Rebirth cover

Rebirth

Keith Sweat · 2002

65 min · 15 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth R&B grooves intertwine with seductive lyrics, creating an intimate atmosphere that reflects the essence of romantic longing.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Want You Start here — This lead single features a smooth blend of romantic lyrics and classic R&B production, capturing the essence of Sweat's style and appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners.
  • →
    100 Percent All Man — The track stands out with its confident delivery and catchy hook, showcasing Sweat's ability to balance sensuality with assertiveness in his songwriting.
  • →
    Ladies Night — An upbeat anthem celebrating women, this track combines infectious energy with playful lyrics, highlighting Sweat's versatility and appeal across different themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album blends smooth grooves with romantic themes but lacks strong cohesion due to live tracks at the end.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent groove, while the second half shifts to slower, more intimate ballads.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, with Sweat's lead vocals often accompanied by background singers that enhance the romantic atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smooth grooves for romantic evenings
  • steady flow for relaxed listening
  • heartfelt lyrics with emotional depth
  • for intimate gatherings
  • sensual vibes for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer faster-paced experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Rebirth marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic relevance.
Themes
romantic longing· seductive intimacy· celebration of women
Career context
By 2002, Keith Sweat was in a transitional phase of his career, releasing 'Rebirth' as his sixth studio album after a six-year hiatus since 'Still Keith' in 1996. This album attempted to re-establish his presence in the evolving R&B landscape and showcased his signature sound while also incorporating contemporary influences.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Want You

    The chorus emphasizes a deep yearning that builds as it repeats, creating an emotional climax that resonates throughout the song.

    The repetition not only enhances the song's catchiness but also intensifies the urgency of desire expressed within the narrative.

Tracklist

  • 1 I Want You Start here 4:09
  • 2 Gots to Have It 3:32
  • 3 Anything Goes 3:38
  • 4 Ladies Night 3:51
  • 5 100 Percent All Man 3:34
  • 6 The Right Stuff 4:07
  • 7 One on Left 4:58
  • 8 Show Me 4:37
  • 9 Trust Me 4:32
  • 10 Wonderful Thang 4:29
  • 11 In and Out 4:55
  • 12 Can I Be 6:09
  • 13 What Is It 4:15
  • 14 [untitled] (live) 3:17
  • 15 Twisted (live) 5:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata