Babyface's Playlist: An Album of Covers

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is one of the most accomplished songwriters and producers of the 20^th century. He has created classic material from artists ranging from Madonna to Boyz II Men to Jay-Z. On his new album, Playlist, Babyface changes pace; the album is mostly filled with cover songs. Will this playlist approach by Babyface launch a resurgence in his career, or is he better off just crafting hit songs for other artists?

Probably the most commercially successful song covered on the album is Knockin' On Heavens Door by Bob Dylan. The song has been covered so much it seems as though this is just another cover that does not meet the original. The most famous cover of this song is by 80's rock band Gunz N' Roses. This fails to add the creativity or vocal performance of that version.

On Time In A Bottle, Babyface covers the Jim Croce classic. This is just one of these songs which is timeless and is not able to be covered in a successful message. Babyface's light vocal ability fails in comparison to Jim Croce's almost haunting delivery of the song. The guitar playing on the track is first rate though as Babyface is a very talented musician.

The most successful cover on the album is Longer made famous by Dan Fogelberg. The song fits Babyface's voice like a glove and the production add a great deal to the track featuring live strings.

Not Going Nowhere is one of the two original songs on the album. The song is a change for Babyface, as it almost seems country. The song is well written and produced but Babyface's vocal performance leaves something to be desired.

The Soldier Song is the other original song on the album. The song is about the life and death of a soldier. The song just seems like a forced song about the life of a solider. The lyrics are just so-so, and the production is repetitive.