Tlc - 3D

Posthumously released albums are always kind of creepy. Certain, probably innocent references suddenly take on prescient overtones. Or, in the case of TLC's fourth, 3D--issued mere months after the accidental death of rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes--we're given a dreary reminder of what might have been. 3D artfully completes TLC's transformation from colorful, freewheeling fashion criminals to confident, elegant R&B divas, albeit divas with attitude and a palpable sense of humor. That's most evident in the sassy, hip-shaking classroom send-up "Quickie," where a droning schoolmarm lectures her pupils on the fine art of pulling a fast one. "Quickie" is a bit of an anomaly, though, as the majority of 3D finds the trio navigating smooth, melodic midtempo songs about love, empowerment, and that rare space in between. The women have never sounded better. As with their classic CrazySexyCool disc, TLC deftly blend soul, hip-hop, faux-gospel, pop, and consistently smart lyrics. "Turntable" is an irresistible ode to positive thinking that should be an anthem for the downtrodden everywhere. That such a hopeful message arrives on the heels of Lopes's untimely death makes 3D that much more compelling. --Kim Hughes