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Blast Off
  Blast Off  
  Recommended if you like:
- Avant
- Tyrese
- Jagged Edge
 
Review
Cognac 'Blast Off' [SoulChoonz]
 

A word of warning: this album has a tendency to put its listeners in a romantic sensual mood that might result in clothing items being removed. Listener's discretion is advised. Hailing from Louisiana Cognac brings forth his debut album “Blast Off.” If you thought R&B music was missing some of its sensual slow jams and bump n' grinding beats from back in the days, think again. Cognac does a superior job on this album enticing his listeners with his passion, soul, and beats. Cognac begins his album with tracks such as "Blast off", "Teach me" and "Never hate." Cognac teases his female audiences with "Stranded", an interesting song that plays on the idea that his female partner is "stranded” in his bedroom which does nothing but entice her for what will occur next. Cognac gets personal in his heart-felt song "Lose Everything" where he pours his emotions and soul on the event of Hurricane Katrina. Even though this song might seem to be out of place from the general theme of the album, it serves a number of purposes; first, it shows that Cognac is a diverse artist and can sing about serious political issues other than bedroom activities; second, it shows his anger and political perspective of such a tragic event which has affected him personally; and thirdly, it shows another part of his heart and soul. Cognac's voice is notably excellent and by far fully illustrates his raw emotion and synergy that a listener can only empathize and observe. The production quality on this album is excellent and often the beats are melodic yet hypnotizing enough to set anyone in the mood. An interesting point about this album that should be highlighted is the content. It seems Cognac has distanced himself from the typical R&B formula and gone back to some of the grassroots of soul without making it sound like you are listening to a cheap adult flick. He tantalizes but does not exploit his female his audiences, he cherishes but does not dismiss love, he creates but does not emphasize on how to procreate in lovemaking. Cognac is a well-rounded artist who has the potential to grow and saturate the market---that is if the current R&B market is ready for such strong artist.
You can find the album on www.soulchoonz.com.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Masterpiece
  Masterpiece  
  Recommended if you like:
- Ne-Yo
- Chris Brown
- Usher
 
Review
Nathan 'Masterpiece' [Mona]
 

After the release of top 40 single 'Come Into My Room' in 2004, we all wondered what had happened to the UK r'n'b sensation, Nathan is now back with an album entitled 'Masterpiece', the title says it all.. having supported artists such as Missy, Ne-Yo & Joe, Nathan is ready to take the the UK by storm. The albums opening track which is 'Round & Round' about a meaningful relationship with recurring problems produced by skylone who has worked with the likes of Destiny's Child, Craig David, Beverley Knight to name a few, with Nathan both singing & rapping on an uptempo melodic beat. More recent single 'Do Without My Love' again produced by Skylone is a mid-tempo track which talks about the portrayal of the need of love... this track portrays a more mature, deep & emotionally side through the lyrics. 'They Can't Take It Away' a slow jam talks about being with that one person who he promises to cherish no matter the cost, a well produced track with chilled out sultry vocals on first listen Usher 'Nice & Slow' springs to mind..'Snatch'a uptempo number produced by Salaami Remi who has worked with the likes of The Fugees, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse & Lemar definatley one for the clubs, thumping bass line first listen you can not help but nod your head. 'Kiss Me' is a uptempo track, for the ladies leaning more toward the pop market, one of the more commercial songs on the album , well written & sung.. This album is definatly an album which consist of many catchy songs, mostly midtempo with a few up tempo tracks mid way through the album, definately a grower with something on here for everyone to enjoy.

Jason Augustine [Just Soul]

The Life & Time For Love
  The Life & Time For Love  
  Recommended if you like:
- 2GA1
- Kindred The Family Soul
- Floetry
 
Review
Taniq 'The Life & Time For Love' [Taniq]
 

