Gabrielle - Always

http://www.gabrielle.co.uk





Origine du Groupe : U.K

Style : Nu-Soul, R&B

Sortie : 2007

 

 

By Ben Wood from http://www.bbc.co.uk



This album isn’t going to change the world, but it’s a very pleasant surprise.



For many people (including me), Gabrielle has always seemed a mite middle of the road, her well-crafted soul-pop winning her a permanent berth on daytime radio alongside Celine, Mariah and
co.



However, maybe the relative failure of her last album Play To Win has inspired the formerly eyepatched one to take a few more risks. Her voice - more conversational than the foghorn favoured by
many modern R’n’B singers – is still instantly recognisable. But on Always, it is wrapped around a more eclectic, better-produced, funkier set of songs.



The production takes it out of Magic FM land and into more interesting waters. And maybe it’s the influence of the sainted Kanye West, but there’s a definite early 70s soul vibe. However, the
lyrics are still a slight weak point, tending towards the prosaic and the therapy-speakish at times.



The first single from what the singer has described as her ‘break-up album’ is “Why”, quoting Wild Wood and featuring the voice and guitar of Mr Weller himself; while Gabrielle’s voice seems
raspier, with a touch of Macy Gray. The prominent strings introduce one of the album’s central motifs.



“Always” is another tale of a shattered relationship, its updated ‘70s soul feel strengthened by harp, cooing backing vocals, hip-hoppy beats, and a chiming guitar hook.



“Heartbreaker”’s Primal Screamesque rock/soul stomp is more evidence of the unexpected. This unashamed party track starts with a beat filched from Bobby and co’s “Rocks”, while “When We Were One”
is another meditation on loss, as hip-hop beats mesh with strings once more.



“Closure”’s break-up blues places churchy organ against a funky backbeat. It’s simple, dignified and effective, Gabrielle refusing to over-emote, and demonstrating that less is more.



“Every Little Teardrop” seems to take its melody from Lenny Kravitz’s “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over”. It’s not the album’s strongest track, but that’s no crime in such company. This album isn’t
going to change the world, but it’s a very pleasant surprise.





Tracklist :

01 - Always       

02 - Heartbreaker       

03 - Why       

04 - Remember       

05 - Every Little Teardrop       

06 - I'm Not In Love       

07 - Love Me Like You Do       

08 - Wiser       

09 - All I Want       

10 - It's Breaking My Heart       

11 - Cold Sober Moment       

12 - Show Me Love       

13 - Closure

 

Gabrielle - Always

http://www.gabrielle.co.uk





Origine du Groupe : U.K

Style : Nu-Soul, R&B

Sortie : 2007

 

 

By Ben Wood from http://www.bbc.co.uk



This album isn’t going to change the world, but it’s a very pleasant surprise.



For many people (including me), Gabrielle has always seemed a mite middle of the road, her well-crafted soul-pop winning her a permanent berth on daytime radio alongside Celine, Mariah and
co.



However, maybe the relative failure of her last album Play To Win has inspired the formerly eyepatched one to take a few more risks. Her voice - more conversational than the foghorn favoured by
many modern R’n’B singers – is still instantly recognisable. But on Always, it is wrapped around a more eclectic, better-produced, funkier set of songs.



The production takes it out of Magic FM land and into more interesting waters. And maybe it’s the influence of the sainted Kanye West, but there’s a definite early 70s soul vibe. However, the
lyrics are still a slight weak point, tending towards the prosaic and the therapy-speakish at times.



The first single from what the singer has described as her ‘break-up album’ is “Why”, quoting Wild Wood and featuring the voice and guitar of Mr Weller himself; while Gabrielle’s voice seems
raspier, with a touch of Macy Gray. The prominent strings introduce one of the album’s central motifs.



“Always” is another tale of a shattered relationship, its updated ‘70s soul feel strengthened by harp, cooing backing vocals, hip-hoppy beats, and a chiming guitar hook.



“Heartbreaker”’s Primal Screamesque rock/soul stomp is more evidence of the unexpected. This unashamed party track starts with a beat filched from Bobby and co’s “Rocks”, while “When We Were One”
is another meditation on loss, as hip-hop beats mesh with strings once more.



“Closure”’s break-up blues places churchy organ against a funky backbeat. It’s simple, dignified and effective, Gabrielle refusing to over-emote, and demonstrating that less is more.



“Every Little Teardrop” seems to take its melody from Lenny Kravitz’s “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over”. It’s not the album’s strongest track, but that’s no crime in such company. This album isn’t
going to change the world, but it’s a very pleasant surprise.





Tracklist :

01 - Always       

02 - Heartbreaker       

03 - Why       

04 - Remember       

05 - Every Little Teardrop       

06 - I'm Not In Love       

07 - Love Me Like You Do       

08 - Wiser       

09 - All I Want       

10 - It's Breaking My Heart       

11 - Cold Sober Moment       

12 - Show Me Love       

13 - Closure

 

Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio

http://robertglasper.com





Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Nu-Soul , Nu-Jazz , Hip Hop , R&B

Sortie : 2012





By Adam Kuhn  from
http://corndogchats.blogspot.fr



When one thinks of today's mainstream pop music, one does not immediately think of jazz. In fact, I have been of the opinion for the longest time that jazz needs to find its way back into
mainstream pop music. It was once king and those glory days are far behind, but I think it will return one day, perhaps in a different form, sort of like this. While Norah Jones may be the
closest thing to jazz in pop music today, it is hard to deny that the hip hop world has nestled itself comfortably into that world of pop music as well. So what Robert Glasper has decided to do
here is blend his music prowess, which is that of a jazz pianist, with the musical talents and styling of today's hip hop music. An interesting experiment to be sure, Glaper collaborates with
various artists throughout and the result is a mixed bag.



