January Joy

Template:More citations needed Template:Use mdy dates January Joy is the debut studio album by American singer Mashonda. It was released on September 13, 2005 through Full Surface/J Records in Japan and Hong Kong.

The recording sessions took place at Sound on Sound Studios, 36 Chambers Studios, Monza Studios, Sony Studios, The Hit Factory in New York City, at Unsung Studios in Sherman Oaks, at Powerhouse Studios in Yonkers, at Doppler Studios in Atlanta, and at Blakeslee Recording Co. in North Hollywood.

Production was handled by Swizz Beatz, who also served as executive producer, DJ Scratch, Neo Da Matrix, Brian "All Day" Miller, Bryan-Michael Cox, Gerald Flowers, Harvey Allbangers, Jason Rome, Mike City, Mr. Devine, Raphael Saadiq, Reggie Flowers, The Buchanans and Victor Flowers, with co-producers Sean Garrett and Bryce Wilson.

It features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Snoop Dogg and Nas.

Promotion

The album was supported with three singles — "Used To", "Back of da Club" and "Blackout", however the album and its singles were met with commercial failure. "Back of da Club" and "Blackout" made it to the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching No. 86 and 96, respectively.

Critical reception

Template:Music ratings Vibe editor Dimitri Ehrlich wrote about January Joy: "Sexiness [...] pervades her debut, from standout production to her near-orgasmic delivery [...] The album has its delicate moments, too [...] And while Mashonda may not shatter any glasses, she sings like a woman who’s comfortable in her skin."

Track listing

Sample credits

• Track 2 contains a sample from "Out There" written and performed by Willie Hutch
• Track 4 contains a sample from "Friends or Lovers" written by Raeford Gerald as performed by Act 1
• Track 7 contains a sample from "I Can't Believe (Someone Like You Could Really Love Me)" written by Gene Allan and Gary Knight as performed by Sarah Dash
• Track 9 contains a sample from "The Highways of My Life" written by Ernest Isley, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley and Christopher Jasper as performed by The Isley Brothers
• Track 12 contains a sample from "Groovin'" written by Edward Brigati and Felix Cavaliere as performed by Willie Mitchell

External links

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