Traces of My Lipstick
Xscape · 1998
52 min · 14 tracks · rhythm and blues
Smooth harmonies blend with polished production, creating a lush R&B soundscape that captures the essence of late '90s soul.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Little Secret — This track exemplifies Xscape's signature blend of sultry melodies and clever lyrics about clandestine love, making it one of their most recognizable hits.
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Softest Place on Earth — The song showcases emotional depth and vocal harmonization, highlighting the group's ability to convey vulnerability within their smooth R&B style.
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The Arms of the One Who Loves You — A cover of a classic ballad, this track allows Xscape to display their vocal prowess while connecting with a broader audience through nostalgia.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong harmonies and polished production typical of late '90s R&B, contributing to its distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a smooth tone, followed by several mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent groove.
- Harmonies are layered throughout, with multiple vocal lines often intertwining rather than taking turns in verses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- steady flow with warm harmonies
- late-night relaxation with friends
- smooth melodies for intimate moments
- reflective listening during quiet times
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Xscape released Traces of My Lipstick in 1998, they were transitioning from their successful debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha. This sophomore effort came after the group had established themselves as a significant voice in R&B, showcasing their growth in both songwriting and vocal performance.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All About Me (Intro) 1:59
- 2 My Little Secret 4:28
- 3 Softest Place on Earth 4:16
- 4 Do You Know 3:36
- 5 One of Those Love Songs 4:15
- 6 The Arms of the One Who Loves You 4:20
- 7 I Will 4:10
- 8 Your Eyes 5:09
- 9 All I Need 4:21
- 10 Am I Dreamin’ 5:43
- 11 The Runaround 5:14
- 12 Hold On 4:07
- 13 All About Me (Reprise) 1:06
- 14 The Best of My Love
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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