Do I Speak for the World by Gerald Levert (CD, Nov-2004, Atlantic)

Album Features
UPC:	075678376528
Artist:	Gerald Levert
Format:	CD
Release Year:	2004
Record Label:	Atlantic
Genre:	R&B, Soul

Track Listing
DO I SPEAK FOR THE WORLD?:
1. Intro/Speak for the World
2. Cornel West/Tavis Smiley Interlude
3. Crucify Me
4. Greater Later
5. Show You How to Love (Interlude)
6. Lay You Down
7. Everyday
8. Better to Talk It Out
9. It Was What It Was
10. Duty Calls
11. One Million Times
12. What Happened to the Lovin' - (featuring Eddie Levert/Trey Songz/The Levert Kids)
13. So What (If You Got a Baby)
14. Where Do We Go
15. Click a Glass
16. Do I Speak for the World (Outro)

Details
Playing Time:	62 min.
Contributing Artists:	Trey Songz, Eddie Levert, Sr., The Levert Kids
Producer:	Gerald Levert, Troy Taylor, Edwin Nicholas, Gordon Chambers, Darrell Allamby, Gerald Isaac, Mike Aka Mikey Dan City
Distributor:	WEA (Distributor)
Recording Type:	Studio
Recording Mode:	Stereo
SPAR Code:	n/a

Album Notes
Personnel: Gerald Levert (vocals, keyboards, percussion, background vocals); Gerald Levert; Darrell "Delite" Allamby (spoken vocals, various instruments, background vocals); Edwin Nicholas (guitar, keyboards, percussion, drum programming); Tony Nicholas (guitar, keyboards, drum programming, sequencer); Randy Bowland, Rick Williams (guitar); Charlene Parker, Jr., Diane Monroe, Charlene Parker Jr., Olga Konopelsky, Gregory Teperman (violin); Peter Nocella (viola); Jennie Lorenzo (cello); Dwayne Moore, Dwayne Moore (bass guitar); Eruc Byous, Eric Byous (drums); James Cornwell (percussion); Travis Milner (keyboard programming); Star Beatz (drum programming); Mike Aka Mikey Dan City, Fred "Ljai" Robertson , Chantell Jones, Mike City, Chanell Jones (background vocals); Eddie Levert (vocals); Butch Bonner (guitar); Igor Szwec, Emma Kummrow (violin); Davis A. Barnett (viola); Niles McKinney (Wurlitzer organ); Troy Taylor (keyboards, programming, drum programming, background vocals); Gordon Chambers, A.G. Thomas (background vocals); Trey Songz, The Levert Kids.Audio Mixers: Darrell "Delite" Allamby; Franny "Franchise" Graham; Ben Arrindell; Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Andre Booth; Paul Osborn; Pete Tokar.Recording information: Earpoint Studio, Bratenahl, OH; Ghetto Pop Music Studios, Dallas, TX; Quad Recording, New York, NY; The Studio, Philadelphia, PA; Unsung Studio, Sherman Oaks, CA.Photographer: Christian Lantry.Arranger: Gerald Isaac.As a member of the O'Jays, Gerald Levert's father, Eddie, was no stranger to social commentary, often taking a break from their confectionery songs of love and loss to issue strong statements on the state of the world. With DO I SPEAK FOR THE WORLD, Gerald reveals similar inclinations. While his ninth album is certainly amply stocked with sweet songs of seduction, it opens with much sharp-tongued analysis of weighty manners, going so far as to invite scholar-commentators Cornel West and Tavis Smiley for their input on a poetic interlude.On the inspirational, soul-searching opening track "Intro/Speak for the World," Levert supplies a wonderfully vulnerable take on a long list of issues on his mind, from the dangers around the world to his own moments of self-doubt. The striking "Crucify Me" follows, exposing a complex philosophy as Levert, a performer at the 2004 Democratic Convention, examines everything from school prayer to questionable wars. However, while Levert's heart is certainly poured into his political musings, his lover's notions are not ignored, as DO I SPEAK FOR THE WORLD contains plenty of tender, doleful ballads ("Better to Talk It Out") and hearty pleas ("Lay You Down"), providing a beautifully balanced record.

Editorial Reviews
3 discs out of 5 - Levert is still an R&B workhorse that most ponies in the love-song game can't keep up with.
Vibe