Recorded 2013–2014 Artist Marsha Ambrosius Label RCA Records | Length 60:20 Release date 15 July 2014 Genre Contemporary R&B | |
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Released July 15, 2014 (2014-07-15) Producer Marsha Ambrosius (exec.), Andrew "Hit Drew" Clifton, Da Internz, Dr. Dre, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Eric Hudson, Dem Jointz, Jamie Scott, Seige Monstracity, Warren "Oak" Felder, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Ronald "Flippa" Colston, Jameel Roberts Similar Marsha Ambrosius albums, Contemporary R&B albums | ||
Friends & Lovers is the second studio album by English R&B recording artist Marsha Ambrosius. The album was released on July 15, 2014, by RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Charlie Wilson, Dr. Dre, Skye Edwards and Lindsey Stirling. On June 23, 2014, the album's first and second singles "Run" and "Stronger" featuring Dr. Dre, were released.
Contents
Background
In March 2014, in an interview with Singersroom, Marsha Ambrosius spoke about the album, saying: "Just the new album, Friends & Lovers, that’s my baby, well baby number 2. I feel like I’m definitely pregnant with the little one, which is the second album. And it’s absolutely; it just feel crazy this time around because it’s real. The first time around was like, let me get the album out, let’s make sure the album is right, let me do what I need to do and I did that to myself. I put all of the things I need to do on the album with the last album. But, the second album is more concentrated, it’s very conceptual. I enjoy being absolutely single with some friends and lovers."
Critical reception
Friends & Lovers was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Martín Caballero of USA Today said, "The ex-Floetry singer has never matched the sales success of peers such as Alicia Keys or Mary J. Blige, but her appeal matches them on this strong effort as she moves nimbly between refined maturity and raw sexual power." Anupa Mistry of Spin stated, "Like the cover of Portishead's "Sour Times" on Late Nights, a do-over anchors Friends & Lovers: Sade's "Stronger Than Pride," featuring a brawny verse from Dr. Dre, and set to the stark drip of DJ Premier's beat for Jeru the Damaja's "Come Clean." She might have taken the rap bonafides a bit too far with "Stronger" – especially considering she's respected enough to cover Sade – but much of the rest of Friends & Lovers is grown and sexy cool." Andy Kellman of AllMusic said, "Had it not been for fellow English singer Adele's 21, Late Nights & Early Mornings would have topped the Billboard 200 the week after its 2011 release date. Marsha Ambrosius' solo debut had staying power, too. One of its singles, "Far Away," was nominated for two Grammy Awards. While she continued to make occasional guest appearances, highlighted by spots on Robert Glasper Experiment's "Trust" and Daley's "Alone Together," Ambrosius took her time with Friends & Lovers. In a good way, it shows, as it contains another sizable volume of impeccable—sometimes explicit—slow jams."
Ambrosius received two MOBO Award nominations for the album.
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 17,200 copies in the United States. In its second week, the album dropped to number 45 on the Billboard 200, selling 7,000 copies, bringing its total album sales to 24,000 copies.
Track listing
Songs
1Friends & Lovers Intro1:13
2So Good5:14
3Night Time3:37