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Definition of a Band
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| Definition of a Band | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 24, 1996 | |||
| Recorded | December 1995 – June 1996 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 66:08 | |||
| Label | Perspective | |||
| Producer | Mint Condition | |||
| Mint Condition chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Definition of a Band | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Muzik |  [2] |
Definition of a Band is the third studio album by the R&B band Mint Condition. It was released on September 24, 1996, on Perspective Records. Definition of a Band was Mint Condition's most successful recording to date, yielding two hit singles and a Gold certification from the RIAA.[3]
Background
[edit]Before the release of the album, the band were faced with label troubles. Their mentors and label heads Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis severed ties with Perspective Records.[4] As a result, Mint Condition were moved to its parent company A&M Records, though the company kept the Perspective name for the release of Definition of a Band. This would be their final studio album released under Perspective Records. Another album released under the label was their greatest hits anthology The Collection (1991-1998)- an album that contained their hits alongside 12 inch versions, B-sides and remixes. They would move to Elektra Entertainment for their next album Life's Aquarium.
Commercial performance
[edit]The album charted at number 76 on the Billboard 200 and number 13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Two singles were released from Definition of a Band. The first single, "What Kind of Man Would I Be", charted at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 2 on R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks. It sold 600,000 copies domestically and was certified gold by the RIAA.[5][6] Its video was directed by art director Frank Kozik.[7] The second single, "You Don't Have To Hurt No More", charted at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 10 on R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks. Its video was directed by Devo frontman Gerald Casale.[8] This album is their third studio album to be mastered by Brian Gardner- who also worked on their previous album, 1993's From the Mint Factory as well as their 1991 debut Meant to Be Mint.[9]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Definition of a Band (Intro)" | Stokley Williams, Chris Dave, Jeffrey Allen | 1:05 |
| 2. | "Change Your Mind" | Williams, Keri Lewis | 4:51 |
| 3. | "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" | Lewis | 5:22 |
| 4. | "Gettin' It On" | Lewis, Williams | 4:52 |
| 5. | "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" | Lawrence Waddell | 4:24 |
| 6. | "Let Me Be the One" | Waddell, Williams | 5:01 |
| 7. | "Definition of a Band - Swing Version" | Dave, Williams | 1:00 |
| 8. | "Ain't Hookin' Me Up Enough" | Ricky Kinchen, Lewis, Waddell, Williams | 4:14 |
| 9. | "Funky Weekend" | Homer O'Dell, Williams | 4:55 |
| 10. | "I Want It Again" | Williams | 5:10 |
| 11. | "On & On" | Lewis, Williams | 4:40 |
| 12. | "The Never That You'll Never Know" | Lewis, Williams | 4:38 |
| 13. | "Asher in Rio (Interlude)" | Allen | 0:31 |
| 14. | "Raise Up" | O'Dell, Williams | 4:36 |
| 15. | "On & On (Reprise)" | Lewis, Williams | 0:59 |
| 16. | "Sometimes" | Kinchen | 4:16 |
| 17. | "Missing" | Allen | 4:15 |
| 18. | "If It Wasn't for Your Love" | Waddell | 1:19 |
Personnel
[edit]- Stokley Williams - vocals, drums, percussion, guitar, bass, keyboards, producer, composer
- Homer O'Dell - vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, producer, composer
- Ricky Kinchen - vocals, bass, keyboards, guitar, producer, composer
- Keri Lewis - vocals, keyboards, organ, piano, drums, guitar, producer, composer
- Jeff Allen - saxophone, vocals, keyboards
- Larry Waddell - keyboards, vocals, piano
- Chris Dave - drums, percussion
- Lil' Roger Lynch - vocoder
- Mint Condition - record engineering
- Ira Ferguson - record engineering
- Jeff Taylor - record engineering
- Dave Rideau - record engineering
- Steve Hodge - mixing
- Dave Rideau - mixing
- Rich Travali - mixing
- Keith Lewis - mixing
- David Green - mixing
- Mint Condition - executive production
- Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis - executive production
- Brian Gardner - mastering
- Lisa Pearson - photography
- Tom Tavee - photography
- Greg Ross - art direction & design
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ Stanley, Leo. "AllMusic review". Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ Jones, Bob (December 1996). "Mint Condition: Definition Of A Band" (PDF). Muzik. p. 158. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 2, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
- ^ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. November 15, 1997.
