Few singers make marriage sound as sexy as Tamia does on her sixth album, Love Life. Monogamy anthems are a staple for the singer, 40, who has been married to former NBA star Grant Hill for 16 years. On Love Life, she elegantly touches on the vexing and rewarding aspects of relationships, and explains how to keep the fire burning. Tamia is less concerned with fleeting moments and more focused on trust, quality time (“Chaise Lounge”) and gratitude (“Like You Do”) — with a generous side of morning sex.
Tamia Signs With Def Jam Ahead of New Album
Love Life is at its best when the beats settle like soft caresses and Tamia’s vocals float into breathy exhales, like on “Lipstick,” where she sings about skipping dinner for something sweeter. Extra spice like that preserves the freshness when lagging, predictable ballads (“Day One”) threaten the mood. As an ode to nuptial bliss, the album is both convincing and surprisingly coquettish.
This story originally appeared in the June 20 issue of Billboard.