Destiny's Child: "The Writing's on the Wall"

[Live Your Life]

This was Destiny's Child second album, released in 1999. This album is the epitome of late '90s/early '00s R&B music -- the good and the bad. It obviously sounds super dated now, but there's SO much nostalgia associated with it for so many people that it's a really enjoyable listen every once in a while.

AllMusic gave the album 4/5 stars:

With their second album, Writing's on the Wall, Destiny's Child still suffers from slightly uneven songwriting, but it's nevertheless an assured step forward for the girl group. Not only are they maturing as vocalists, they are fortunate to work with such skilled, talented producers as Kevin "Shekspere" Biggs, Rodney Jerkins, Dwayne Wiggins, Chad Elliot, Daryl Simmons, and Missy Elliott, who all give the quartet rich, varied music upon which to work their charm. So, even when the album fails to deliver memorable songs, it always sounds alluring, thanks to the perfect combination of vocalists and producers.

[B-Boy]

The middle school nostalgia is extremely thick. Prior to this album, I didn't know much about Destiny's Child except for "No No No (Part 2)". I started closely paying attention to them after I saw the "Bills Bills Bills" video. Eventually, they became one of my favorite acts that year. The lineup change was bittersweet. The album ended up with two more successful singles and sold more copies.

Live Your Life, I agree with everything you said about this album. I feel like the dated feel comes from the Kandi & She'kspere tracks. That Y2K, futuristic, guitar-driven sound hasn't held up well over the years. I love the vocal arrangements on "Bills Bills Bills", "Say My Name" and "Confessions". I knew Letoya and Latavia contributed vocals, but wasn't able to discern them until I discovered the acapella versions of the former two. Letoya's solo material helped as well. TWOTW is a great cohesive body and a reflection of the late 90s R&B soundscape.

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

Much stronger output than their debut for sure. I adore the singles.

[#LisaRinna]

Their best album imo. "Say My Name" alone is ICONIC and I love Bey's softer vocals on the smooth ballads such as "Temptation" and "She Can't Love You."

[Relaxing Cup]

Meh, nothing special apart from the singles and "Hey Ladies", I guess. Pretty weak album overall.

[Deleted]

90% of their music has dated terribly, this album and Survivor especially.

[dbhmr]

Yeah, the singles are all that matter here, but they're so good that's more than enough to give this album its due.

[thirddegree50123]

I listened to this for the first time recently. I was expecting more just based on how memorable the singles are. A couple of the other songs started promisingly, but all ended up falling flat. Still interested in listening to their other albums though.

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

I just listened to this in album again in such a long time. It literally got me moving from start to finish. Too bad I can't say the same for Beyonce's new music.

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

Happy 20th! Still consider this to be their BEST album. So timeless.

[B-Boy]

What an album and an era. I still play the singles like they just came out.

[Zinc.]

Happy Belated Anniversary!

[SHOOTER]

Flawless album!

[#LisaRinna]

Fresh af!

[sephyrpatriq]

I was listening on Tuesday and the album has so many jams. Beyonce was really taking vocal chances and the harmonies and songs were perfect. There are some songs on the second half I could live without but I really like the album as a whole.

[B-Boy]

Rodney Jerkins recently revealed an interesting fact about the album, the label had no intention of releasing a third single. They made their money back from "Bills Bills Bills". And "Bug A Boo" didn't do so well. Rodney and his team had to convince Tommy Mottola to release "Say My Name", which boosted the album sales from 2 million to 9 million records.

[SHOOTER]

Turns 24 today.

Even though it sounds a bit dated now, it's still packed with bops from start to finish. Not a dud in the bunch.

[kimberly]

pretty sure this is going to be receiving a DIAMOND certification soon. it was certified 8x Platinum in 2001.

[Daenerys]

I only like the first three singles from this.

I do remember my cousins trying to memorize the lyrics and dance sequence from Say My Name, and us all doing double takes with the new girls premiering in the video for the first time.

[myhouse911]

Jul 25, 2023 20:09:31 GMT -5 B-Boy said:

Rodney Jerkins recently revealed an interesting fact about the album, the label had no intention of releasing a third single. They made their money back from "Bills Bills Bills". And "Bug A Boo" didn't do so well. Rodney and his team had to convince Tommy Mottola to release "Say My Name", which boosted the album sales from 2 million to 9 million records.

Neat info! Let's also remember that another smash in Jumpin Jumpin was released after Say My Name, so it also factored into the album skyrocketing. But just wow at the two most memorable songs from that album for me anyway, could have been scrapped as singles.

[elementd5]

In addition to the singles, So Good, Confessions, Temptation, Hey Ladies, & Stay are still certified jams. Love this album.

[B-Boy]

Nov 16, 2023 6:24:26 GMT -5 myhouse911 said:

Jul 25, 2023 20:09:31 GMT -5 B-Boy said:

Rodney Jerkins recently revealed an interesting fact about the album, the label had no intention of releasing a third single. They made their money back from "Bills Bills Bills". And "Bug A Boo" didn't do so well. Rodney and his team had to convince Tommy Mottola to release "Say My Name", which boosted the album sales from 2 million to 9 million records.

Neat info! Let's also remember that another smash in Jumpin Jumpin was released after Say My Name, so it also factored into the album skyrocketing. But just wow at the two most memorable songs from that album for me anyway, could have been scrapped as singles.

I also think the controversy would've played out differently had the label cut the era short.

[ogletree8701]

It’s still an R&B classic! I am not a woman but I do enjoy this album nevertheless.