Immortal (2011)
I know what you’re thinking. I can literally see your eyes roll and hear a sigh of exasperation at the thought of yet another Michael Jackson release and another review of its quality and worthiness. I’m not exactly psychic, but as a lifelong fan, I feel you: I mean, what else is left for us […]
My Life II…The Journey Continues
Physically compromised, emotionally broken and struggling to accept the almost-instant success that many of her peers yearned to achieve, Mary J. Blige was a tender 23-years-old when she released her most universally-lauded album, My Life, a collection of songs that revealed as much yearning for acceptance and vulnerability to heartbreak as it did her ability write lyrics […]
The Awakening
It’s tough when the novelty of something special begins to fade. Such is the case of James Morrison’s ability to mimic the tonal wealth of ‘60s era Stevie Wonder, but none of the creative vision that broke Wonder out of the Motown safety machine and into a near 20-year run of back-to-back timeless releases unmatched […]
I’m At Peace
Vicki Yohe always dreamed of blessing others through the teachings of Jesus, on the biggest musical platform, in her own special way. As one of a few blue-eyed gospel voices who have excelled in the urban gospel market, Yohe grew up worshipping in a predominately black congregation in Hammond, Louisiana, listening to contemporary gospel legends […]
Twenty
It’s a dicey business pitting your best work against your latest work as the members of Boyz II Men have done with the release of their appropriately titled 20th anniversary album, Twenty. Much like the R&B group’s last three decent-to-good cover albums, it inherently draws some uneasy comparisons. How does a “So Amazing” stand up […]
Owed to Mama Rickie
Whenever the spirit calls her, Georgia Anne Muldrow is unafraid to go against the mainstream musical grain. Through her ambitious body of work on several underground record labels—for a combined seven projects—in her very young career, the singer/songwriter/musician never wastes any opportunity on speaking her mind on spirituality, self-doubt and the human race, or in […]
Just Becuz
One might be surprised of the various faraway places producing American-born R&B/soul music. Certainly, Iceland doesn’t readily come to mind. Quick history lesson: the original musical culture of the Republic of Iceland was inspired by folk music from Northern Europe and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. While folk still has a place […]
‘Til the Morning
When he blew out the candles on his birthday cake last July, Keith Sweat did more than just turn 50: he accomplished nearly a quarter century in the entertainment industry and remains one of the most successful artists from the New Jack Era, thanks to his seven #1 singles, twelve top ten R&B songs and […]
Condensate
Without using a statement loaded with hyperbole, it is most important to value the Minneapolis-bred ‘80s funk band The Time separately rather than as a unit. That’s because, as history preaches the unraveling truths from behind the shrouds, we learn that Prince had his hands in everything that once bore the group’s name during the […]
Motions Of Love
Age can bring wisdom and time may bring closure, but that doesn’t prevent heartbreak from becoming an occasional stumbling block, even for someone as gorgeous and gifted as Maysa. Last year had been a banner one for the multiple-genre-conquering singer and songwriter, thanks to her critically-acclaimed eighth CD, A Woman In Love, and the rejuvenated […]
