Al B. Sure's sophmore album did not live up expectations put forth after his first album. I hate to give anything by Al B. Sure a low rating, but this isn't a great album, and he proved in his first CD that he has the ability to do much better.

I was also disspointed that the mix of "Misunderstanding" that I heard on the radio was not what was on this CD. This happens a lot these days, and it was the only reason I bought "Private Times & the Whole 9".

Al B. Sure's rendition of "Hotel California" is worth a listen. If you are already a fan of Al B. Sure, you will appreciate it, however those unfamiliar with his style might be turned off.

It's too bad that fame is indeed fleeting in the pop music world. Too many artists score big with their first release and fade into obscurity by their second or, if they're lucky, third album.

Al B. Sure! is one of those that star only shone brightly for a short period. He hit the music world in a big way with his freshman album from 1988 "In Effect Mode" which had a monster smash with "Nite and Day", a New Jack swing tune that seemed to stay on the radio forever. Because of the overwhelming success of his first-time out, the artist returned two years later with the mammoth-in-length "Private Nine".

Exploring some of the same themes as in the first one, Al's voice was never more seductive and his lyrics were no less alluring. He even tried his had at remaking a classic in his soulful reworking of The Eagle's "Hotel California", the first cut and the obvious highlight of the entire release.

While this is not a superior recording, it does stand as a reminder of that transitional R & B period between what music was and what it IS today.

Al B Sure is one of those artists who didn't get the recognition he deserved for this cd. To Me, this was the cd that should have gotten all the accolades.

Personal Favorites:

"So Special"

"I Want To Know"

"Just for The Moment"

"You Excite Me"

This was the cd that I used to get me through the first gulf war, the one I always had on when I had a lady who appreciated a GOOD Slow Jam. This cd has been off and on in my cd player since it was released. Believe me, there are TIMELESS slow jams on this cd.

Don't get caught up in the Hype of "In Effect Mode"....THIS is the cd that defines Al B.

Unless he blesses us with the release of his highly anticipated new cd.....

First, I have to disagree with people saying how it's not his best or they don't find it superior. In my opinion, this album and his voice alone slay every male artist out right now. I would even place him above Keith Sweat! Al has one of the most unique, distinctive voices out there. He CLEARLY has alot of soul in his voice and music which many male artists are lacking today. I miss the REAL r'n'b for what it was. I love all the songs on Private Times and I can listen to all of them like everyday..all the time so I won't bother giving each song a rating. They are all amaaaazzing! He's so underrated and should have gotten the credit that he deserved. He still uses his signature "awww...baby's", but he doesn't showcase his high notes that much on this one. Instead, we get a seductive, deep, normal tone voice. And I disagree with the critics saying it doesn't show his personality. If they listen to his music long enough, they would see that his music is more smooth, sultry, intimate love making songs.

The second project from a man who blew everybody's mind with his first effort, In Effect Mode. But on this particular one, I can't say the same. I was searching for some of the same things from his first album but came up short. And the only song that drew my attention was the duet with Motown's own, Diana Ross (a ballad that paints a very romantic picture of a cougar and a young buck)...LOL.