‘Elgin’ delivers same ol’ G

As anyone could have predicted, “Elgin” is a playfully intimate and generically cathartic collection of smooth R&B jams.

While Ginuwine wrote most of the songs himself, the album features productions from Timbaland and Tank, as well as an appearance by rapper Trina. “Elgin” stands up to the rest of the discography with maturing content and delivery that is occasionally splashed with a personality reminiscent of the younger, more mischievous G that originally attracted audiences. 

The single “What Could Have Been” is the crowning achievement of the album. Epically constructed, the verses and bridges crescendo and burst into a hauntingly catchy hook about a supremely idealized relationship with a lost love claiming, “it could have been us with the kids/ house on the hill/ you the first lady and I’m the president.”

Other energized tracks include “Batteries,” a song about Ginuwine being a replacement for a vibrator, and “Kidnapped,” a dance-track about a sexual encounter where the role play includes an abducted hostage, Ginuwine clad in all-black and no ransom.

Some other notable slow jams include the seductive “Body” and the sentimental “First Time,” perfect for all different kinds of passionate sex. Unfortunately, the rest aof the album is mostly filler, flawed by being either sickeningly maudlin, like tracks “Heaven” and “Break,” or overtly sexual without charm or creativity, like “Drink of Choice.”

Overall, the album is entertaining enough, and Ginuwine proves to be the “Same Ol’ G,” even at his seventh release to date.