Happy People / U Saved Me
by R. Kelly
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Aug 24, 2004
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Billboard
    70
    Kelly has an uncanny ability to mix retro sounds with tasty dollops of contemporary seasoning.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    A definitive work of sorts since he's at the top of his game as both a craftsman and conman.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    Where Happy People only exercises Kelly's technique, U Saved Me adds some heart.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    The problem separating sinner and salvation seeker into two albums becomes apparent as U Saved Me gets bogged down in one indistinct, syrup-doused ballad after another. [20/27 Aug 2004] [avg. of B+ for Happy People, B- for U Saved Me]
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  6. Stylus Magazine
    70
    The mood for both is, in a word, joyous.
  7. The A.V. Club
    50
    An album that makes Up With People sound like Joy Division, Happy People embraces an ecstatic brand of cheerfulness so far removed from the realities of everyday life that it creates a kind of altered state.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    100
    Charming, unpretentious and effortless, the singer presides over a party whose pace never flags and whose soul is fun-loving and wholesome. [22 Aug 2004]
  9. Launch.com
    50
    Happy People [is] a featherweight collection of midtempo, Marvin Gaye-influenced tunes... The sacred material on U Saved Me, by contrast, is more exciting--and troubling.
  10. Blender
    60
    These records are too dramatic, too personal and, well, too much. [Oct 2004, p.110]
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  11. The New York Times
    50
    There's something rather unambitious about this set.
  12. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    33
    His productivity isn't exuberance, it's greed; his PG rating isn't scruples, it's cowardice.
  13. PopMatters
    60
    The first disc finds Kelly honing his already well developed skills at creating effortless dance hooks, but on the second disc Kelly seems to be trapped in staid evangelical idioms and drowning in itchy church choir robes.
  14. The Guardian
    60
    The Happy People side, inspired by the Chicago steppin' scene, shows why [Kelly] is still a contender.
  15. Uncut
    80
    [Happy People] is a cunning, crackling, can't-keep-still classic. [Nov 2004, p.120]
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  16. E! Online
    67
    U Saved Me's songs of praise like "Leap of Faith" and "Prayer Change" can be taken in two ways: attempts at redemption for what you've just heard or hollow attempts at album sales.
  17. Village Voice
    70
    Happy People is, if this is possible, the smoothest and frothiest album of the year. U Saved Me is chicken soup for the soul man. Its born-again ballads are fundamentally frothy, in their heavy-handed, gospel-tinged way.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. AbelM
    Oct 11, 2004
    10
    R. Kelly is the Master. This is the best offering so far. As for Walker Texas Ranger, you who would not know it if music hit you in the R. Kelly is the Master. This is the best offering so far. As for Walker Texas Ranger, you who would not know it if music hit you in the face(even country music).… Full Review »
  2. ss
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    out of this world.its wrong 4 one man to have so much talent
  3. CrystalinG
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    I love this Cd why Disc 1 is wonderdful and positive and Disc 2 has really has open my eyes cetains things he saids in his songs made me I love this Cd why Disc 1 is wonderdful and positive and Disc 2 has really has open my eyes cetains things he saids in his songs made me think about my own life what i have been through all my 25yrs of my life. … Full Review »
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