TLC

Fifteen years after their last studio album, 3D, TLC returned with their self-titled fifth and final studio album, TLC (2017). Released on their independent label, 852 Musiq, the album is a celebration of the duo’s enduring legacy in R&B and pop, whilst simultaneously marking the end of an era for the iconic girl group. In a sense, it’s both a tribute to the past and a hopeful nod to the future, as it comes after the success of a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign which raised an impressive $400,000 to fund the project.

The album features a distinctly nostalgic sound, one that effortlessly draws from the ’90s vibes that made TLC household names. With production that mixes sultry R&B grooves with the girl group’s signature pop hooks, TLC feels like a throwback to the golden era of their musical heyday. From the swaying rhythms of “Way Back” (featuring Snoop Dogg) to the bold attitude of “Haters,” the album is filled with feel-good, empowering anthems, backed by tight, smooth instrumentation that still carries the kind of charisma the group was known for in the 1990s.

Lead single “Way Back” captures the essence of that throwback energy perfectly. It’s a laid-back, breezy track that features Snoop Dogg’s signature smooth flow, while the nostalgic chorus instantly transports listeners back to the glory days of TLC’s reign. The track was a success on the Adult R&B charts, becoming the group’s fourth top-10 entry on the Billboard Adult R&B chart. While “Way Back” sets the tone for the album, TLC also branches out with the feisty and direct “Haters,” which offers a sharp commentary on the pressures and criticisms that come with fame.

The album also includes some intriguing bonuses, such as re-recorded versions of their classic hits—“No Scrubs”, “Creep”, “Unpretty”, “Baby-Baby-Baby”, and “Diggin’ On You”—which were included in the UK-only deluxe edition. These updated renditions are a fitting nod to the group’s past, reintroducing the tracks to a new generation of fans while providing a heartfelt tribute to their legacy. Though the re-recordings are a nice touch, they also highlight a key difference between this album and the groundbreaking work TLC delivered in the ’90s: there’s an inevitable sense that TLC doesn’t quite measure up to the musical innovation and cultural impact of albums like CrazySexyCool or FanMail. Still, TLC isn’t about replicating the past; rather, it’s a way for the duo—Chilli (Rozonda Thomas) and T-Boz (Tionne Watkins)—to reclaim their place in the modern music landscape, even after a long hiatus.

It’s important to note that TLC also feels like a tribute to the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who tragically passed away in 2002. While there’s no posthumous appearance from Lopes on the album—though the duo did consider using unreleased material from Left Eye—there is a subtle yet poignant tribute to her legacy in the form of an interlude that samples some of her iconic interviews. This delicate homage underscores the profound impact Lopes had on the group, and her absence is felt throughout the album, even as TLC continues their musical journey without her.

Critically, TLC received mostly positive reviews. Many praised the nostalgic elements, noting how the album successfully evoked the sound that made the group so beloved, though there were some reservations about it not quite living up to the groundbreaking nature of their earlier work. Still, TLC debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200, a solid showing for the group’s first release in over a decade. With singles like “Way Back” and “Haters”, TLC proved they still had the ability to capture the spirit of their earlier work while evolving with the times.

In many ways, TLC is a fitting final chapter for a group that changed the landscape of ’90s R&B and pop. While it may not surpass the groundbreaking heights of their previous albums, it’s a testament to the group’s lasting influence and a heartfelt farewell to one of the most iconic acts in music history. The duo’s legacy is cemented, and this album, while imperfect, offers a fitting, though bittersweet, closing statement.