Sparkle is the 1998 debut album by American singer Sparkle. It was released on May 19, 1998, through Rockland Records and was entirely produced by her former mentor R. Kelly. The album was a success in large part to the Sparkle–R. Kelly duet lead single "Be Careful", which peaked at number three on the US Rhythmic Top 40 and topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. The album itself peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA on December 7, 2000.
Further singles "Time to Move On" and "Lovin' You" were also released as singles, but did not make any Billboard charts.
Critical reception Entertainment Weekly gave the album a grade of B+, writing: "Unlike her wannabe-diva peers, this R. Kelly protegee remembers what the 'B' in R&B stands for....R. Kelly surrounds her with blaxploitation-vintage wah-wah guitars, haunting strings, and blue-collar blues; the resulting soul digs far deeper than Kelly's usual bump'n' grind".Entertainment Weekly June 19, 1998, p. 74
Track listing All tracks written, produced and arranged by R. Kelly except track 10: written by Minnie Riperton and Richard Rudolph.
Samples "Time to Move On" samples from "Intimate Friends" by Eddie Kendricks. "Lovin' You" is a cover of "Loving You" by Minnie Riperton. "Good Life" samples from "Good Times" by Chic.
Credits
Jason Bacher – assistant engineer Percy Bady – keyboards Rick Behrens – assistant engineer, engineer, mixing assistant Chris Brickley – assistant engineer, engineer, mixing assistant, programming Cam'ron – rap vocals Lafayette Carthon, Jr. – keyboards Trey Fratt – assistant engineer Stephen George – engineer, mixing, programming Keith Henderson – guitar Cynthia Jernigan – backing vocals Mark Johnson – mixing assistant R. Kelly – arranger, executive producer, mixing, producer, vocals Jeff Lane – mixing assistant Ron Lowe – assistant engineer, engineer, mixing assistant Mr. Lee – mixing, programming Peter Mokran – head engineer, mixing, programmer Nature – rap vocals Joshua Shapera – engineer Sparkle – vocals Martin Stebbing – engineer, programming Ed Tinley – assistant engineer Poke & Tone – mixing Jeff Vereb – assistant engineer, mixing assistant
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Sparkle Chart (1998) Peakposition
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for Sparkle Chart (1998) Position US Billboard 200 126 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 26
Certifications
References