- ^ Vibe. Vibe Media Group. March 1, 1997.
- ^ "Best-Selling Records of 1996". Billboard. 109 (3). BPI Communications Inc.: 61 January 18, 1997. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
- ^ "American certifications – Mint Condition – What Kind of Man Would I Be". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Frank Kozik". biography. toyartgallery.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "Gerald Casale". director videography. mvdbase.com. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "Brian Gardner". credits. allmusic.com. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "Definition Of A Band". album. allmusic.com. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "Definition Of A Band". credits. allmusic.com. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ^ "Mint Condition Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ "Mint Condition Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1997". Billboard. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
Definition of a Band
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Album Overview
Release Details
Definition of a Band was released on September 24, 1996, serving as the third studio album by the R&B group Mint Condition and following their sophomore effort From the Mint Factory in 1993.[8] The album was issued by Perspective Records, an imprint distributed by A&M Records.[9][10] Originally available in CD and cassette formats, the album runs for a total length of 66:08 minutes.[8][11][12] Mint Condition received the primary producer credit for the project, handling production duties themselves.[11] The CD edition bears the catalog number 31454 9028 2.[11]Context Within Band's Discography
Definition of a Band serves as the third studio album in Mint Condition's discography, following their debut Meant to Be Mint in 1991 and sophomore effort From the Mint Factory in 1993, both released under Perspective Records.[13][14] This 1996 release marked the band's final project with Perspective Records, which was founded and run by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; the label ceased operations in September 1997, prompting Mint Condition's subsequent signing with Elektra Records for their next album, Life's Aquarium, in 1999.[10][13] Over the course of their early albums, Mint Condition evolved their sound from the New Jack Swing and dance-oriented tracks of their 1991 debut—exemplified by singles like "Are You Free"—to a more mature and versatile R&B style infused with funk elements by 1993's From the Mint Factory, culminating in the polished, band-defined production of Definition of a Band.[13]Production and Recording
Development and Songwriting
The development of Definition of a Band occurred during the pre-production period of 1995-1996, as Mint Condition aimed to showcase their artistic maturity following the youthful energy of their debut Meant to Be Mint (1991) and the sophomore From the Mint Factory (1993). Recording took place from December 1995 to June 1996.[15] The songwriting process centered on creating cohesive R&B tracks that built upon thematic elements from prior works, such as romantic introspection and relational dynamics, while evolving toward more layered emotional narratives.[16] Songwriting duties were primarily handled by core band members, including lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Stokley Williams, keyboardist Keri Lewis, keyboardist Lawrence Waddell, and others like guitarist Homer O'Dell and saxophonist Jeffrey Allen, resulting in 18 tracks that emphasized personal, story-driven R&B compositions.[11] Williams contributed to ten songs, often collaborating with Lewis on key cuts like "Change Your Mind," "Gettin' It On," and the hit "On & On," while Waddell penned introspective ballads such as "What Kind of Man Would I Be."[11] This internal creative approach allowed the band to craft self-contained narratives focused on love, perseverance, and self-reflection, distinguishing their work in an era dominated by producer-driven R&B.[17] Central to the album's inception was the band's commitment to live instrumentation and ensemble cohesion, which they positioned as the "definition" of their group identity amid a landscape of synthesized, non-band R&B acts.[18] By rejecting external producers and handling all production in-house—under the executive oversight of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at Perspective Records—Mint Condition preserved their artistic autonomy, ensuring the material authentically captured their live performance ethos and instrumental interplay.[11] This self-reliant process reinforced their reputation as a true band unit, prioritizing organic grooves and harmonious arrangements over commercial concessions.[17]Studio Sessions and Personnel
The recording sessions for Definition of a Band took place primarily at Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina, Minnesota, with supplementary work at Tricord Studios in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.[9] Mixing occurred largely at Flyte Tyme Studios, though select tracks were handled at Sound Tracks in New York and Westlake Audio in Los Angeles.[11] The album was self-produced by the band members, with executive production credited to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[9] Core personnel consisted of Stokley Williams on lead vocals and drums, Homer O'Dell on guitar, Ricky Kinchen on bass, Keri Lewis on keyboards, Larry Waddell on keyboards and piano, and Jeffrey Allen on saxophone and keyboards.[14] Additional contributors included Chris "Daddy" Dave on drums for several tracks, as well as "Big" Jim Wright on organ and Lil Roger Lynch on talkbox.[11] Engineering duties were shared among band members and professionals including Dave Rideau and Ira Ferguson, while mixing engineers encompassed "Prince" Charles Alexander, Rich Travali, and Steve Hodge across various tracks.[9] Mastering was completed at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood, California.[11] This collaborative approach underscored the band's hands-on involvement in capturing their multifaceted sound.[19]Musical Style and Themes
Genre and Composition
Definition of a Band exemplifies contemporary R&B rooted in funk and soul traditions, incorporating jazz fusion elements through sophisticated arrangements and improvisational flair.[11][16] The album's sound draws from the Minneapolis Sound, blending smooth grooves with rhythmic complexity characteristic of the band's multi-instrumentalist approach.[20] The production emphasizes live instrumentation, featuring prominent horns such as tenor saxophone played by Jeffrey Allen, versatile keyboards including Fender Rhodes electric piano, Wurlitzer, Hammond B-3 organ, and grand piano handled by members like Larry Waddell and Keri Lewis, alongside layered vocals from the core lineup of Stokley Williams, Ricky Kinchen, and others.[11] This setup creates a rich, organic texture, with live drums and percussion by Stokley Williams and Chris "Daddy" Dave adding a dynamic pulse across tracks. The average track length hovers around 3:40, contributing to a cohesive flow over the album's 66-minute runtime.[21] Standout compositions highlight the band's versatility, including up-tempo funk tracks like "Funky Weekend," which employs brass sections for energetic builds, and slower ballads such as "What Kind of Man Would I Be?," driven by piano arrangements that underscore emotional depth.[11] These elements showcase Mint Condition's instrumental prowess, aligning with the album's title in defining the essence of a cohesive live ensemble.[16] The overall structure comprises 18 tracks that integrate intros, full-length songs, interludes like "Asher in Rio," and reprises such as "On & On (Reprise)," evoking the spontaneity and transitions of a live band performance.[21][11] This format reinforces the album's conceptual focus on musicianship, blending seamless segues to simulate an immersive concert experience.[22]Lyrical Content
The lyrical content of Definition of a Band revolves around themes of love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and the intricacies of relationship dynamics, offering an introspective look at emotional vulnerability in romantic partnerships. Across the album, songwriters Stokley Williams and Keri Lewis craft narratives that prioritize genuine emotional expression, drawing from personal experiences to explore the highs and lows of commitment and intimacy. This focus distinguishes the album's storytelling, tying into the broader concept of band unity through shared lyrical perspectives on human connections.[11] A prominent example is "What Kind of Man Would I Be?", where the lyrics delve into fidelity and the internal conflict of temptation, posing rhetorical questions about moral integrity in the face of infidelity: "What kind of man would I be if I lived unfaithfully / And what kind of girl would you be if you did the same?" The track emphasizes self-reflection and the pain of potential betrayal, underscoring the importance of loyalty to avoid causing heartbreak to a loved one.[23][24] Similarly, "Change Your Mind" incorporates empowerment motifs, addressing personal growth and resilience by encouraging a partner to overcome doubts and embrace a healthier relational path. The song's verses highlight persuasion through sincerity—"Baby girl, I wanna tell you real quick / I'm not your average kind of brother tryin' to be slick"—promoting self-awareness and the strength to evolve amid emotional challenges. The album avoids explicit content, favoring a smooth, melodic delivery that aligns with Mint Condition's self-contained band ethos, steering clear of the rap influences and overt sensuality prevalent in much of 1990s R&B. This restrained approach amplifies the emotional resonance of the themes, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the introspective messages without distraction.[11] Vocal harmonies performed by lead singer Stokley Williams and keyboardist Keri Lewis further enhance the emotional depth, layering the melodies to convey nuance in themes of love and loss, creating a rich, harmonious backdrop that mirrors the relational interplay in the lyrics. Their collaborative songwriting credits on multiple tracks, including these examples, ensure a cohesive voice that reinforces the album's focus on heartfelt introspection.[11]Singles and Promotion
Released Singles
The lead single from Definition of a Band, "What Kind of Man Would I Be?", was released on August 20, 1996.[25] It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track earned a RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold.[26] Limited edition releases of the single included radio mixes and b-sides such as "I Want It Again."[27] The follow-up single, "You Don't Have to Hurt No More", arrived on January 9, 1997. It reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Let Me Be the One" was released as the third single on April 4, 1997, and was promoted as a ballad despite lacking major chart peaks in the United States, where it only reached number 70 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. These singles collectively helped elevate the album's profile within the R&B landscape.[26]Marketing and Tours
The promotion of Definition of a Band primarily revolved around its lead single, "What Kind of Man Would I Be?", which was accompanied by a music video directed by Frank Kozik.[28] The video showcased the band's performance and narrative elements centered on relationship fidelity, contributing to the single's visibility in the mid-1990s R&B landscape. Radio campaigns played a pivotal role, with "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" achieving heavy rotation on urban adult contemporary stations. The track topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart for two weeks and reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, reflecting strong support from R&B radio audiences. Tie-ins included a live performance on Soul Train on October 26, 1996, where the band delivered the single to enthusiastic viewers.[29] For live promotion, Mint Condition conducted a 1996-1997 U.S. tour featuring club and theater performances to support the album's rollout. The band also opened for Toni Braxton during her Secrets tour, enhancing their exposure alongside a major R&B contemporary.[30] Label support from Perspective Records was provided during the initial rollout, though the imprint ceased operations in September 1997, prompting the band to rely on grassroots efforts for subsequent promotion.[10]Commercial Performance
Album Charts
The album Definition of a Band by Mint Condition experienced moderate commercial success on U.S. album charts following its September 1996 release, largely driven by the performance of its lead single "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" which provided an initial boost to its visibility. On the Billboard 200, the album reached a peak position of #76 during the week ending October 12, 1996, and remained on the chart for a total of 14 weeks. In the R&B/hip-hop genre category, it performed more strongly, peaking at #13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the same October 1996 period and sustaining a longer presence with 25 weeks overall. The album's enduring appeal in this format is reflected in its year-end ranking of #86 on the 1997 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, as compiled by Billboard based on RIAA data. Internationally, Definition of a Band had limited impact, failing to achieve notable peaks in major European or global markets.| Chart (1996–1997) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | 76 | 14 |
| Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 13 | 25 |
| Year-End Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (1997) | 86 | N/A |
Sales Certifications
"Definition of a Band" by Mint Condition achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on October 7, 1997, recognizing shipments of 500,000 units within the United States.[31] This certification marked the album's commercial milestone shortly after its September 1996 release, driven largely by the success of its singles, though it never reached the Platinum threshold of 1,000,000 units.[31] U.S. sales estimates for the album hovered around 600,000 copies by 1998, reflecting steady but modest performance without further certification upgrades. Globally, total sales remained under 1 million units, with the majority concentrated in the American market due to the band's strong domestic R&B following. No reissues of the album have been documented since its original 1996 Perspective Records release, and while digital streaming has increased accessibility on platforms like Spotify and [Apple Music](/page/Apple Music) beginning in the 2010s, no additional RIAA certifications or equivalent international awards have been issued as of 2025.[22]Critical Reception
Initial Reviews
Upon its release in 1996, Definition of a Band received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who highlighted the album's evolution in R&B songcraft and performance. Retrospectively, the album holds a critic score of 80 out of 100 based on one review on aggregator sites.[32]Later Assessments
In the 2010s, reevaluations positioned Definition of a Band as an underappreciated marker in R&B's evolution, particularly its role in sustaining band-driven funk elements amid the post-New Jack Swing shift toward solo acts and hip-hop integration. In a 2017 Pitchfork interview, producer Raphael Saadiq reflected on the scarcity of groups like Mint Condition during the 2000s, crediting them with influencing a revival of soulful, ensemble-based R&B that echoed in later artists.[33] By the 2020s, the album experienced a modest streaming revival driven by nostalgic appeal on platforms like TikTok, where older Mint Condition tracks gained renewed traction among younger listeners, though no major reissues or anniversary editions had emerged as of 2025. A 2022 Soul In Stereo retrospective ranked it as the band's finest work, praising its vocal diversity and complete songcraft as enduring strengths that transcend its commercial hits.[34] The album's influence persists as a conceptual bridge between 1990s boy band R&B and contemporary acts blending neo-soul and alternative vibes, such as The Internet, by emphasizing live instrumentation and emotional depth over synthesized production. In a 2022 Rolling Stone interview, lead singer Stokley Williams described Definition of a Band as a creative peak, stating it "captured our essence, a blend of soul, funk, and heart that still resonates," affirming its lasting impact through the band's ongoing performances and reflections.[35]Track Listing
Standard Edition Tracks
The standard edition of Definition of a Band, the third studio album by the American R&B group Mint Condition, was released on September 24, 1996, via Perspective Records and contains 18 tracks with no bonus material.[11] The album's original CD release includes a mix of full songs, interludes, and reprises, with songwriting credits attributed to band members where specified in production notes.[11] The complete track listing is presented below, including durations and primary writers.| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definition of a Band (Intro) | 1:05 | Stokley Williams, Chris Dave |
| 2 | Change Your Mind | 4:51 | Keri Lewis, Stokley Williams |
| 3 | You Don't Have to Hurt No More | 5:22 | Keri Lewis |
| 4 | Gettin' It On | 4:52 | Keri Lewis, Stokley Williams |
| 5 | What Kind of Man Would I Be? | 4:24 | Larry Waddell |
| 6 | Let Me Be the One | 5:01 | Larry Waddell, Stokley Williams |
| 7 | Definition of a Band (Swing Version) | 1:00 | Chris Dave, Stokley Williams |
| 8 | Ain't Hookin' Me Up Enough | 4:14 | Ricky Kinchen, Keri Lewis, Larry Waddell, Stokley Williams |
| 9 | Funky Weekend | 4:55 | Homer O'Dell, Stokley Williams |
| 10 | I Want It Again | 5:10 | Stokley Williams |
| 11 | On & On | 4:40 | Keri Lewis, Stokley Williams |
| 12 | The Never That You'll Never Know | 4:38 | Keri Lewis, Stokley Williams |
| 13 | Asher in Rio (Interlude) | 0:31 | Jeffrey Allen |
| 14 | Raise Up | 4:36 | Homer O'Dell, Stokley Williams |
| 15 | On & On (Reprise) | 0:59 | Keri Lewis, Stokley Williams |
| 16 | Sometimes | 4:16 | Ricky Kinchen |
| 17 | Missing | 4:15 | Jeffrey Allen |
| 18 | If It Wasn't for Your Love (Dedication) | 1:19 | Larry Waddell |