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| The High Road | 
 enlarge | Artist: Jojo
Label: Blackground Records
Category: Music
List Price: $13.98
Buy Used: $3.66
You Save: $10.32 (74%)
New (38) Used (31) Collectible (1) from $3.66
Avg. Customer Rating:  92 reviews
Sales Rank: 29977
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 000750002
UPC: 602517058828
EAN: 0602517058828
ASIN: B000H8SFK2
Release Date: October 17, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | This Time - JoJo, Storch, S. | | • | The Way You Do Me - JoJo, Swizz Beatz | | • | Too Little Too Late - JoJo, Alexander, J. | | • | The High Road - JoJo, Rotem, J. | | • | Anything - JoJo, Dozier, B. | | • | Like That - JoJo, Leslie, R. | | • | Good Ol' - JoJo, Soulshock | | • | Coming for You - JoJo, Soulshock | | • | Let It Rain - JoJo, Riddick, M. | | • | Exceptional - JoJo, Warren, D. | | • | How to Touch a Girl - JoJo, Steinberg, B. | | • | Note to God - JoJo, Warren, D. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Back in 2004, when JoJo was 13 and seemed entirely too much like a character out of the parent-scaring movie Thirteen, nobody, not even her mom, could have guessed she had a disc as good as The High Road in her. What a difference a couple of years and a squadron of slicker-than-thou producers make. Beyond the addictive but not over-the-top radio hit "Too Little Too Late," The High Road is littered with pit stops both elegant (the dreamy-sweet ballad "Exceptional," the angsty, soulful "How to Touch a Girl," and the introspective "Note to God") and shoulder-shimmyingly fun (the sexy-funky R&B tease "This Time," produced by Scott Storch; the hip-hop heater "The Way You Do Me," done up with characteristic magic touches by Swiss Beatz; and the go-girl rock number "Comin' for You," whipped to a perfect-peaked froth by Soulshock). What makes these songs and others--particularly "Let It Rain," with its tick-tick-tick-tick beat--standouts is not raw artistry but careful, willful calibration. JoJo's vocals are full-throated, creamy, and increasingly Beyonce-like, but even when they veer in a Monica-reminiscent direction (check "Good Ol'"), they're given their due with wide-open beats and rhythms that feel less ratcheted-up than right in time. Expect The High Road to log a lot of travelers, none of them weary. There's not a pothole in sight. --Tammy La Gorce
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| Customer Reviews: Read 87 more reviews...
 The Leann Rimes of Pop/R&B October 17, 2006
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
Listening to this album you'll have a hard time believing that the singer is not yet sixteen at the time of writing this, and that she already has a platinum album under her belt. The first album "Jojo" spawned the hit single "Leave (Get Out)" when she was a mere weenybopper of thirteen, and this year she's acted in two movies in addition to putting together her second album.
First single "Too Little Too Late" has been out for months, and has helped to create a lot of advance buzz for this album, which in my opinion delivers the goods big time. The single is about moving on after a failed relationship, and if you cast your mind back (some of us further than others) you can identify with the lyrics: "I was young / And in love / I gave you everything / But it wasn't enough"
The album begins with the R&B track "This Time", where she takes responsibility for a break-up, but isn't ready to give up as yet, and then she launches into a hip hop track "The Way You Do Me" which could easily fit right in on any Beyonce / Christina Aguilera / Pussycat Dolls / Danity Kane album. The title track is a great R&B ballad, and then comes my favorite track "Anything" which samples "Africa" by Toto in fine style. Since hearing this track for the first time, it hasn't left the player.
If you think she's done there, think again - and then listen to the Janet Jackson type track "Like That", the powerfully belted "Let It Rain", the outstanding ballads "Exceptional" and "How to Touch a Girl" and the R&B tracks "Good Ol'" and "Coming For You". The album closes on an inspirational note with "Note To God".
This is an exceptional sophomore album from a talented young artiste who still has limitless potential.
Amanda Richards
My Favorite Fall 2006 CD October 17, 2006
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
Teen singer JoJo arrived on the music scene in 2004 with her self-titled debut. The single spawned the TRL friendly hits "Leave (Get Out)" and "Baby It's You." In an industry where young singers sometimes turn out new albums every year, JoJo took her time working on her sophomore album. In between albums she made two movies RV and Aquamarine.
It was a risk, because in this fickle music industry, often out of site means out of mine. JoJo found no problem returning to the music spotlight. The first single from her sophomore album The High Road, "Too Little, Too Late," immediately became a favorite on MTV's TRL and on Itunes. The mid-tempo ballad also raced up the Billboard Chart.
So how does The High Road measure up to JoJo's debut album? Well JoJo sounds more mature. Twelve solid songs are included on the disc which is filled primarily with mid-tempo ballads with a few bangers. The Swizz Beats produced single "The Way You Do," is sure to be well loved. Other uptemp songs on the album include the "This Time," (which proves to be a kind of boring song to open up a great album), "Let It Rain," (which evokes memories of an Aaliyah or Missy Elliot song). "Let It Rain," has a track that makes you want to bounce. "Good Ol'" is also a bounce style uptempo track.
Overall, The High Road is filled with ballads. JoJo used a sample of the early 80's ToTo song "Africa," for the song "Anything." One of the best ballads on the album is the title track "The High Road." Other stand out songs include the first single "Too Little, Too Late," "Like That," and "How To Touch A Girl."
The High Road is a good album. But it's very mature. This being said, JoJo's core fans may feel that the album is a little too grown up for them. On another note, she may make more mature fans. This is definitely not an album you would expect from a teen singer. The High Road is a solid sophomore effort from JoJo. Although, she likes to consider herself a multi-genre artist, The High Road truly comes across as a modern R&B album. She is a young diva in training and she can easily be placed in the same league with Christina Aguilara, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Monica, and other well loved R&B singers.
Blue-Eyed Soul Is Taking Over R&B! October 17, 2006
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
The first time I listened to the CD, I didn't really like it all that much in comparison to the first. It's funny, however, how music takes on new value once you can relate to it. If my first impression is to dislike a CD, it usually isn't correct, and this was definitely one of those cases. I still find it a bit disturbing that someone so young as she is singing about what she does, but setting her age aside, it's an excellent album to add among the blue-eyed soul greats.
Here is an evaluation of the tracks.
1. This Time - I like it. It reminds me of Cassie.
2. The Way You Do Me - I can't get over the subject matter and her age. Generally Swizz Beats' beats don't appeal to me. It also seems like she does a lot of shouting in this song.
3. Too Little Too Late - The resemblance to Leave, Get Out is uncanny. Interesting that she should release it as her first single, eh? I still like it.
4. The High Road - A very uplifting, mature song, not characteristic of a teenage girl's behavior.
5. Anything - Wikipedia is GOD. The song samples the 1982 hit single "Africa" by a band named Toto. I tend to love songs that sample others, because it just broadens my knowledge of music.
6. Like That - Another song that reminds me of Cassie, I love the beat. This is at the moment, my favorite song on the album.
7. Good Ol' - I tend to skip this one. It's one of those crusin' in the car songs, and those I generally don't like.
8. Coming For You - A lot more poppy than the rest of the album, it has more of a rock appeal to it. This is another favorite of mine.
9. Let It Rain - The beats on this album are killer. Again, the subject matter kind of bugs me a bit.
10. Exceptional - Another uplifting song, a shout out to teenage girls everywhere who think they just aren't good enough. Think Christina Aguilera's A Voice Within.
11. How To Touch A Girl - Another suggestive song, but I like it quite a bit.
12. A Note to God - A very touching way to end the album.
I highly recommend this album! Blue-Eyed soul is comming back! I also recommend Robin Thicke's latest.
My apparently limited vocabulary... October 18, 2006
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
...doesn't give me a word good enough to discribe this album.
So, I'll go with what I know.
Jojo's sophomore effort completely succeeds. There are no 'fillers' on this album. This of course, is solely my opinion and there are people who will definately disagree with this. All in all, this album is amazing and you should really give it at least a chance. You might end up loving it like I do.
1.) This Time- (17/20): After listening to the whole album, I've come to the conclusion that this is a rather bland opening to such an album. But it's still a good song, with great beats and nice vocals.
2.) The Way You Do Me- (17/20): Again, great 'swing' beats and it has such powerful energy in it, but...it just doesn't appeal to me as much as others. Most likely because I find it difficult to believe that a, what, 15 year old, could be singing this, but that's most likely me.
3.) Too Little, Too Late- (19/20): What else could get me hooked on this CD? Honestly, if I hadn't heard this song, I wouldn't have given this CD a thought, just because I wasn't too big a fan of her first CD, apart from the first single. It really is a wonderful song. Powerful voice, good emotion...it's all there. I would go on, but most of you have probably already heard it somewhere, anyway.
4.) High Road- (20/20): Inspirational, Strong, ... the list could go on. If there is a song that one should live by, this is it. The person she sings about (herself, I presume?) is what people should all be like. Instead of going for revenge, just let it go and take the 'high road'. Two thumbs up. Definately.
5.) Anything- (17/20): One of those, what I like to call, 'crusing' songs. It's good when you just want to chill or relax. And it's got a sample of the song 'Africa'. What more do you need?
6.) Like That- (17/20): It's very beautiful. Very. It kind of puts you in a trance...I guess what I'm trying to say that it's kind of indescribable.
7.) Good Ol- (18/20): Two words. Very addicting. Be prepared to hear it replaying in your head over and over. There. Warning done. Basically, another chill song. In my opinion, it's better than 'Anything' cause this one will make you want to get up and dance.
8.) Coming For You- (20/20): Wow. Wow. And wait for it...Wow. This is the first of the streak of five amazing songs. It's very poppy, no doubt. But that's not always a bad thing. The music...it's gorgeous, the emotion...it's raw, and the experience is something we all can relate to. Bravo.
