accessAtlanta

R&B
Monica
"The Makings of Me." J Records. 10 tracks.
Grade: C+

(ENLARGE)
Marcus Klinko and Indrani (ENLARGE)
Monica's got the look of a woman who knows what she wants, but "Makings" has the respected belter stuck on the dance floor.
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Atlanta songstress Monica sings in a brassy purr, and she spends the better parts of her new album cultivating a sassy persona. (She's not above referring to herself in the third person, as in "Monica has her needs.") "Sideline Ho" scolds women for allowing themselves to be treated badly by no-account men. On "A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)," she compares a man to a pair of designer shoes and informs him "you're my property." "Everytime Tha Beat Drop," the album's first cut, is a foray into snap music featuring Dem Franchize Boyz. The song provides a welcome blast of variety. Still, too many songs linger in the mid-tempo zone, making it seem like Monica's holding back when we really want her to keep busting out.

— Nick Marino