Let’s wrap up our Women’s History Month album ranking series with a look at one of THE most requested groups for this series. Sadly, much of the conversation around En Vogue today centers on the revolving door of group members, but let’s pause that for a moment. What should be dominating the conversation is their impeccable run of hits in the early 90s. R&B girl group convos often center on SWV, TLC and Xscape (with Destiny’s Child later on in the decade) but there was a time when the ladies of En Vogue eclipsed all of them with pitch-perfect harmonies and an insane run of hits.
Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson are the most well-known combination but Amanda Cole and Rhona Bennett held things down at various points as well. All deserve props for maintaining the En Vogue legacy through the best and worst of times.
Before they kick off their tour this summer, let’s look back at every group project to date.
6. Soul Flower (2004)
Soul in Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5
Edd said: As R&B evolved in the early 2000s, so did En Vogue. Soul Flower introduced the underrated Rhoda Bennet to the lineup after Amanda Cole bowed out, and Rhoda deserves a lot of credit for helping to carry the En Vogue banner through tough times. And speaking of tough times, sigh, Soul Flower. Rhoda’s chemistry with OGs Terry and Cindy is strong and, as you’d imagine, they’re singing their faces off. But that can’t save the album from subpar production and sometimes-stilted writing, which is much flatter than their normal standard. “Dissed Him” is FIRE though, love that track.
Forgotten favorites: “Dissed Him,” “Everyday,” “Careful”
5. Electric Café (2018)
Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Edd said: Electric Café was En Vogue’s first album in well over a decade, and I remember the hype being strong. The ladies seemed to be in a good place, they were reuniting with mentors Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy – the ingredients were in place for a great release. What we got was … aight. The album’s Achilles heel is a lack of memorable material. It feels like it’s stuck between nostalgia and innovation – sure, it sounds like an En Vogue album, but it also doesn’t feel very distinct, especially among other 2018 R&B releases. It was good to hear the ladies back, I just wish the results were more memorable.
Forgotten favorites: “Blue Skies,” “Oceans Deep,” “So Serious”
4. Masterpiece Theatre (2000)
Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Edd said: Sometimes good intentions don’t always work in your favor. True to its name, Masterpiece Theatre aimed to inject a little class into the R&B scene, leaning on classical samples and throwback arrangements for a vintage thing. In theory it’s a great fit for their hearty vocals, but other times, songs like “Love U Crazay” are so quirky they’re downright distracting. It’s not a bad album, it’s just an interesting concept that doesn’t always land.
Forgotten favorites: “Falling in Love,” “Number One Man,” “Riddle”
3. EV3 (1997)
Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: EV3 represents one of the first big turning points in En Vogue’s legacy. It was their first full album after a half-decade hiatus, group members doing solo stuff in the interim and, of course, the departure of Dawn Robinson. It does feature THE BEST EN VOGUE SONG EVER – “Don’t Let Go” from the Set It Off soundtrack a year earlier, so that’s a automatic win. And while the dynamic definitely feels different without Dawn, most of the songs work in the group’s favor. The ballad still hit hard and I love the electronic vibe on many of the tracks. EV3 feels different for sure but, in this case, different isn’t a bad thing.
Forgotten favorites: “Damn I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Sitting by Heaven’s Door,” “Too Gone, Too Long”
2. Born to Sing (1990)
Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: Precision. That’s the best way to describe En Vogue’s landmark debut. Four unique, distinct voices operating as one over great production and forward-thinking writing – this one was destined to win. It’s 1990 so of course the New Jack Swing sound is here but it’s not as overwhelming as other projects of the era. En Vogue weren’t imitators, they were innovators, and Born to Sing set them apart from the rest with a classic harmonies and modern writing.
Forgotten favorites: “Part of Me,” “Don’t Go,” “Luv Lines”
1. Funky Divas (1992)
Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: If their first album was a statement, this was a declaration. Funky Divas is a straight-up hit factory. “My Lovin,” “Free Your Mind,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” every single dominated early 90s playlists, and for good reason. En Vogue expanded their sound into funk, hip-hop soul, and pop, with a surprising amount of social commentary and empowerment thrown in there too. There was no doubt which album would be No. 1 on this list, and there’s a good reason for that. Funky Divas is the pinnacle of En Vogue’s career.
Forgotten favorites: “Hip Hop Lover,” “Yesterday,” “It Ain’t Over till the Fat Lady Sings”
Now let’s talk – which En Vogue projects are your favorite? Let us know below.
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