What makes The Future by Guy notable?

The Future debuted at number 1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and showcased hits like Wanna Get With U, which reinforced Guy's influence on the genre. Its innovative production and catchy melodies helped solidify their status within the New Jack Swing scene, shaping R&B's direction in the years to come. Released in 1990, The Future was Guy's sophomore album, following their self-titled debut in 1988. At this point, the group had established themselves as key players in the New Jack Swing movement, blending R&B with hip-hop influences and setting the stage for their evolving sound.

How many songs are on The Future?

The Future has 16 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

The Future

Guy · 1990

73 min · 16 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth harmonies and rhythmic grooves intertwine, creating a sultry atmosphere that defines early '90s R&B.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wanna Get With U — This track epitomizes the New Jack Swing style with its infectious hook and danceable beat, exemplifying the group's signature sound.
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Let's Chill — The romantic ballad showcases the group's smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of early '90s R&B love songs.
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Do Me Right — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this track highlights the blend of sensuality and confidence that defines much of Guy's music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar R&B tropes.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered vocal harmonies, typical of the New Jack Swing style.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word interludes that create a conversational feel between verses.
The first half of the album maintains a high energy with danceable grooves, while the latter half shifts to more romantic and slower ballads.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Her 3:52
2 Wanna Get With U 4:46
3 Do Me Right 4:23
4 Teddy's Jam 2 4:18
5 Let's Chill 5:23
6 Tease Me Tonite 5:09
7 D-O-G Me Out 4:24
8 Total Control 2:58
9 Gotta Be a Leader 4:46
10 The Future 4:43
11 Let's Stay Together 4:00
12 Where Did the Love Go 1:14
13 Yearning for Your Love 4:56
14 Smile 4:17
15 Long Gone 5:53
16 Wanna Get With U (club version) 8:03

What to play next

Listen next

Guy III

2000

Go back to

Guy

1988

Full Guy discography Artists like Guy

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata