JLS
Evolution
Release Date: Nov 5, 2012
Genre(s): Pop, R&B, Pop/Rock, Pop Idol, Teen Pop, Contemporary R&B
Record label: Sony Music Distribution
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Album Review: Evolution by JLS
Acceptable, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 3/5
It's a ripe time for the international boyband, with the Wanted and One Direction causing Bieber-like apoplexy both here and in the US. JLS, who predate that wave by a crucial couple of years, are clearly wondering why they aren't enjoying that same level of devotion (a reliance on duff ballads is a good pointer). Evolution is an effort to change all that, and it's full of taut, sophisticated pop that nods to Justin Timberlake circa 2002, Timbaland circa 1999 and even some of Nicki Minaj's more experimental beats.
Based on rating 5/10
The fourth album from 2008 X Factor runner-up JLS, 2012's Evolution features more of the British boy band's slick, dance-oriented R&B. This time, JLS have teamed up with big-name producers in Mr. Bangladesh (Usher, T-Pain) and Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber). The result is a synth-heavy album that, while evincing a kind of updated take on the '90s new jack swing influence that first inspired the group, lacks much of the memorable songwriting that marked the best music of that time period.
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