Anniversary, Music, Review

Happy Anniversary, TLC’s CrazySexyCool!

Leon@TLCArmy's avatarLeon@TLCArmy 1 Comment

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It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 25 years since we have enjoyed the ground breaking album, 1994’s ‘CrazySexyCool‘, which broke down the barriers for many of todays music acts and enabled R&B to crossover into the mainstream!

TLC followed up their hugely successful 1992 debut album ‘Ooooooohhh… on the TLC Tip‘ with a more laid back, grown and sexy approach with the help of Jermaine Dupri, Organized Noize, Diddy, JonJohn, Babyface and Dallas Austin.

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In between the recording of the album, Left Eye‘s personal life became headline news when her relationship with Atlanta Falcon’s footballer Andre Rison went up in flames, literally!

Lisa accidentally burnt down Andre’s mansion while merely trying to torch a set of tennis shoes in the bathtub after a dispute between the two. She was arrested and sentenced to rehab after the event.

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While on the way to the diversion center, Lisa saw a rainbow in the sky. It went on to be the inspiration behind her rap in the record breaking and probably the most important song of the 90s, ‘Waterfalls‘!

Despite selling more than 10 million copies in the US alone, becoming the first group to earn an RIAA diamond-certified album, TLC filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy following the revelation of their not so great contracts with their label and former manager.

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Left Eye’s personal affairs clearly boosted interest and sales of the single and album, but the music speaks for itself.

The quality of the songs were of a high standard, merged with the unique style and chemistry of T-Boz, Chilli and Left Eye made this timeless album stand the test of time, remaining just as important to the world today as it was back in 1994!

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Graphic made by Megan Dove

Fans are hoping to one day see a re-release of this epic album, either with some bonus tracks and remixes added, or maybe a completely re-recorded or live version of the album!

We’d love to see a CrazySexyCool tour in 2019 to celebrate 25 years of CrazySexyCool!

Thank you for being Crazy, Sexy and Cool, TLC!

Listen to the album in full on Spotify!

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TLC “Dear Lie” Appreciation

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Dear Lie

Originally a poem in the book “Thoughts Vol 1” written by T-Boz, the 3rd and final single from TLC’s Fanmail album was the light rock guitar-ballad “Dear Lie”, co-written and produced by Dallas Austin.

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Left Eye in the Dear Lie video

LA Reid had planned to release “Dear Lie” overseas, and release “Shout” in the US, during the hugely successful Fanmail tour.

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‘Dear Lie’ was inspired by ‘What’s My Name?’ in Thoughts by T-Boz

“Shout” never did get a single release, which was to be remixed by Sheila E. and feature Enrique Iglesias.

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T-Boz in Dear Lie

“Dear Lie” was released internationally, and became a fan favorite overseas when it was released in the fall of 1999, making a big impact in the UK, Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, reaching the top 40 and receiving regular radio airplay.

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The ladies hired Billie Woodruff to direct the music video to support the single, which was notably a lot more sombre and stripped back in comparison to their previous videos.

T-Boz and Chilli shot scenes in turmoil with their inner lies, portraying themselves as alter egos in the video.

Left Eye shot scenes strutting and posing in the corridors, keeping the TLC humor as she knocked a door and ran away at the end of the video!

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It was a difficult time for TLC as the video was shot around the time the girls were having personal differences and released statements against each other in the press.

“Dear Lie” sadly became the final single to be released by TLC as a trio.

LA Reid decided not to release any further singles from Fanmail as the tour came to an end after they decided to record a pay-per-view TV special.

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Chilli in Dear Lie

The Fanmail tour wasn’t taken overseas. A tour DVD is still a hopeful possibility for fans worldwide.

But in the meantime, lets not forget this epic single which often gets overlooked!

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Happy 14th Anniversary, TLC’s 3D!

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TLC released their 4th album “3D” this week, 14 years ago on November 12, 2002!

Rush released by LA Reid after the passing of Left Eye, the ladies had limited time to grieve, and went into the studio with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Raphael Saadiq and regular producers Dallas Austin and Babyface.

The album birthed the smash singles “Girl Talk”, “Damaged” and “Hands Up”. It also featured “Turntable”, the bittersweet tribute to Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.

Producers had limited Left Eye vocals to work with, so the album features a lot of verses taken from Lisa’s 2001 solo album, “Supernova”.

LA Reid held onto tracks Lisa worked on with TLC and Raphael Saadiq like “Its On”, “Us” and “Watch The World” for release on another album, which never came to light.

14 years later, TLC are ready to bless the world with another masterpiece, scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2017!

The Legacy Continues.

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TLC Live in Tauranga, New Zealand at ASB Baypark Arena

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TLC enjoyed a fun night at the ASB Baypark Arena in Tauranga, New Zealand!screenshot_2016-11-12-17-24-54-1

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This lucky fan got the Red Light Special treatment and enjoyed Chilli’s stage diving at the end of the show!

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T-Boz even gave fans a few exclusives before the show, singing Case of the People and Automatic acapella in her hotel room before the show!

We would love to hear those LIVE in a show one day! T-Boz Unplugged maybe?!