Eve-Olution, the ruff-ryding bad girl's third release, exhibits her shift from visceral rap to tough R&B.
Eve's intense strength as a woman and a musician shines through on Eve-Olution, but her rhymes are a bit more drawling and her beats a bit more soulful than on previous albums.
Irv Gotti, Dr. Dre and others work the boards, pumping up Eve's spanking vocals with smooth samples and pounding bass.
Eve-Olution showcases more Eve and less guest rap than pre-cursor Scorpion. Eve is the sole MC on all tracks except two: "Hey Y'all'" featuring Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg, and "Double R What" featuring Jadakiss and Styles.
Another noteworthy guest appearance is the dazzling Alicia Keys crooning the chorus on first single "Gangsta Lovin'," which has already invaded MTV.
"Irresistible Chick," sampled from a Prince b-side, features fluid rhymes and attitude to match, while "Ryde Away" flows with Deep South soul and rare vulnerability.
Eve-Olution is tamer than what we've come to expect from Eve, but nothing can bring down her bad girl brawn. No matter how much she evolves, she'll still be the first lady of rap.
-- Reviewed by Caralyn Green
