Xscape's debut had some intriguing variations that distinguished it from others in the ever-crowded distaff end of the urban contemporary circuit. Their shared leads were more gospel-edged than those of
En Vogue or
SWV; their first hit, "Just Kickin' It," had a bawdy undercurrent that made it genuinely appealing, and
Xscape demonstrated grit and energized harmonizing rather than over-rehearsed polish. But
Xscape's most captivating quality, at least on this CD, was their spontaneity, something that can't be faked. ~ Ron Wynn