9.) Let it Rain- (19/20): I feel bad for this song, because it's behind such an amazing song ('Coming For You'), but it still manages to hold it's own. The beats on this song are superior to all of them. It's sounds mysterious. Nice. Honestly, at first I thought this was going to be another break up song, but I'm glad to say that it's not. It's about finally giving in too love, and I think that's great.
10.) Exceptional- (20/20): You ever feel down? This is the song to listen too. It'll lift your spirits. It'll make you want to fly. It's 'exceptional'.
11.) How to Touch A Girl- (20/20) Ha. When I first heard the name of this song, I was just, like, Oh My Word. I really thought it was going to be some perverted song. But it's not, and it's more towards touching her mentally (being sweet...ect.). Thank goodness. It's really good, though, and guys, if you listen to what she has to say on it...yeahh.
12.) Note to God- (20/20): Up on par with 'High Road' for most powerful. It is a sad song, yet it makes me feel inspired. Hmm...Nonetheless, it's a perfect way to end the album.
Buy it. You won't regret it. Trust me.
But if you don't want to, you should at least download these songs:
Too Little, Too Late
High Road
Coming For You
Let it Rain
Exceptional
How to Touch a Girl
Note to God
&&&
if you just want to chill...
Good Ol
Thanks for your time!
 High Road...More Like Bicycle Lane (2.5 stars) December 2, 2006
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
Did we all listen to the same album here?
Second question, am I one of the few people on here that also own JoJo's 2004 debut?
Anyhow, here's how JoJo got here. She would this America's Most Talented Kid show, I probably mis-named it, how would I know, you think I watch reality TV? Anyway, she got a record deal immediately while on the show, and then followed that 2004 debut. Let me talk about that JoJo CD. I thought it was too immature, and was too painfully obvious that she was barely a teenager. I did enjoy the hit single from that album, "Leave (Get Out)". It was no wonder why that was as big as it got.
Then this album. To be perfectly honest, I didn't like this much, and after the first six or so songs, I thought to myself "I heard this already. Where's the new CD?". Vocally, this album is an improvement. Production-wise...well...
It's not her fault that others produced her album. But then again, this is rated on the WHOLE album. Vocally, this album is easily a four, maybe a five. Production is where it lies flat. I don't see why people are all crazy on this album. It's not all that great, I will say, the album is not without it's fire, but had and still has potential to be better.
The Swizz Beatz produced "The Way You Do Me" is 90s-style bump-n-grind R&B jam, and definitely a speaker killer. An as obvious, "Too Little Too Late" delivers some of the best, with great vocals, and a all-around breezy pop n'B song that defintely worth credit. The only thing backing it is that it sounds a bit (maybe too) identical to "Leave (Get Out)". "Coming for You" is also a decent track and potiental single, and channels the likes of Christina Aguilera, maybe not an amazing production but her powerhouse vocals make the track worthwhile. The remix of Toto's "Africa" ("Anything") is above average, but it seems a bit too cookie-cuttered though, as if it was rushed, and much more could be added to it. But it is nonetheless an interesting song and JoJo's vocals here show some of the best.
Then comes the bad. I don't know who (was it her?), but I thought it was a terrible, maybe even humorous decision to include all these rap-producers (Storch and Leslie to name a few) on this album. "This Time" is very unimpressive. What (or who) on earth said JoJo was a rapper? I'll tell you now, no fluff, she sounds really, really lame. And Storch's boring, lifeless, and looping production does not help things here. The title track is one of the worst, attempting to incorporate an 90's sound does not work here. Not even making fake comparisions here, it sounds like their attempting to make JoJo a Mariah Carey. It does not work. The beat is very cheesy and JoJo doesn't yet have the experience to make it sound good. "Like That" incorporates a snap (crunk) beat similar to Dem Franchize Boyz "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It". Three words, WHAT THE F? Yet again she tries rapping and fails. But "Good Ol" is probably the album's worst offender, yet another snap-beat, and right on with the weak rapping lines like "We can chop chop chop it up/We can get it poppin' even thump in the parking lot". It's bad enough that she's rapping but even worse when she is acting like some sex-ed out ghetto gurl. Did I forget to mention that she's 15?
"Let it Rain" is the opposite of these tracks. The beat is great (but does anyone realize it sounds JUST like Rihanna's "We Ride"), but her vocal-rapping skills are not (yet anyway) up to par and the fake-hood lyrics ("swagger" anyone?) are not too enjoyable. "How to Touch a Girl" has potential, with the bluesy-production and all, but potential is potential, and I can't help but mention that the subject title/lyrics are cheesy.
Okay, yes, I was a little hard on this album, but I'm hard on a lot of albums. Her vocals are alright, but the production of this entire album was definitely not going for her. I wouldn't recommend it, many of the good tracks I mentioned are or will be singles. On the next album she should stick to pop, not a Mariah Carey wanna-be. 2.5 stars.
Thanks for enduring another long review!
Most Valuable Plays:
"Too Little, Too Late"
"The Way You Do Me"
"Coming for You"
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