V.I.R.T.U.E
V.I.R.T.U.E is the debut album from Devone Jones. This album is the only album released independently by Devone Jones. The album has recieved recognition for it's British R&B style and the productions on the album.
Background Information
The album GLOW, was originally his first album, but it was scrapped in order to make an album from scratch. In mid-late 2008, plans were made to create a new album entitled "The Unidentified Plan." However, the name was scrapped and then changed to V.I.R.T.U.E. Devone quoted in a recent interview that the letters of the word virtue "would stand for different things in his life." He also revealed that he had trouble with the track listing, as there were "too many weak productions and not enought great songs." On November 3, 2008, Not Anymore was released, but as a buzz track only, as it wouldn't "appeal" to the general public. The single Sandcastle Disco by Solange Knowles was considered to be a cover song for the album, but the idea was dismissed as Devone said it would be "out of place." A cover version of Solange's "I told You So" from the album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams was scheduled to be on the album, but was cancelled and will appear on a deluxe "covers" edition called V.I.R.T.U.E: The Cozmik Phaze. The album is scheduled to be released on the 30th of March, 2009 1. Devone has confimed that he will team up with Leon Chambers on a new track for the new album called 'Scar'. Devone stated that "a deluxe edition will go ahead." I Can Feel You was released as a promo on the internet to help boost pre-orders.
Promotion
In order to promote this album, it will go out to reviewers on the 23rd of February. Devone has sung at a charity concert. He has also allowed people to pre-order the album on his MySpace. The advert for V.I.R.T.U.E is now on YouTube, and the promo single, Not Anymore is scheduled to go onto YouTube. The Buzz single, Not Anymore is out now to download for free from his website. It has already recieved over 200 hits from MySpace viewers. A selected few were able to have a private performance of Shawty and I Told You So from Devone. Devone has done 2 promo gigs to promote his album and is planning another in May.
Critical Reception
The album has so far recieved mixed reviews. Even though the tracks Shawty & Break It Down were praised, the album recieved 3 stars from AXB, stating that the album's "productions were not strong enough, even though though the vocals were brilliant," whereas RYS, who gave it four stars out of five said that "even though the album may not bring out the very best in Devone, it definitely shows his creativity and adaptability in British R&B." Not Anymore was the first single to be released, but only as a buzz single due to the lack of promotion. Reviews for the songs were generally negative. GarageBand said that "even though the vocals on the track were good, Devone seems to lack the fun factor with this track, and it is all too short." The track was able to rack up over 200 hits on MySpace and the profile was able to get over 1000 hits on CdFuse with over 50 hits for the song without any promotion. The song was featured on the advertisement for V.I.R.T.U.E, but failed to make the album. The next, and only track to be released off the album onto MySpace is Shawty, which was released on the 16th of January. Unlike Not Anymore, Shawty met with favourable reviews. It is the most popular track on the album and has the most demand. As of the 26th of February, 2009, it has recieved over 2000 views on YouTube.
Tracklisting: V.I.R.T.U.E
- This is V.I.R.T.U.E speaking - (Devone Jones)
- Shawty - (Devone Jones)
- I'm Back - (Devone Jones, Jordan Dalrymple)
- I Can Feel You - (Devone Jones)
- Break It Down - (Devone Jones)
- Fairytale - (Devone Jones)
- Look So Nice - (Devone Jones)
- Sit Back & Chill - (Devone Jones)
- You Are... ... ... ... - (Devone Jones)
- I Told You So - (Devone Jones) 1 (originally sung by Solange Knowles)
1. This track is included on the deluxe edition only.
Sales
Due to the release date being pushed back, more pre-orders have come in. This has allowed for an increase in pre-sales. The album was able to shift seven copies over two weeks before it's official release date. The album was able to get thirty downloads on the official release date.
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