The Writing’s on The Wall (1999)

The Writing’s On The Wall was the second studio album by Destiny’s Child, and launched them to international acclaim with hits such as ‘Say My Name’ and ‘Jumpin, Jumpin’. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 200 at no’ 6, and sold 133,000 units within the first week. Introducing R&B styles not seen before, it has become one of the best-selling girl group albums of all time, with worldwide sales surpassing 13 million.

This album has to be appreciated as a masterpiece - offering 17 tracks featuring one bonus song on this international edition, there is something for everyone. I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t mention Bills, Bills, Bills first and foremost because it’s an epic track, combining witty lyrics and a turbo charged chorus that builds throughout the song. Another song that I think defines the album is So Good, one of the first after the intro. Destiny’s Child were experts at opening a song, and the guitar strums at the start set the scene perfectly for a musical experience that is so dynamic and fresh.

One song that jumped out at me upon relistening to this album is ‘Now That She’s Gone’, which also has an epic beginning with layered instrumentation that moves into beautiful, dreamy vocals - ‘Temptation’ also holds this tranquil vibe, repetitive lyrics sung with ease. If you’re looking for something more fun and upbeat, ‘Bug A Boo’ is a great choice with some wonderful vocal rhythms.

Moving further down the album, ‘Stay’ delivers the perfect 90s love ballad, and ‘Sweet Sixteen’ infuses electronic sounds with guitar to create something that is so pleasing to the ear. We get a version of ‘Amazing Grace’ dedicated to Andretta Tillman who invested in Destiny’s Child, and who is one of the reasons they came to fruition. The bonus song is ‘Get On The Bus’, featuring rap by Timbaland and a chorus that you wont be able to get out of your head.

I think the way the whole album is constructed is brilliant, built around the idea of the ‘Ten Commandments of Love’ with a playful intro track to set the scene. The Writing’s On The Wall wasn’t received without controversy, as featured members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson tried to split with their manager Mathew Knowles, being replaced for the ‘Say My Name’ music video with Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, who only stayed in the group for a further 5 months.

It’s undeniable the impact this piece of music had on the industry at the time and I’ve loved delving into it recently.