Taniq are a hip-hop/soul husband and wife duo (Mike and Carolynn Owens) that are gifted, individually with incredibly strong, soulful voices, with a sound reminiscent of 70’s old school with a contemporary twist. This is a 4-song self-entitled sampler EP for their forthcoming album “The Life & Time For Love” on the Crazatic Entertainment label. All songs are composed, produced and performed by Taniq. The opening track “Everything About You” introduces the listener to an instantly pleasing sound, which sits you back, head nodding as you listen to their vocals as well as the music. This is a strong opener, which makes you anxious to hear more from the duo. “Hands in My Pocket” is a mid-tempo tune which includes hip-hop lyrics, another good head nodding track. On to the third song called “Breakin’ the Rules,” which starts with a wonderful jazzy opening - Caroylnn singing scat style – improvising with the melody and rhythm. Production on this beautiful track, gives it a quality feel and a seductive ambience. “Scale of Sacrifice,” the final song, starts with Mike’s hip-hop vocals, Carolynn joining in as the track progresses, giving the listener a good chance to listen to each of their vocals individually. Finishing off with an addition of some lead guitar behind the vocals. With good instrumentalists on the album, it gives you a strong sounding EP and a good overall sound. This soul couple spread love through their music and the pleasurable CD sampler certainly makes me want to hear more from Taniq as their vocals blend beautifully together in musical harmony.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Distant Lover
  Distant Lover  
  Recommended if you like:
- Chaka Khan
- Stephanie Mills
- Jody Watley
 
Review
Vesta 'Distant Lover' [Shanachie]
 

When you thought that the concept of doing cover albums was getting tired and uneventful, there seems to be more that just pop up. Are R&B singers running out of lyrics? Are they instead of sampling their ancestors just re-doing their songs all together? This might be the question that a number of listeners might have when they hear cover albums. Others might argue that doing cover albums is a way of paying back and respecting the music of the past. Vesta Williams brings forth her album “Distant Lover” - a cover album of classic soulful songs from the last three decades. Vesta’s choices of her cover songs are quite unique. Not only does it display her yearn of her favorite songs, but also her musical influences and her favorite artists. Vesta’s 10-track album covers songs such as Babyface’s “Whip Appeal”, Marvin Gaye’s “Distant Lover” and Smokey Robinson’s “Ooh Baby Baby.” One cannot deny that Vesta’s voice is powerful and should not be overlooked, however her choice of doing cover songs might make listeners ‘underlook’ her abilities as an artist. Songs that capture Vesta’s powerful voice include, Babyface’s “Whip Appeal”, Bill Withers “Use Me” and the beautiful cover version of Billy Preston and Syreetta’s “With You I’m Born Again.” There are some songs that notwithstanding Vesta’s voice do not grab that appeal of the song; Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet” (which she confesses is her favorite song) and Sade’s “Ordinary Love” are examples. Vesta’s voice is resilient and great. Unfortunately, doing a cover album will only last so long before it will dissolve into an abyss of the unknown. This album is one of those albums that a listener will get into or not and it has nothing to do with her voice but more with the content. If, however you are tired of listening to what is currently being heard in R&B and soul music, then maybe this album will give you a lesson or two of what we have been missing.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Bees+Things+Flowers
  Bees+Things+Flowers  
  Recommended if you like:
- Roy Ayers
- Quincy Jones
- Earth Wind & Fire
 
Review
Incognito 'Bees+Things+Flowers' [Narada Jazz]
 

Doing a cover album of tunes and hits seems to be the latest bandwagon that artists are doing weather it’s covering other tunes or covering your own tunes that were recorded years ago. In an attempt to showcase the soulful songs of the yesteryears, legendary group Incognito releases their album “Bees+Things+Flowers.” Instantly from the album title a number of listeners will think that this is Roy Ayers tribute album - it’s not (even though they do a cover version of “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” on the first track.) Classic songs such as “Summer In The City” are featured on this album as well as Incognito’s own classic tracks such as “Still A Friend Of Mine” “Everybody” and “Deep Waters”. There is some new material on the album that listeners are honored to hear such as “Raise,” “Crave” and “You Are Golden”. The switch between the up-tempo tracks and the mellow slow tracks might make some listeners feel that this interrupts the general flow of the album making it feel like they are on a rollercoaster between fast and slow songs. This is illustrated with tracks like “Summer In The City” and “Raise” which are followed by “Always There” and “Still A Friend Of Mine” respectively. Despite this, the overall production is admirable. Key vocals featured on the CD include Jocelyn Brown (who sings “Always There” and “Raise”) Joy Rose (who sings “Everybody Loves The Sunshine.”) and Tony Momrelle (who sings “Still A Friend Of Mine” and “You Is Golden”). Other vocalists feature their lead vocals on tracks that vividly illustrate their emitted passion and soul for the song. One thing that is concrete about the album - is that Incognito knows how to bring back the soul, which they attained, quite well in this album.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

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