After 7’S ‘Reflections’ Comes Back To Roots

After straying from their original creative formula on their last album, the members of After 7 have returned to their roots for a third set, “Reflections.”

Arriving in stores July 18, “Reflections” (Virgin) features the creative and inspirational return of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who produced tracks on After 7’s selftitled debut set. For the group, it’s a family reunion of sorts, since Babyface is brother to members Kevon and Melvin Edmonds.

Rounding out After 7 is Keith Mitchell, the cousin of LaFace coowner L.A. Reid.

Says Kevon, “Kenny produced three tracks and co-produced another four. But more important, he was a real guiding spirit.”

Despite Babyface’s high profile, Kevon isn’t concerned that After 7 might lose its own identity because of his brother’s presence. “I hardly think his participation is overshadowing,” Kevon says. “To the contrary, he helped us find our niche. If we had a roadblock melody-wise or production-wise, we could count on him for advice.”

Kevon says Babyface’s influence helped the group regain the focus it lost on its 1992 sophomore album, “Takin’ My Time,” which sold 428,000 copies, according to SoundScan, and reached No. 8 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

By contrast, the group’s 1989 selftitled debut featured the singles “Ready Or Not” and “Can’t Stop,” which reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart. “After 7” went on to sell 228,000 units and reached No. 3 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

Although sales of the second album nearly doubled those of the first, the group’s members were disappointed with the album, creatively and commercially.