The Other Side of Cool cover

The Other Side of Cool

Babyface · 2005

62 min · 10 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth remixes transform Babyface's classic R&B hits into vibrant club anthems, blending hip-hop soul with danceable grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's No Crime (IJ extended mix) Start here — This extended mix reinvigorates one of Babyface's signature songs, adding fresh layers of rhythm that emphasize its romantic themes while inviting dancefloor engagement.
  • →
    For the Cool in You (Chicago House club vocal mix) — This track transforms a smooth ballad into an upbeat dance tune, exemplifying how Babyface's work can seamlessly transition between intimate moments and energetic settings.
  • →
    Every Time I Close My Eyes (Timbaland remix) — Featuring Timbaland's signature production style, this remix updates the original's lush instrumentation with rhythmic innovation, showcasing Babyface's adaptability in a changing musical landscape.

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 effectively reinterprets classic R&B tracks for a modern audience, though it lacks strong cohesion as a remix collection.

What we noticed

  • Each track features a prominent dance beat, transforming the original R&B ballads into club-ready anthems.
  • The remixes often incorporate additional instrumentation and electronic elements, enhancing the rhythmic drive of the songs.
  • Vocal performances are layered with effects, creating a more dynamic sound that contrasts with the smoother original versions.
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

  • sultry grooves for intimate evenings
  • danceable remixes for social gatherings
  • wave-like pacing with smooth transitions
  • for late-night relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, upbeat tracks
  • dislike extended remix versions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A remix album showcasing Babyface's classic hits, appealing to dedicated fans but not a primary entry point.
Themes
club-ready remixes· dancefloor romance· Chicago House influence
Career context
Released in 2005, The Other Side of Cool is a remix album that followed Babyface's successful career as a leading figure in the R&B genre. At this point, he had already established himself as a prolific songwriter and producer, having won multiple Grammy Awards and contributed to numerous chart-topping hits throughout the '90s and early 2000s.
Stylistic neighbors
Teddy Riley· Johnny Gill· Keith Sweat

Tracklist

  • 1 It's No Crime (IJ extended mix) Start here 7:47
  • 2 For the Cool in You (Chicago House club vocal mix) 5:28
  • 3 My Kinda Girl (Scratch mix) 7:08
  • 4 Whip Appeal (Ultimate Whip) 5:34
  • 5 Tender Lover (The long mix) 7:57
  • 6 Every Time I Close My Eyes (Timbaland remix) 4:54
  • 7 How Come, How Long (Laws & Craigie remix) 6:30
  • 8 Rock Bottom (CJ Deep club mix) 4:28
  • 9 This Is for the Lover in You (Puffy’s Face to Face mix) 4:43
  • 10 When Can I See You (extended club mix) 7:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata