From the Bottom Up

Last updated
From the Bottom Up
Fromthebottomup.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 10, 1995
Length57:25
Label
Producer
Brownstone chronology
From the Bottom Up
(1995)
Still Climbing
(1997)
Singles from From the Bottom Up
  1. "Pass the Lovin'"
    Released: August 23, 1994
  2. "If You Love Me"
    Released: October 24, 1994
  3. "Grapevyne"
    Released: April 11, 1995
  4. "I Can't Tell You Why"
    Released: July 25, 1995

From the Bottom Up is the debut studio album by American girl group Brownstone. [1] It was released by Epic Records [2] and Michael Jackson's MJJ Music [3] on January 10, 1995, in the United States. [4] Brownstone worked with a wide range of producers and songwriters on the album, including Jorge Corante, Dave "Jam" Hall, Soulshock & Karlin, and Gordon Chambers. [5] From the Bottom Up spawned four singles, including the top 10 R&B hits "If You Love Me" and "Grapevyne," and a cover of The Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why". In addition, "Sometimes Dancin'" was featured in the Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home soundtrack.

Contents

The album debuted at number 48 on the US Billboard 200 and peaked at number 29 on March 11, 1995. It spent 37 consecutive weeks on the chart and earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 16, 1995. [6] From the Bottom Up received critical acclaim and garnered several accolades, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "If You Love Me," and five Billboard Music Award nominations, winning one for Top Hot R&B Single Airplay for "If You Love Me."

Promotion

To promote the album, Brownstone embarked on a concert tour throughout the United States during the summer of 1995, performing at various venues such as the House of Blues [7] in North Hollywood, California, and participating in festivals like Jam 4 Peace in Milwaukee, Budweiser Superfest in Chicago, KUBE Summer Jam in Quincy, Washington, and the Cincinnati Jazz Festival. [8]

The trio also made appearances on several local and international television programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,Video Soul, Top of the Pop, and Hey Hey Its Saturday.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Entertainment Weekly B− [10]
Knoxville News Sentinel Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Los Angeles Times Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Mademoiselle Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [13]
The Washington Post (favorable) [14]

Upon its release the album received positive reviews from critics. William Cooper from AllMusic called From the Bottom Up a "solid debut." He found that the album "showcases the group's considerable vocal talents, but Brownstone is somewhat distinctive in that the group's members also had a hand in writing their own material. Predictably, the album's songs alternate between R&B funk workouts and slinky slow jams, but the vocals rise above the material, making the album a delightful listen [...] From the Bottom Up is somewhat undermined by an overabundance of producers. But this doesn't take away from the quality of the songs and the solid vocal performances." [9]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Party wit Me"
  • Nichole Gilbert
  • Jorge Corante
  • Corante
  • N. Gilbert
4:44
2."Grapevyne"
Hall5:39
3."If You Love Me"
Hall5:04
4."Sometimes Dancin'"
Soulshock & Karlin 5:03
5."I Can't Tell You Why"4:06
6."Don't Cry for Me"
  • Brownstone
  • Darin Whittington
Whittington5:21
7."Pass the Lovin'"
  • N. Gilbert
  • Whittington
  • Charmayne Maxwell
Ken Kessie3:51
8."Fruit of Life"
  • Corante
  • N. Gilbert
  • Monica Doby
  • Corante
  • N. Gilbert
5:15
9."True to Me"
  • N. Gilbert
  • Jonah
  • O'Brien
  • N. Gilbert
  • Jonah
  • O'Brien
3:51
10."Wipe It Up"
  • N. Gilbert
  • Gerald Baillergeau
  • Ron Marlin
  • Doby
  • Maxwell
Baillergeau3:25
11."Deeper Feelings (Ooh La La)"
  • N. Gilbert
  • Shawn Lilly
  • Dewey Browder
  • Maxwell
Dewey Browder5:30
12."Half of You" (featuring Gordon Chambers)
  • N. Gilbert
  • Chambers
Chambers5:42

Samples

Personnel

Adapted credits from the liner notes of From the Bottom Up. [15]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [27] Silver60,000^
United States (RIAA) [28] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Musicology</i> (album) 2004 studio album by Prince

Musicology is the twenty-eighth studio album by American recording artist Prince. The album was given to concertgoers at his Musicology Tour, from March 27 to September 9, 2004, in North America. A digital release followed two days after his tour started on March 29, 2004. The physical retail version was released on April 19, 2004 (Europe) and April 20, 2004 (US) by NPG Records and distributed by Columbia Records. Musicology was the first album in five years that Prince released through a major label and, being partially recorded in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was his first to be recorded outside Minneapolis in many years. Musicology is R&B-themed.

<i>The Score</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Fugees

The Score is the second and final studio album by the hip hop trio Fugees, released worldwide on February 13, 1996, on Columbia Records. The album features a wide range of samples and instrumentation, with many aspects of alternative hip hop that would come to dominate the hip-hop music scene in the mid- to late-1990s. Primarily, The Score's production was handled by Fugees themselves, Jerry Duplessis and Warren Riker, with additional production from Salaam Remi, John Forté, Diamond D, and Shawn King. The album's guest verses are from Outsidaz members Rah Digga, Young Zee, and Pacewon, as well as John Forté, and Diamond D. Most versions of the album feature four bonus tracks, including three remixes of "Fu-Gee-La", and a short acoustic Wyclef Jean solo track entitled "Mista Mista".

<i>Until the End of Time</i> (Tupac Shakur album) 2001 studio album by 2Pac

Until the End of Time is the seventh studio album and third posthumous album by American rapper 2Pac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zhané</span> R&B duo from Philadelphia

Zhané was an American R&B duo, best known for their 1993 hit "Hey Mr. D.J.", which reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Other popular hits include "Groove Thang" and minor hit "Sending My Love", both released in 1994. The group was part of Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit collective.

<i>Vault: Def Leppard Greatest Hits (1980–1995)</i> 1995 greatest hits album by Def Leppard

Vault: Def Leppard Greatest Hits (1980–1995) is the first greatest hits album and the second compilation album by English hard rock band Def Leppard. The album was originally released in the band's home country on 23 October 1995 by Mercury Records. It was released in North America a week later on 31 October by the same label. Vault went on to be certified gold in four countries, platinum in three and multi-platinum in two. In the US, the album is currently certified 5× platinum by the RIAA, and in June 2011 it topped the five million mark in sales there. It won Metal Edge magazine's 1995 Readers' Choice Award for "Best Hits or Compilation Album."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is How We Do It</span> 1995 single by Montell Jordan

"This Is How We Do It" is the debut single of American singer-songwriter Montell Jordan. It was released by Def Jam Recordings on February 6, 1995, as the lead single from his debut studio album of the same name (1995). The single was Def Jam's first R&B release, and is Jordan's signature song.

Brownstone is an American female contemporary R&B group that was popular during the mid-1990s. They are best known for their 1994 hit single "If You Love Me", which was nominated for a Best R&B Performance Grammy Award. "Grapevyne", "5 Miles to Empty" and "Pass the Lovin'" also brought them some success, as well as their rendition of "I Can't Tell You Why", a song originally recorded by The Eagles.

<i>Beware of Dog</i> (album) 2000 studio album by Lil Bow Wow

Beware of Dog is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil' Bow Wow. It was released on September 26, 2000, through So So Def Recordings and Columbia Records. Recording sessions took place from 1999 to 2000, with Lil' Bow Wow's mentor Jermaine Dupri primarily producing the album, and Xscape, Jagged Edge, Da Brat and Snoop Dogg, among others, appearing as guests.

<i>Still Climbing</i> (Brownstone album) 1997 studio album by Brownstone

Still Climbing is the second and final studio album released by American R&B trio Brownstone. It was released by MJJ Music and the Work Group on June 23, 1997 in the United States. The album contains the second line-up of the group after the departure of original member Monica Doby. She was replaced by Kina Cosper, whose first and only appearance was on this album before departing for a solo career in 2000. Still Climbing features the singles "5 Miles to Empty" and "Kiss and Tell" as well as "In the Game of Love" which originally appeared on the soundtrack to the 1996 film The First Wives Club.

Nicci Gilbert is an American R&B singer. She is mainly known for being the lead vocalist of an American female R&B girl-group Brownstone who rose to fame in the mid 1990s best known for their 1995 hit single "If You Love Me", which was nominated for a Best R&B Performance Grammy Award. "Grapevyne" and "Pass the Lovin'" also brought them some success, as well as their rendition of "I Can't Tell You Why", a song originally recorded by The Eagles.

<i>Brotherhood</i> (3T album) 1995 studio album by 3T

Brotherhood is the debut studio album by American R&B group 3T. The album was released in 1995 through MJJ Music and 550 Music.

<i>Double Up</i> (R. Kelly album) 2007 studio album by R. Kelly

Double Up is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter R. Kelly. It was released by Jive Records on May 29, 2007 in the United States, with distribution handled by Zomba Label Group. The album features the contributions with guest appearances and also the productions, which was handled by R. Kelly, along with Swizz Beatz, The Runners, Snoop Dogg, Khao, Nelly, Chamillionaire and Polow da Don.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Love Me (Brownstone song)</span> 1994 single by Brownstone

"If You Love Me" is a song by American R&B group Brownstone, released on October 24, 1994, by MJJ Music and Epic Records. It is the second single from their debut album, From the Bottom Up (1995). The song was written by Gordon Chambers, Nichole Gilbert, and Dave Hall, and features a sample from "Spellbound" (1990) by American rapper K-Solo. "If You Love Me" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1996 but lost to "Creep" by TLC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grapevyne</span> 1995 single by Brownstone

"Grapevyne" is a song by American R&B vocal group Brownstone, released on in April 1995 as the second single from their debut album, From the Bottom Up (1995). The song reached number 49 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. It also charted at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart and number 15 in New Zealand.

<i>Jason Derulo</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo is the debut studio album by American singer Jason Derulo, released on February 26, 2010. The album was produced by J.R. Rotem and features the hit singles, "Whatcha Say", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100; "In My Head" and "Ridin' Solo", which marks Derulo's third consecutive number-one in the UK R&B Chart.

<i>Own the Night</i> 2011 studio album by Lady Antebellum

Own the Night is the third studio album by American country music trio Lady Antebellum. It was released on September 13, 2011 through Capitol Nashville. This is the follow-up album to their previous Grammy Award winning album Need You Now. The production on the album was handled by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum. The album was supported by four singles: "Just a Kiss", "We Owned the Night", "Dancin' Away with My Heart", and "Wanted You More".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxee</span> Guyanese singer–songwriter (1969–2015)

Charmayne Maxena Maxwell, professionally known as Maxee, was a Guyana-born American singer–songwriter. In the mid 1990s, Maxwell came to prominence as a member of the female R&B trio Brownstone.

<i>Forever</i> (Alesso album) 2015 studio album by Alesso

Forever is the debut studio album by Swedish DJ and record producer Alesso. It was released on 22 May 2015 by Def Jam Recordings. Alesso has said of the album, "It's been an indescribable journey to get this album together. I'm so proud of it, it's very personal to me, it's a dream to me that this has come together and I do what I love every single day. I hope my fans will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it and all the memories and emotions that went into every song. Thank you to everyone who helped me on this incredible journey and this is just the beginning."

<i>American Teen</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Khalid

American Teen is the debut studio album by American singer Khalid. It was released on March 3, 2017, by Right Hand Music Group and RCA Records. The album was supported by the Billboard Hot 100 top 20 singles "Location" and "Young Dumb & Broke"; as well as the third single "Saved".

<i>Golden</i> (Romeo Santos album) 2017 studio album by Romeo Santos

Golden is the third studio album by American singer Romeo Santos, released on July 21, 2017 by Sony Music Latin. The album production mixed bachata with other genres such as jazz, bolero and reggaeton. The majority of the tracks were written by Santos and co-produced with sound engineer Mate Traxx. It encompasses bachata treated with synthesizer, piano, hyperkinetic percussion and guitars. It contains 18 tracks exploring lyrics ranging from hate, criticism, tabloid rumors to love and sex and features guest appearances from Swizz Beatz, Juan Luis Guerra, Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Daddy Yankee, Julio Iglesias and Jessie Reyez. It also features production from Santos, Allen Ritter, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, Illangelo, Illmind, Matetraxx, Swizz Beatz, Tainy, and Vinylz, among others.

References

  1. From the Bottom Up - Brownstone | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic , retrieved April 4, 2021
  2. "Rock Bottom Entertainment - Presents From The Bottom Up MP3". MP3 archives free - lasoute.fr. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  3. "From The Bottom Up from MJJ Music on Beatport". www.beatport.com. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  4. "Happy 26th Anniversary to Brownstone's Debut Album 'From The Bottom Up' Originally Released January 10, 1995". Albumism. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  5. "Gordon Chambers | Berklee". www.berklee.edu. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
  6. "RIAA - Gold & Platinum search results for Brownstone". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  7. Nielsen Business Media, Inc (1995-11-11). Billboard. unknown library. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.{{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. Cash Box. William and Mary Libraries Special Collections Research Center. Cash Box Pub. Co. 1995-08-05.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  9. 1 2 AllMusic review
  10. Jackson, Devon (February 10, 1995). "From the Bottom Up". Entertainment Weekly .
  11. Campbell, Chuck (January 27, 1995). "Brownstone Effort Muddied By Producers". Knoxville News Sentinel .
  12. Johnson, Connie (February 12, 1995). "In Brief". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  13. Small, Michael (Mar 1995). "From the Bottom Up by Brownstone". Mademoiselle. Vol. 101, no. 3. p. 104.
  14. Himes, Geoffrey (April 16, 1995). "Rock-Solid Debut for Brownstone". The Washington Post . p. G11.
  15. From the Bottom Up (liner notes). Brownstone. Epic. MJJ Music. 1995. CEK 57827.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. "Australiancharts.com – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  17. "Top RPM Albums: Issue 9161". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  18. "Dutchcharts.nl – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  19. "Offiziellecharts.de – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  20. "Charts.nz – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  21. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  22. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  23. "Brownstone Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  24. "Brownstone Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  25. "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  26. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  27. "British album certifications – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  28. "American album certifications – Brownstone – From the Bottom Up". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved September 23, 2020.