When Mint Condition released their debut hit single “Breakin My Heart,” it represented a resurgence of the funk-soul era that was popularized during the ’70s by bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and K.C. and The Sunshine Band.
Twenty years and six top 10 singles later, Mint Condition continues to provide fans with the live R&B experience with their seventh album, 7.
The album begins with the funk-induced “Can’t Get Away.” The song speaks of the addictive nature of being captured by infatuation. “I Want It,” a surefire party jam that will ignite any club or backyard barbecue, is reminiscent of ’80s funk songs produced by Prince and Roger Troutman.
On “Walk On” and “Mind Slicker,” the group delves into the problems that can stem from getting involved with a conniving lover. “I slipped on your ice again, that flossy life pretends, girl you’re a mind slicker, mind slicker, mind slicker,” sings lead singer Stokely Williams on “Mind Slicker.”
The band takes a voyage into hip-hop with J Dilla-like production on the title song, “7,” and “Unsung” is the album’s most inspirational moment.
“Twenty Years Later” uses jazz and the blues to tell the tale of a 47-year-old married man who steals, cheats with his best friend’s girl and lives in his mother’s home.
Mint Condition’s 7 is a superb piece of work that serves as an appetizer for the band’s amazing live show. –amir shaw
