Rated R (2009)
A great way to soothe the hurt away is to keep working. After a brief hiatus stemming from her high-profiled breakup with R&B prince Chris Brown and barely escaping the grips of becoming the next poster child of domestic abuse, Rihanna is back at work with her latest carnival of pop-frizzled R&B. On Rated R, […]
The Late Night Affair (2009)
The title of Salah Ananse’ latest project, Late Night Affair, is definitive of its overall sound – an ambiently laid back groove. There is no doubt that Ananse has something to show for his 16 plus years of experience as a DJ, having opened for a neo-soul lover’s fantasy team. A resume that includes opening […]
Unfresh (2009)
Do not let the title Unfresh fool you: throughout her self-released debut, Andy Allo injects a distinctive breath of urban music fresh air. Her laid-back soulful style — free of instrumental clutter – is buoyed by a confident attitude that consistently works. The Cameroon born, San Francisco resident has been full of fresh ideas even […]
My Best (2009)
Glenn Jones. That was the first thought that crossed my mind when I heard Jeff Ramsey hit one of his soaring high notes on "Give It My Best," the inspirational first track on Ramsey’s My Best. Comparing artists is a mental reflex that performers like Ramsey probably wish that music fans could unlearn. Everybody wants […]
The Karyn Allen Experience (2009)
If Karyn Allen were an insurance agent, she could easily sell honesty as the company’s best policy. Fortunately for soul music fans, Allen as a singer/songwriter is all about honesty. The intro for her debut The Karyn Allen Experience says it all as she iterates: "The entire album seems like a story." Whether relaying her own story […]
A Clark Family Christmas (2009)
A family that prays together stays together. What a joy to see the Clark Sisters and their respected, talented family members united for their second holiday project, Family Christmas. This time, J Moss and Kierra Sheard join the cast along with Bill Moss Jr. on an eleven-track project fused with both live and studio offerings. […]
Ready (2009)
Musically modeling himself after R. Kelly’s macho, overtly sexual swagger, Trey Songz has morphed into the next frontier for hands-on, graphic R&B. Gone away are the tender lyrics of sweet adorned love under the romantic moonlight. It’s all about those inner erotic urges of the moment. Three albums into his craft, on Ready Songz comfortably […]
Meet Me In the Middle (2009)
What does Erin Hunt have in common with Tamia, Robin Thicke and Remy Shand? The answer is that Hunt – like the above-mentioned trio of R&B/soul singers – hails from Canada. Hunt won’t have to worry about her music being confused with any of those singers, however. Her style on the very good Meet Me […]
Vintage Soul (2009)
Too say that what qualifies as vintage soul is subjective is an understatement on par with saying Madonna likes attention. For some, unless vocally there are jazz riffs and gospel acrobatics aplenty, then it lacks that "it" factor of the old school. Then there are those who prefer a more emotionally understated bluesy brand with […]
City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya (2009)
Relaxed, contemplative, and cucumber cool in its approach to nouveau -80s electronica, Nicolay’s Shibuya demonstrates why the Great Dutch is in demand as an indie soul and hip hop producer, but not necessarily why the multi-instrumentalist is a compelling enough solo talent. Gratefully, the music here is not aggressive or obnoxious enough to be considered […]
