Artist: Cheri Dennis
Album: Portrait of Love
Record label: Bad Boy
Rating:
Reviewer: La'Juanda Knight

Not since Faith has there been a female artist on Bad Boy's roster that could hold her own among the other pop and R and B sirens of the day. Cherri Dennis has got next and the question is: Does she have the personality, the drive, and the appeal to be long lasting? At first glance it would appear that she does possess the quick mix of a successful R and B diva. However, the one key component that Ms. Dennis is lacking is the ability to sing. Her voice is average at best. Fortunately for her, the production on Portrait Of Love was upbeat and saved it from being a complete R and B disaster.

The album does not add on to the game of R and B with any new elements. What it does give you is the same clichˇ songs about a woman loosing a man, or choosing between two men like on the song "Caught Up". Where Dennis recites lines like "Every time I say I won't I always give in.... Somebody help me out I'm falling." With the intro to the hook being the line "Caught Up". It lacks any awe-inspiring lyrics or performing. For a moment, one could assume that they were having an Ashanti flashback with all of the "Eww babies" on the track.

The track "Oh Oh" is another where Dennis repeats the same line. This time it's "Oh Oh". What saves this track is the production and melodic piano that resides throughout the song. Dennis explains how she knows she has got a good man but beleivees that it is too good to be true. I give credit for the premise behind the song and know that some women can connect but would have liked to have a hook with more thought. What is even more disappointing is that Dennis's voice is limited therefore she can only add on to it to a certain extent. As opposed to Beyonce or Mariah Carey, who have talent, presence and personality.

"Showdown" allows Dennis to give the audience a dose of her sexuality. The production on this track gives a dream like soft flow where you can almost imagine the words being acted out as she sings lyrics like "I wanna ride you boy. Climb on top and ride it. I'm bout to put this thing on you." Lyrics like those are always crowd pleasers. My favorite track on the album is "Waiting". The production is well done and can easily get radio spins.

Overall, the album has radio friendly production aside from the song "I Love You". With the proper promotion and production she can definitely have several radio friendly singles. If all else fails, I'm sure the high school girls will enjoy the simple lyrics and voice abilities.