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Hip-Hop & R&B Music
- New Reviews
5 Discs = Classic | 4.0-4.5 Discs = Impressive | 3.0-3.5
Discs = Noteworthy
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4.5 out of 5 discs |
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Noel Gourdin
After My Time
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With Steve Harvey pushing Noel
Gourdin for months, thousands of morning show listeners are familiar
with Noel's debut single "The River." Luckily for Noel, Steve's
endorsement is right on point, and one listen to his debut album
After My Time will definitely be a pleasurable experience. Noel
Gourdin has strong vocals, even though it will be hard to
distinguish his voice from the multitude of other R&B singers out
right now. Resorting on strong lyrics and production, Noel still
does his thing throughout the album. "The River" is an undeniably
good lead-off single, but songs like "Hurts Like Hell" and "I Fell"
are just as good and should be heavy favorites for follow-up tracks.
If you love power ballads, "Led You On" is about as dynamic as it
gets. Traditional soul music fans will enjoy the laid-back feel of
"Summertime" and the forgiving vibe of "Sorry." Feel-good tracks
like "Too Late," "P.Y.T." (which is not a remake of Michael
Jackson's classic jam), and "One Love" help round out the album
nicely. After My Time is a great debut from Noel Gourdin.
It's amazing that Noel Gourdin pulls off this exceptional album
without any guest appearances to help him out. It just goes to
show that if you got the talent, you don't necessarily need backup. Let's just hope his talents don't go unnoticed.
Check out more information and samples of Noel Gourdin's music on his
Myspace Page at
http://www.myspace.com/noelgourdin |
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4 out of 5 discs |
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Musical success can be measured
a number of ways, depending on the angle in which you approach it.
Most people look at the ends (sales and popularity) as the ultimate
factor, while those who learn, create, and appreciate the craft look
at the means (discipline, inspiration, and knowledge) for the true
measure of success. Building on the foundation (means) brings about
the fame and the rewards (ends). Robbie Jenkins knows this process
very well. Having been to school for music and growing an
appreciation for the craft, he already has a lot of the tools
necessary to put it all together. And with his debut album Because It Feels Right, this singer/songwriter is poised to take on the
industry from the ground up. The lead single, "Wherever You Go,"
possesses all the right elements for a great R&B song, making it as
worthwhile as any mainstream record out there today. "I'm The One"
is another great track, relying heavily on Robbie's convincing
lyrics and solid production. Other notable tracks on the album
include the heartfelt title track "Because It Feels Right," the
throwback feel of "The Next Phase," the smooth groove of
"Fingerprints" and the serenity of "Tell Me." Despite it being
independently produced, Because It Feels Right is a great first
album for the up-and comer. With a bit more fine tuning, Robbie
Jenkins will have all the ingredients he needs to become a force to
be reckoned with in the future.
Check out more information and samples of Robbie Jenkins' music on his
Myspace Page at
http://www.myspace.com/robbiejenkinsmusic.
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Robbie Jenkins
Because It Feels Right
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4 out of 5 discs |
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Mutlu
Livin' It
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Hailing from Philadelphia, folk/soul
musician Mutlu offers more than your typical artist from Philly. The
Philly sound is more of an undertone on Mutlu's debut full-length
album Livin' It, resonating more with his undeniable folk influence.
His guitar work is ultimately a musical extension that completes the
other half of his artistic being. Couple that with his vocal
awareness, and this is what truly sets him apart from the rest of the
pack. Livin' It is comprised of upbeat tempos as well as restrained
melodies, straightforward lyrics, and an unadulterated delivery. The
title track, "Livin' It," is a great introduction to the album and
really sets the tone for the rest of the selections. "Marilyn" is a
story about a dreamer, something most of us can certainly relate to
at some point in our lives. "Hello Morning" is a laid-back,
guitar-heavy ode to the rise of a new day and the appeal to make it
to the good things and through the bad things that the day has in
store for you. "Mama's Not Coming Home" is a thought-provoking track
about a mother making ends meet in order to provide for her child.
The singer does enlist some help from his Philly counterparts, like
the musical pioneer Daryl Hall for the song "See What It Brings,"
fellow musician G. Love for "Shaky Ground, Pt. 2,"
multi-instrumentalist Amos Lee for "Make It There," Jazzyfatnastees'
own Mercedes Martinez with background vocals on "Think It Over" and
"In Your Heart" featuring rising R&B star Raheem Devaughn. Although
not your typical soul album, Livin' It embodies the stories of
folk music, the simplistic delivery of
acoustic soul, and the moodiness of the blues. Mutlu is an artist
that can be, and should be, embraced by anyone who considers
themselves a lover of real music.
Check out more information and samples of Mutlu's
music on his
Myspace Page at
http://www.myspace.com/mutlusounds.
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