Bridges (Joe album)

Last updated
Bridges
Joe-Bridges.jpg
Studio album by
Joe
ReleasedJune 24, 2014
Length62:21
Label Plaid Takeover
Producer
  • Derek "D.O.A." Allen
  • Element
  • Gerald "Plaid" Isaac
  • Philip "Taj" Jackson
  • Vic "Dahitmaka" Zapata
Joe chronology
Doubleback: Evolution of R&B
(2013)
Bridges
(2014)
My Name Is Joe Thomas
(2016)
Singles from Bridges
  1. "Love & Sex, Pt. 2"
    Released: March 4, 2014
  2. "If You Lose Her"
    Released: 2014

Bridges is the twelfth studio album by American musician Joe. It was released by on June 24, 2014 in the United States. The album marked his debut with co-executive producer Gerald Isaac's Plaid Takeover Entertainment after severing business ties with his longtime manager Kedar Massenburg. As with his previous release, 2013's Doubleback: Evolution of R&B , the album was chiefly produced by Derek "D.O.A." Allen, with additional contribution from Isaac, Philip Jackson, Vic Zapata and production team Element.

Contents

The album earned generally positive reviews from music critics, who called it one of Joe's best album projects, though some found that Bridges was overlong. The album debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 15,000 copies. The first single released from the album was "Love & Sex, Pt. 2", a sequel to his 2013 song featuring singer Kelly Rowland, followed by "If You Lose Her," a top ten hit on the US Adult R&B Songs chart.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [1]

AllMusic editor Andy Kellman called the album one of Joe's "best albums" and found that "while Bridges verges on pastiche and nearly outstays its welcome at 16 songs in 60-plus minutes, its vibrant nature is undeniable. Joe is engaging from beginning to end without sounding as if he's trying particularly hard, and he gets a tremendous amount of help from Derek "DOA" Allen, who produced all but two of the songs. Overall, this is more finely detailed than the majority of adult contemporary R&B, and there's a little more rhythmic bite through some deft dancefloor-aimed material." [1]

Similarly, Boston Globe critic Ken Capobianco wrote that "although the 16-song disc is overlong, [Joe] covers diverse musical ground while showcasing his elastic tenor. The songs remain contemporary even as he nods to his influences." [2] Melody Charles from SoulTracks noted: "Missteps and misconceptions aside, Joe's latest will do exactly what he intended to: guide his loyal 90s era fans into a new dimension of musical maturity. Trends change and tastes evolve, but Mr. Thomas's endurance comes from swaying with the currents rather than standing rigidly against them, a practice that makes this particular Bridge well worth the crossing." [3]

Commercial performance

Bridges debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200 chart in week of July 12, 2014, with first-week sales of 15,126 copies in the United States. [4] In its second week, the album dropped to number 40, selling another 7,000 copies, bringing its total album sales to 80,000 units. [5]

Track listing

Bridges track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Future Teller"
  • Joe Thomas
  • Phillip "Taj" Jackson
  • Derek "D.O.A." Allen
  • Gerald Isaac
Allen3:38
2."Dilemma"
  • Thomas
  • Jackson
  • Vic "Dahitmaka" Zapata
  • Michelle Bello
  • Jackson
  • Zapata
4:02
3."Do a Little Dance"
  • Thomas
  • Alvin Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:19
4."If You Lose Her"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
  • Allen
  • Isaac
4:13
5."Sex Ain't a Weapon"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
  • Allen
  • Isaac
3:50´
6."Love & Sex, Pt. 2" (featuring Kelly Rowland)
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:45
7."Blame Her Broken Heart on Me"
  • Thomas
  • Allen
  • Isaac
  • Allen
  • Isaac
3:30
8."First Lady"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:57
9."Take It to the House"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:45
10."Till the Rope Gives Way"
Element4:49
11."The Rest Will Follow"
  • Thomas
  • Edrick Miles
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:58
12."Mary Jane (Remix)" (featuring 50 Cent)Allen3:41
13."Bridges"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen3:27
14."Love Sex Hollywood"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
Allen4:08
15."For Love"
  • Thomas
  • Miles
  • Allen
  • Isaac
  • Allen
  • Isaac
3:35
16."Love Undefeated"
  • Thomas
  • Garrett
  • Allen
  • Isaac
  • Allen
  • Isaac
4:38
Total length:62:21

Sample credits

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. [6]

Charts

Release history

Bridges release history
RegionDateFormatLabelDistributorRef(s)
VariousJune 24, 2014Plaid TakeoverRED [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe (singer)</span> American R&B singer (born 1972)

