702 showed promise on their debut, but with their self-titled second effort, they're beginning to find their own voice. True, they need the help of some powerful collaborators and producers to get there -- including Rick "Dutch" Cousin, Soulshock & Karlin, and
Missy Elliott, who clearly was an influence here -- but the end result is a seamless, professional contemporary R&B album that is blessed with an appealing sound and some very good songs, such as "Where My Girls At?" Like many modern-day R&B records, it's padded a little bit with filler and runs a little bit too long, but a number of really good moments here make it a true step forward for
702. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine