This fourth chapter in TLC’s nearly 10-year career finds soulful sisters Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas facing a major challenge: How to focus on the music at hand after one-third of your group —in this case, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes—passed away in a car accident earlier in the year. But press on they do; in the process, a nearly perfect collection has been created that, sadly, may be the duo’s swan song. And since some songs were recorded prior to Lopes’ death, her presence is very much felt on 3D (witness her intriguing raps in the George Clinton-inflected “Over Me” and the percolating “Girl Talk”). The Dallas Austin-
produced “Damaged” and the Rodney Jerkins-helmed “Turntable” are folk-pop gems, recalling past glories like “Waterfalls.” The Neptunes-sculpted “In Your Arms Tonight” is sturdy and sultry, making it perfect for city streets or between the sheets. With 3D, TLC has crafted a fitting tribute to a departed sister.—MP