Joseph Lewis Thomas, known mononymously as Joe, is an American R&B singer. He signed to Polygram Records in 1992, and rose to prominence after releasing his debut album Everything the following year. He followed it with a series of successful albums under Jive Records, including All That I Am (1997), the international bestseller My Name Is Joe (2000) as well as the multi-certified albums Better Days (2001) and And Then... (2003). Several songs from these albums became hit singles on the pop and R&B record charts, including the number-one hit "Stutter", the top ten entries "All the Things ", "Don't Wanna Be a Player", and "I Wanna Know" as well as his collaborations "Faded Pictures", "Thank God I Found You" and "Still Not a Player".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Game discography</span>

The discography of the Game, an American rapper, consists of ten studio albums, six compilation albums, two soundtrack albums, fifteen mixtapes, 31 singles, and 39 music videos. His music released on major record labels such as Interscope, Geffen, and DGC Records, along with subsidiaries Aftermath Entertainment and G-Unit Records, including independent record labels Get Low Recordz and Fast Life Music, Inc. Records of which has released some of his early material.

<i>Trigga</i> (album) Album by Trey Songz

Trigga is the sixth studio album by American singer Trey Songz. It was released on July 1, 2014, by Songbook and Atlantic Records. The album serves as the follow-up to the singer's fifth studio album Chapter V (2012). Trey Songz enlisted a variety of record producers such as DJ Mustard, Mike Will Made It, Da Internz, Soundz, Dun Deal, The Featherstones, D'Mile and The Insomniakz, among others.

<i>Black Panties</i> 2013 studio album by R. Kelly

Black Panties is the twelfth studio album by American R&B singer R. Kelly. It was released in the United States on December 6, 2013, by RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy, Migos, Kelly Rowland, Juicy J and Future.

<i>Friends & Lovers</i> (Marsha Ambrosius album) 2014 studio album by Marsha Ambrosius

Friends & Lovers is the second studio album by English R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius. It was released by RCA Records on 15 July 2014. The album features guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Dr. Dre, Skye Edwards and Lindsey Stirling. On 23 June 2014 the album's first and second singles "Run" and "Stronger" featuring Dr. Dre, were released.

<i>Suffering from Success</i> 2013 studio album by DJ Khaled

Suffering from Success is the seventh studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on October 22, 2013, by We the Best Music Group, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The album has guest appearances from Future, Diddy, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, T.I., 2 Chainz, French Montana, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Drake, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Jeremih. Producers include DJ Khaled, Boi-1da, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Arthur McArthur, Timbaland, Streetrunner, Young Chop and Lee on the Beats.

<i>Doubleback: Evolution of R&B</i> 2013 studio album by Joe

Doubleback: Evolution of R&B is the eleventh studio album by American singer Joe. It was released through Massenburg Media on July 2, 2013 in the United States. His debut with the label, following the dissolution of his former record company, the album incorporates classic rhythm and blues influences and features bits and pieces from 1970s' funk and soul. Joe produced half of the album, while Derek "D.O.A." Allen, The Ambassadorz, and production duo Stargate were consulted to contribute additional material.

<i>Underground Luxury</i> 2013 studio album by B.o.B

Underground Luxury is the third studio album by American rapper B.o.B. The album was released on December 17, 2013, by Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album was supported by four singles "We Still in This Bitch", "HeadBand", "Ready" and "John Doe". The album features guest appearances from Future, 2 Chainz, T.I., Juicy J, Priscilla Renea, Ester Dean and Chris Brown among others.

<i>Love and War</i> (Tamar Braxton album) 2013 studio album by Tamar Braxton

Love and War is the second studio album by American singer Tamar Braxton. The album was released on September 3, 2013, by Epic Records and Streamline Records. It is Tamar Braxton’s first studio album in 13 years. The album was a success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart selling 114,000 copies. Even though plans for a re-release of the album with a full version of the song "She Did That" and a rap remix of "One on One Fun" in 2014 with additional songs were announced, the idea was eventually scrapped as Love and War was never re-published. The album also received three 56th Annual Grammy Award nominations for Best Urban Contemporary album, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song for "Love and War".

<i>My Own Lane</i> 2014 studio album by Kid Ink

My Own Lane is the second studio album by American rapper Kid Ink. The album was released on January 7, 2014, by Tha Alumni Music Group, 88 Classic, and RCA Records. Recording for the album took place during 2013 and finished in November 2013. The album's production was handled by DJ Mustard, Cardiak, The Runners, The Futuristics, Arthur McArthur, soFLY and Nius and Ned Cameron, among others. Kid Ink collaborated with various artists on the album including Chris Brown, Tyga, French Montana, ASAP Ferg, Pusha T, Elle Varner, Machine Gun Kelly, King Los, Meek Mill, Wale, and August Alsina, among others.

<i>Appreciation Day</i> 2013 studio album by Jaheim

Appreciation Day is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Jaheim. The album was released on September 3, 2013.

