Bittersweet (Blu Cantrell Album)

''Bittersweet'' is the second studio album by American singer Blu Cantrell, released on June 24, 2003, by Arista Records. The album debuted at number 37 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart, selling 29,000 units in its opening week, and spawned the commercially successful single " Breathe". Despite not matching the domestic success of previous album '' So Blu'' (2001), ''Bittersweet'' charted in international markets, unlike Cantrell's debut album, performing modestly in certain European nations. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 46th Grammy Awards, but lost to Luther Vandross' '' Dance with My Father''.

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Tim Sendra called ''Bittersweet'' "another fine slice of contemporary R&B propelled above the ordinary by her arresting voice and the sympathetic and interesting production." He found that "the record has a melancholy tinge and Cantrell sings with a depth of emotion that many of her contemporaries can't reach ..Cantrell is a real talent and ''Bittersweet'' is the kind of record fans of modern soul music should champion. Tough, smart, sexy, and impassioned with a sound that shows imagination, it would be a shame if it slipped through the cracks." ''Billboard'' declared the project a "perfect showcase for Cantrell's honey-dipped vocals," and cited "Breathe", "Sleep in the Middle", "Make Me Wanna Scream" and Impatient" as highlights.

''Vibe'' critic Jason King complimented Cantrell for her "formidable voice" and wrote: "Though her voice lacks distinctive personality, she bowls you over with jazzy vocal licks and a pyrotechnical intensity that's pure Holiness church." King found that the uptempo track on ''Bittersweet'' seemed "generic compared to her stunning ballads." Beccy Lindon from ''The Guardian'' found it problematic that the "laid-back jazz of Cantrell's debut has been replaced with myriad styles and a more calculated, dancefloor-friendly sound ..You can't help but feel that this sugar-coated package is meant to attract a mainstream audience rather than develop Cantrell as an artist." ''Rolling Stone''s Barry Walters noted that ''Bittersweet'' "still flaunts a dexterity and worldliness that set her apart from her streetbound peers. But lackluster lyrics and mediocre melodies make the poorly sequenced album's overwhelming blandness neither bitter nor sweet."

Commercial performance

''Bittersweet'' debuted and peaked at number 37 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 in the week ending July 12, 2003, with first week sales of 29,000 units. A considerable drop from her previous effort '' So Blu'' (2001) which had opened at number eight on the chart, it also reached number eight on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, becoming Cantrell's second top ten album. In the United Kingdom, ''Bittersweet'' peaked at number 20 in the week of August 31, 2003. It was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on October 3, 2003, followed by a gold certification on July 22, 2013.

Track listing

Sample credits
* "Breathe" contains excerpts and samples from "What's the Difference" by Dr. Dre featuring Eminem and Xzibit.
* "Don't Wanna Say Goodbye" contains excerpts and samples from "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" by Syreeta.
* "Round Up" contains replayed elements from "Dueling Banjos", written by Arthur Smith.

Charts

Certifications

Release history

References

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2003 albums
Albums produced by Mike City
Albums produced by Soulshock and Karlin
Albums produced by Tricky Stewart
Arista Records albums
Blu Cantrell albums