With their third album, SWV attempt to break away from the slick urban straitjacket and return to their hip-hop roots. In order to achieve their goal, the group hired a head-spinning array of producers and collaborators -- not only does Sean "Puffy" Combs produce and rap, but Snoop Doggy Dogg, Missy Elliott, Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim, Lil' Caesar, E-40 and Redman all appear on the album. Considering all the extra starpower, it's not all that surprising that SWV occasionally become overwhelmed by their guests, but that doesn't prevent Release Some Tension from being a solid album, particularly when it's propelled by funky sinlges like "Someone" and sweet grooves like "Rain" and "Here for You." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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