The Fight of My Life (2007)
Kirk Franklin has always been up front about his struggles. For example, the gospel singer talked about his addiction to pornography and referenced it in the song "Let It Go," which was on the 2005 album Hero. Franklin’s willingness to admit his struggles with his demons, his understanding of popular culture and respect for secular musical […]
Introducing the Sound of Asian Soul RnB (2007)
Atlanta-based singer Yen is the first to admit that he "doesn’t look like a typical soul singer." But rather than hide his cultural roots (as TK Records did with early Bobby Caldwell records, showing only a silhouette of the singer to hide his race), Yen embraces his Vietnamese background on his debut album, Introducing the […]
The Makings of a Man (2007)
With the passing of R&B legends Luther Vandross and Gerald Levert, there’s an abundance of balladeers eager to be crowned the new "king of R&B." But only one artist bravely sets himself apart from the competition by claiming the title of the new "voice of R&B." Jaheim grabbed the attention of R&B fans back in […]
Jazz Handle (2007)
First coming to my attention as a vocalist on the soulful track ‘Naughty Girl’ by Denmark based production team Cool Million, this debut set showcases a truly extraordinary talent. Indeed such is the nature of the talent on display that you are actually wishing that the length of the average track which is in the region of just over […]
Frank (2007)
"They tried to make me go to rehab…I said no, no, no." Now, does art, in fact, imitate life with these ubiquitous lyrics in mind? Music enthusiasts across the country have been raving about the risqué and brutally honest language on Amy Winehouse’s U.S. debut album Back to Black. During the course of 2007, the […]
Elegant Lady (2007)
Tony Fields is a romantic crooner. As such, he works within a form that has a lot of history. And listeners expect a lot from their love men. First, they have to be great singers. I mean, you’re treading on the same territory as greats like Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross and Barry White; contemporary artists […]
Let Me Love You (2007)
Detroit has always been an enclave of talent and determination so another outstanding performer should make no difference. Rena Scott defies this high assertion, rewarding listeners with a talent at once familiar, yet today even more new. This Amor Records release of love ballads and mid-tempo gems is a testament to the influences that Rena […]
Day into Night (2007)
The first few bars of Jiva’s sophomore CD, Day Into Night throw the listener somewhat of a sonic curveball. At first it feels like a throwback moment starring that Toni Basil’s ‘Oh Micky" or Devo’s "Whip it." Nicely, however, acclaimed Atlanta producer, Khari Simmons and crew bring the pliant sounds into focus and let the […]
F1rst (2007)
In a year that has brought a number of surprise comebacks of classic soul singers, the return of O’Bryan has to be one of the most unexpected. An underrated vocalist who released a series of decent albums two decades ago, O’Bryan had a brief moment in the sun but didn’t appear to have the kind […]
For You (2007)
Singer, songwriter and drummer Eric Brown was birthed into a family full of musicians. Both parents were vocally inclined while Eric’s brothers played the drums and bass. At the age of 7, Eric began regular jam sessions with his siblings. He started out learning to play the drums then added piano to his repertoire at […]
