The soul/funk foursome Today has recently put out their second album titled “The New Formula,” and the formulation of this album is definitely new and improved.

The group Today consists of Wesley Adams (a.k.a Wes), Lee Drakeford (a.k.a Bubba), Larry McCain (a.k.a. Love), and Larry Singletary (a.k.a. Chief).

The album is broken up into two separate musical categories. The first side of the album, which is also titled “Today,” is a reflection of the group’s beginning. It consists of the funk that put the group on the charts with their first album that included the hit “Him or Me.”

The first single on the “Today” side to hit the airwaves and the video screen was “Why You Get Funky On Me,” which is part of the soundtrack for the movie “House Party.”

Another single that has just been released is called “I Got the Feeling,” which is about the feelings of betrayal.

The other side of the album is titled “Tonight” and the music on this side is definitely for the night.

The slow songs on this side are full of the style and harmony that came from such groups like the Chilites, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes and the O’jays. The only difference is that Today spices up this style with a small touch of the ‘90s flavor. If you like those artists just mentioned, then the “Tonight” side is for you.

Lee Drakeford sings most of the lead vocals for Today, but Larry McCain and Larry Singletary also sing a few leads. Drakeford’s voice is very strong and rough but he can still hit some high notes. His voice adds substance to the funkier songs on the album but complements the slower ones.

One of the many producers that were a part of this album is Dr. Freeze, an ex-rapper who is familiar with the Hip-Hop sound.

The “jack-swing” flavor, which has been a part of Today’s style since their beginning with Teddy Riley of the group Guy, can be heard in the up-tempo songs of this album. One reason for this is Gene Griffin.

Gene Griffin, who used to back Guy, produced the single “Why You Get Funky on Me” on this album.

This album has all the right elements. Today definitely used a new formula in making this new album, and this formula works and will last long in one’s music collection.