Available at Barnes & Noble ($12.99), Rarewaves ($13.25), and Tower Records ($10.75). Used Options: Found on Poshmark for roughly $7.
Released at the tail end of the '90s, this album bridged the gap between traditional soul and the slicker, hip-hop-influenced R&B of the early 2000s. Unlike the high-energy "jiggy" era of the time, Donell leaned into a dreamy, ambient soul stew donell jones where i wanna be full album zip hot
: Jones' biggest international hit, featuring Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes on the remix. Available at Barnes & Noble ($12
Donell Jones ' sophomore album, , is a platinum-certified R&B classic released on October 12, 1999 . It remains his most successful project to date, featuring the massive hit "U Know What's Up" and the emotionally honest title track. Album Overview Unlike the high-energy "jiggy" era of the time,
What set this album apart was Donell’s heavy involvement in the production and writing. Unlike many of his peers who relied entirely on hit-making factories, Jones co-produced most of the record, giving it a personal, intimate feel. The heavy use of acoustic guitars mixed with crisp hip-hop percussion created a "grown and sexy" sound that bridged the gap between New Jack Swing and the Neo-Soul movement.
So, why does "Where I Wanna Be" remain a beloved classic? For one, Jones' music is characterized by its emotional authenticity. His lyrics tap into universal experiences, making his songs relatable and endearing. Additionally, the album's production is remarkably well-crafted, with each track showcasing Jones' skill as a vocalist and songwriter.
While the original CDs are widely available, rare physical formats like the vinyl 2LP and sealed cassettes have become high-value collector's items.