<i>Nobodys Smiling</i> 2014 studio album by Common

Nobody's Smiling is the tenth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Common. It was released on July 22, 2014, by Def Jam Recordings and No I.D.'s label ARTium Records. Following the release of his 2011's album The Dreamer/The Believer, Common took a hiatus from musical endeavors. In 2013, he returned to the studio and began working his tenth album and later revealed that the production, much like his previous effort, would be handled entirely by his longtime collaborator and record producer No I.D. In 2014, Common signed a recording contract with No I.D.'s ARTium Records, through Def Jam Recordings, for the distribution of the album.

<i>Testimony</i> (August Alsina album) 2014 studio album by August Alsina

Testimony is the debut studio album by American R&B singer August Alsina. It was released on April 15, 2014, by Def Jam Recordings. The album was supported by six singles: "I Luv This Shit", "Ghetto", "Numb", "Make It Home", "Kissin' on My Tattoos" and "No Love"; along with the release of his promotional single, "Benediction".

<i>These Things Happen</i> (G-Eazy album) 2014 studio album by G-Eazy

These Things Happen is the third studio album and the major label debut by American rapper G-Eazy. It was released on June 23, 2014, by RCA Records in North America, and was subsequently released in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2014. The album features guest appearances from E-40, Rick Ross, ASAP Ferg and Tory Lanez. Recording sessions took place from 2013 to 2014, with the production on the album that primarily were handled by Christoph Andersson & Dean Earls, Jay Ant, blackbear, Jordan Evans and Matthew Burnett, among others. Following the release, he began to embark his These Things Happen Tour, for the support of this album. The sequel to this album, These Things Happen Too, was released on September 24, 2021.

<i>Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf</i> 2014 compilation album by the Game

Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf is the second compilation album by American rapper the Game. It was released on October 14, 2014, by Blood Money Entertainment and eOne Music. The album was supported by two singles: "Bigger Than Me" and "Or Nah". Upon its release, Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf received generally mixed reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, selling 33,000 copies in its first week of release.

<i>J.E. Heartbreak 2</i> 2014 studio album by Jagged Edge

J.E. Heartbreak II is the eighth studio album by American R&B group Jagged Edge. The album was released on October 27, 2014, by So So Def Recordings and Hard Case Records. It is a sequel to their multi-platinum album J.E. Heartbreak (2000).

<i>STN MTN / Kauai</i> 2014 mixtape / EP by Childish Gambino

STN MTN / Kauai is the combined release of the seventh mixtape and second extended play (EP) by American recording artist Childish Gambino. The STN MTN mixtape was released on October 2, 2014 as a free download from DatPiff, while the Kauai EP was made available the following day through online music stores by Glassnote Records. They are each considered dual sides of a concept album that are unified by a cohesive story line, and come ten months after Glover's second studio album, Because the Internet.

<i>Animal Ambition</i> 2014 studio album by 50 Cent

Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire to Win, more commonly known as just Animal Ambition, is the fifth studio album by American rapper 50 Cent. The project was released on June 3, 2014, by G-Unit Records and Caroline. All 11 tracks on the standard edition were issued as singles prior to the album's release; in order, they are "Don't Worry 'Bout It", "Hold On", "Pilot", "Smoke", "Hustler", "Chase the Paper", "Everytime I Come Around", "Irregular Heartbeat", "Winners Circle", "Twisted", and "Animal Ambition". The album features guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Trey Songz, Kidd Kidd, Jadakiss, Mr. Probz, Guordan Banks, Prodigy, Schoolboy Q and Styles P.

<i>The Beauty of Independence</i> 2014 EP by G-Unit

The Beauty of Independence is the first extended play (EP) by American hip hop group G-Unit. It was released for digital download on August 25, 2014, and includes six previously unreleased songs.

<i>My Name Is Joe Thomas</i> 2016 album by Joe

My Name Is Joe Thomas is the thirteenth studio album by American recording artist Joe. It was released on November 11, 2016 by Plaid Takeover and BMG Rights Management. Joe reteamed with longtime contributors, producer Derrick "D.O.A." Allen and Plaid Takeover head Gerald Isaac, to work on the majority of the album. A tribute to his third studio album My Name Is Joe (2000), Joe considered the project to become his final album by the time of its release.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kellman, Andy (June 24, 2014). "Bridges — Joe". AllMusic . Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  2. Capobianco, Ken (June 24, 2014). "Album Review: Joe, Bridges (2014)". The Boston Globe . Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  3. Charles, Melody. "Joe – Bridges (2014)". SoulTracks . Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  4. Tardio, Andres (July 2, 2014). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Week Ending 06/29/2014". HipHop DX. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  5. Tardio, Andres (June 29, 2014). "Trey Songz's "Trigga" Tops This Week's Album Sales Report". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  6. Joe — Bridges. Plaid Takeover/BMG Rights Management. 81011101-2
  7. "Joe Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  8. "Joe Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  9. "Joe Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  10. "R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Year End 2014". Billboard . Retrieved July 10, 2018.