Case may have scored one of the biggest club hits of 1996 with the knocking "Touch Me Tease Me" featuring Foxy Brown, but his 1999 follow-up positions him as a clear balladeer.
Personal Conversation was preceded by the Rush Hour soundtrackΓÇÖs "Faded Pictures," a pleasing duet with Joe featuring layered organs and subtle drums.
The album follows this tone and applies a strong conceptual edge. "Happy Ever After" opens the album with a moving wedding proposal, and soon after the nuptials are exchanged, problems arise.
"If" urges a despondent lover to make a decision, "Caught You" catches an unfaithful partner in the act, and "Where Did Our Love Go" poses the obvious.
CaseΓÇÖs real-life look into relationships is supported by mid-tempo music driven by winding bass guitars, light piano, and double-stroked synthesizers.
At times Case is guilty of emulating Chaka Khan ("Tell Me"), Jodeci ("CanΓÇÖt Force Love"), BLACKstreet ("Another Minute"), and Tony Toni Tone ("Think Of You"), but fortunately the influences are faint.
