I stayed up all night to get record this song off the radio the day it premiered, and I woke up at 3 in the morning to record the video the day it premiered. Let's say I felt it was worth it. Her collaboration with Puff Daddy, featuring Puffy, Mase, and the Lox. Overproduced? I don't think so! I wouldn't mind breakin' it down all night to it!
Butterfly
When I read the lyrics (before I got to hear the song), I thought it was a pure piece of the most beautiful poetry I'd ever seen. "I have learned that beauty has to flourish in the light. Wild horses have to run unbridled or their spirit dies." The new 'Hero', in my opinion.
My All
It's like 'When I Saw You' because it commands some of the same feelings and the power. Overall, Butterfly and Daydream were more subtle and she's learned to control her voice more, but here, she starts off soft but builds energy, using her voice more wisely. A very latin feel to it (she wrote this song upon returning from her trip from Puerto Rico).
The Roof
Her favorite from Butterfly, and mine also. The video was ok, but the song is so much better on it's own. Her airy voice wraps itself like a blanket around you when you listen to it. The lyrics are uncomparable. Genius use of background singing overlapping with main vocals.
Fourth of July
It's like Underneath the Stars...actually, it's in the exact style of Underneath the Stars. It's sung a little bit higher, and almost birdlike. You have to give it a few listens for it to grow on you.
Breakdown
It's amazing how she can surprise us. This time, the shock is her collaborations with Bone Thugs n Harmony. She even sings like them!! Cleverly written.
Babydoll
I thought this song was beyond annoying at first, but I fell asleep listening to Butterfly and listened to it. You have to try to get into it and listen to it all the way through to like it.
Close My Eyes
It's another personal song, like Looking In. This time, the feeling she gives is that the song almost feels like it's flying.
She speaks of clouds, the moon, feeling child-like, which constitutes for the feeling of flight. Breezy and floating feeling.
Whenever You Call
I feel this is another song in the fashion of Hero and When I Saw You. It has the feel of both the songs, which is difficult to explain. It has the power of Hero and the emotions of When I Saw You. Like When I Saw You, it's difficult to sing, but she presents it so well.
Fly Away
It's like Daydream Interlude, but with a Fourth of July feel to it. I hear it was the original version for Butterfly. You really get to hear the power of her voice in this song.
The Beautiful Ones
Some people don't like this, and I can see why. But the reason I listen to this song is because of her vocals. About halfway through the song, she really lets the vocals go. It amazed me and my cousins how gorgeous, powerful, and controlled her voice is. Wonderful use of vocals on her part. Duet with Dru Hill.
Outside
I can really feel what she says in this song. It's a song about being multiracial and not fitting in. I'm Asian living in America, so I know how it feels to not quite fit in anywhere. Very touching and gives great insight into herself.
