This Is How We Do It
Montell Jordan · 1995
63 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of smooth R&B grooves and infectious party anthems that encapsulate the essence of 90s urban culture.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
This Is How We Do It — As the album's lead single, this track blends catchy hooks with a laid-back groove, capturing the spirit of celebration and community. Its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics made it an anthem for parties and gatherings.
-
→
Somethin’ 4 da Honeyz — This track showcases Jordan's smooth vocal delivery and romantic themes, embodying the quintessential R&B vibe of the mid-90s. Its playful lyrics and seductive melody highlight his ability to appeal to both male and female audiences.
-
→
I’ll Do Anything — With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful production, this song illustrates Jordan's versatility as an artist. The emotional depth contrasted with the upbeat tempo demonstrates the complexity of love and commitment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures the essence of 90s R&B with engaging grooves and relatable themes, though it has some unevenness in pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a smooth tone before transitioning into upbeat party tracks.
- The title track features a call-and-response structure, engaging listeners and encouraging participation.
- Several songs incorporate spoken interludes that create a narrative flow between the tracks, enhancing the overall theme of celebration.
- The final track is a slow jam that contrasts with the preceding upbeat songs, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- infectious party anthems for gatherings
- smooth grooves for relaxed evenings
- nostalgic vibes of the 90s
- catchy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective tracks
- want heavy lyrical complexity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Is How We Do It marks Montell Jordan's debut album, arriving at a pivotal moment when he was establishing his presence in the contemporary R&B scene. Released in early 1995, it launched his career and featured a sound that would define much of the genre's direction throughout the decade.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
This Is How We Do It
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to inviting listeners into a collective celebration.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 My Mommy (intro) 0:40
- 2 Somethin’ 4 da Honeyz 4:36
- 3 This Is How We Do It 4:37
- 4 Payback 4:58
- 5 I’ll Do Anything 6:00
- 6 Don’t Keep Me Waiting 4:39
- 7 Comin’ Home 4:15
- 8 Introducing Shaunta 3:05
- 9 It’s Over 3:36
- 10 Midnight (interlude) 0:43
- 11 I Wanna 5:26
- 12 Down on My Knees 6:06
- 13 Gotta’ Get My Roll On 5:13
- 14 Close the Door 4:52
- 15 Daddy’s Home 4:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.