It's finally out [In the US that is]. With a name change & new tracks Monica's album has finally hit the streets. The question now is ''Was it worth the wait?'' Well Monica has adopted a more mature & sensual image with her 3rd [US] album ''After The Storm'' and that image carries over to her songs.

The album consists of ballads as well as uptempo cuts, both of which Monica has always been capable of singing. Some artists excel in one or the other, but Monica has always been able to handle both with ease. Most of the songs fall into the love category, no political messages or save the world type tracks on this album. These songs tend to focus on the good or bad of relationships, mostly the bad. Now I don't have the slightest idea who Monica has been with in the last couple of years but whoever it was did her wrong.

Guest appearances on the album consist of DMX, Tyrese, Busta Ryhmes & Missy who mostly does back-up duty. I'm not a big Tyrese fan but the song featuring him ''Go To Bed Mad'' is cool. The song ''Don't Gotta Go Home'' w/ DMX is good & if released could help to get the Dark Man's career back on track.

Producers who worked on the album include the likes of Jermaine Dupri, Jazze Pha, Rodney Jerkins & Missy. Most of the tracks match-up with Monica's vocals pretty good. Stand out tracks include the first single ''So Gone'' as well as ''Ain't Gonna Cry No More'' & ''Go To Bed Mad'' w/ Tyrese. My favorite ballad on the album is actually on the bonus CD, ''Down 4 Whatever'', produced by Rodney Jerkins. The song found me in a sentimental mood & the breathy way it was sung is a style that I've always been fond of. The bonus CD also includes 3 other tracks which are pretty good & not the usual bul$#!t or remix stuff you get on other bonus CDs.

Overall its a good album. It probably won't set any records but it pretty much guarantees that Monica will be around for another couple of albums [God willing]. Should you buy it? Well anyone of any age could pick up the album & probably find something they like on it. If you're into artists like the late Aaliyah [Not trying to make a comparison], Alicia Keys or Kelly Rowland, then you'll probably enjoy this album a lot. If India.Arie or Jill Scott is more to your liking then it'll probably be hit or miss.

SonicAmp Rating: 8/10