Sexy Versus cover

Sexy Versus

Al B. Sure! · 1992

73 min · 13 tracks · soul

Smooth R&B grooves intertwine with romantic themes, showcasing lush instrumentation and Al B. Sure!'s silky vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Right Now — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious beat and captivating melodies, highlighting Al B. Sure!'s vocal prowess and romantic lyricism.
  • →
    U & I — A standout love ballad that showcases a heartfelt delivery, this track emphasizes emotional depth and vulnerability in Al B. Sure!'s performance.
  • →
    I Don't Wanna Cry — With its poignant lyrics and passionate vocal delivery, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of love and heartbreak, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features smooth R&B grooves and layered vocals but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first four tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fifth track introduces a more laid-back feel with its slower tempo.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The album includes interludes that serve as transitions between songs, contributing to a smooth flow throughout the record.
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
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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
  • intimate vibes for cozy gatherings
  • patient unfolding of lush melodies
  • engaging storytelling through romantic themes
  • steady flow for relaxed listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1992, Sexy Versus is Al B. Sure!'s third album, following his successful sophomore effort, Private Times... and the Whole 9! The album arrived during a peak era for New Jack Swing, solidifying Sure's reputation as a key figure in the genre, blending soul and contemporary R&B seamlessly.
Stylistic neighbors
Johnny Gill· Keith Sweat· Luther Vandross

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • U & I

    The bridge shifts into a direct plea for connection, marking a vulnerable pivot in the narrative.

    This moment reveals a raw honesty that contrasts with earlier bravado in the song, underscoring the complexities of desire.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Right Now 5:54
  • 2 U & I 5:43
  • 3 Playing Games 6:04
  • 4 Natalie 5:54
  • 5 Ooh 4 You Girl 5:54
  • 6 Kick in the Head 4:58
  • 7 Turn You Out 5:56
  • 8 See the Lady 5:20
  • 9 Thanks 4 a Great Time Last Night 6:35
  • 10 I Don't Wanna Cry 5:14
  • 11 Die for You 5:31
  • 12 I'll Never Hurt You Again 5:53
  • 13 Papes in the End 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata