, is a topic very few male vocalists choose to sing about. The moving song brings out the bride in even the most independent of women.

Another nice cut is "Keys to the Range," an uptempo song which was also used on the In Too Deep soundtrack. It was also the first single off the album. In "He Can't Love You," the second single, Jagged Edge is advising a woman that she would be better off with them than someone else because they will show her the utmost love and affection.

What sets Jagged Edge apart from other male groups is the mature approach to their lyrics. With musical lines like "are you ready for a love like this," and "just tellme what you're feeling, cause I got the healing," they have shown that you can be affectionate, while being poetic at the same time. Additionally, they aren't afraid to say that they want to stop being a 'player' and settle down with one woman, and possibly start a family. That sentiment is most obvious in "True Man."

Other songs on the album include "Heartbreak," "Did She Say," "What You Tryin' To Do," "Healing," "Can I Get With You," "Promise," and "Lace You."

Jermaine Durpi is the mastermind behind Jagged Edge's album production, as well as bringing in guests like Ja Rule to be on the album. Ja Rule starred on "Girl is Mine," the fifth track. Jagged Edge is composed of Brian, Brandon, Richard and Kyle, all from Atlanta, GA. They are signed with So So Def Records.

Already, J.E. Heartbreak has gone gold. And with the wonderful melodies and lyrics expressed on the album, don't be surprised if it goes platinum. Besides, it deserves that status.

Krisha Hollmon, a freshman, is an English major.