'Sup to "Ideal," the newest boy toy group in brown, to hit the scene. This four member group, featuring J-Danté, Maverick, PZ and Swab, hail from Houston, Texas, where they have been honing their craft in church choirs and high school talent shows. "Ideal" has been putting down some phat beats for Virgin Records Urban, who they held out for when many indie labels were trying to get them on "lock-down."

"Ideal," with their self-titled debut album, began their musical dream back in high school. The boys would get together before and after football and basketball practice to work on their skills. Unlike most high school graduates, "Ideal" was not laboring over that final college selection decision after high school graduation. They were trying to decide which label to sign with. After much consideration and persistence they were eventually signed with Virgin and the rest, as I say, is just the beginning.

The first thing I would like for everyone to know about "Ideal" is that these guys can really "sang"- not "sing," I mean "sang." The wonderful harmonies and soulful crooning on this CD definitely show the obvious talent that these four men possess. Starting with the intro, which sets the tone for a sensual time, "Ideal" tells me they have "just what I need" and I really hope they do as I continue on to the next cut. In "I Don't Mind," a mid-tempo track, the kickin' back beat keeps you bouncing as "Ideal" tells you that "you bring out the freak in me." "Things You Can't Do," the next song on this CD, tells the tale of boy meets woman and how December to May romances can be just as hot as any other can. They want to help some of us mature women get that "groove back."

The following cut, "Creep Inn," is a sensuous, seductive love song inviting all to meet "Ideal" at "the spot" tonight. "Get Down With Me" is another cut that is sung to woo you to come to "Ideal" and let them treat you the right way. "Get Gone," the first single off this CD, is next. The plaintive cries found in this song are a poignant appeal to women to start returning love and to treat their men with respect and dignity. "Ideally Yours" is butta'. This extraordinary acappella jam displays the wonderful harmonies sometimes lost on other tracks and you just don't get to hear them. This short but sweet song is definitely my favorite. "All About You" is also a very harmonious, up-tempo cut with a funky beat.

The next song, "Break Your Plans," keeps the groove going with a pumping beat. You can feel the Stevie Wonder influences on this song. "There's No Way" continues on in this same vein of selling lovemaking to music. "Ideal's" next cut "Jealous Skies," advises that you don't let that girlfriend's lies turn you from their love. Then, in the following song, "Never Let You Go," they promise to hold on to you forever. An emotional entreaty from the heart, felt in every word.

"Tell Me Why" is cut number 13 on this CD. It is an emotional ballad that was CO-written by "Ideal." The next two tracks "No More" and "Pigeon" are short snippets of real world scenes played out in song. "Sexy Dancer" is a hot joint with a funky feel. The rap was tight and definitely on time in this obviously hip-hop lick.

"Ideal" is a very talented group, with great harmonies. They really have a great offering in this CD, but the only thing that just doesn't come up to par are the tracks. Although they may have worked with some well-known producers, the music on the album doesn't stand out at all. The songs tend to blend one into the other and it seems like it is just the usual hip-hop fair found on everybody else's CD. This is one of those times when I must say you have to try it for yourself. It might be your cup of tea, but then again it might not.