Tamar Braxton - Tamar (2000)

This solo debut from Toni Braxton's younger sister, Tamar is both impressive and enjoyable. It features a fitting mix of soulful ballads and upbeat rhythm tracks, replete with mellow harmonies and sassy backbeats. Tamar collaborates with top-notch producers Jermaine Dupri and Tricky Stewart to create a smooth, radio-friendly sound along the lines of Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. While not in possession of a vocal range as refined as her sister Toni, Tamar hits her own mark on standout tracks "If You Don't Wanna Love Me," "Tonight," and "Get None." This recording is primarily a quiet display of Tamar's competence at present day rhythm & blues with some contemporary hip-hop flavor thrown in. If it wasn't such an all-around good listen, it would certainly be worthy of recognition on the basis of its professional presentation alone.~© Roxanne Blanford /TiVo