The greatest attraction in jazz music for me is the moody transportation of the arrangements. The music manages to seep into my atmosphere from out of the speakers and take me to a musical
paradise when done really well. That sort of experience can be found on this album, it is just a shame at how sporadic it comes. Glasper plays a great jazz piano, but his trouble on this album
are his collaborators, who are mostly hit or miss. When paired with the delightfully soulful Erykah Badu on "Afro Blue", the classic standard with a slight twist this time, Glasper arranges an
instantly gratifying experience. The hip is really downplayed for most of the album, featuring mostly jazz numbers with slightly influenced hip hop beats. In reality, the singers are jazzy or
soulful and manage to compliment what Glasper is going for. The problem is sometimes they aren't all that interesting.



Perhaps more songs like "Always Shine", which features Lupe Fiasco, would have benefited the overall effectiveness of the album. On that track, Fiasco's rap pairs uncannily well with the jazz.
For being an "experiment", Glasper should have gone further in marrying these musical styles. That being said, it is like nothing else I have heard, though I also haven't exactly listened to very
much modern jazz to know if this was innovative or not. Glasper flirts with a great album, but honestly falls short not because of his talents as a musician, but as an assembler of talent. It is
worth a listen for the handful of good tracks, and perhaps for the direction it may move the music industry over time.





Tracklist :   

01 – Lift OffMic Check (feat. Shafiq Husayn)

02 – Afro Blue (feat. Erykah Badu)

03 – Cherish The Day (feat. Lalah Hathaway)

04 – Always Shine (feat. Lupe Fiasco and Bilal)

05 – Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.) (feat. Ledisi)

06 – Move Love (feat. KING)

07 – Ah Yeah (feat. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele)

08 – Consequence Of Jealously (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

09 – Why Do We Try (feat. Stokely)

10 – Black Radio (feat. Mos Def)

11 – Letter to Hermoine (feat. Bilal)

12 – Smells Like Teen Spirit





LINK REMOVE DMCA REQUEST

Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio

http://robertglasper.com





Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Nu-Soul , Nu-Jazz , Hip Hop , R&B

Sortie : 2012





By Adam Kuhn  from
http://corndogchats.blogspot.fr



When one thinks of today's mainstream pop music, one does not immediately think of jazz. In fact, I have been of the opinion for the longest time that jazz needs to find its way back into
mainstream pop music. It was once king and those glory days are far behind, but I think it will return one day, perhaps in a different form, sort of like this. While Norah Jones may be the
closest thing to jazz in pop music today, it is hard to deny that the hip hop world has nestled itself comfortably into that world of pop music as well. So what Robert Glasper has decided to do
here is blend his music prowess, which is that of a jazz pianist, with the musical talents and styling of today's hip hop music. An interesting experiment to be sure, Glaper collaborates with
various artists throughout and the result is a mixed bag.



The greatest attraction in jazz music for me is the moody transportation of the arrangements. The music manages to seep into my atmosphere from out of the speakers and take me to a musical
paradise when done really well. That sort of experience can be found on this album, it is just a shame at how sporadic it comes. Glasper plays a great jazz piano, but his trouble on this album
are his collaborators, who are mostly hit or miss. When paired with the delightfully soulful Erykah Badu on "Afro Blue", the classic standard with a slight twist this time, Glasper arranges an
instantly gratifying experience. The hip is really downplayed for most of the album, featuring mostly jazz numbers with slightly influenced hip hop beats. In reality, the singers are jazzy or
soulful and manage to compliment what Glasper is going for. The problem is sometimes they aren't all that interesting.



Perhaps more songs like "Always Shine", which features Lupe Fiasco, would have benefited the overall effectiveness of the album. On that track, Fiasco's rap pairs uncannily well with the jazz.
For being an "experiment", Glasper should have gone further in marrying these musical styles. That being said, it is like nothing else I have heard, though I also haven't exactly listened to very
much modern jazz to know if this was innovative or not. Glasper flirts with a great album, but honestly falls short not because of his talents as a musician, but as an assembler of talent. It is
worth a listen for the handful of good tracks, and perhaps for the direction it may move the music industry over time.





Tracklist :   

01 – Lift OffMic Check (feat. Shafiq Husayn)

02 – Afro Blue (feat. Erykah Badu)

03 – Cherish The Day (feat. Lalah Hathaway)

04 – Always Shine (feat. Lupe Fiasco and Bilal)

05 – Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.) (feat. Ledisi)

06 – Move Love (feat. KING)

07 – Ah Yeah (feat. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele)

08 – Consequence Of Jealously (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

09 – Why Do We Try (feat. Stokely)

10 – Black Radio (feat. Mos Def)

11 – Letter to Hermoine (feat. Bilal)

12 – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Lenny Harold - The Journal of Wonders (Tale of the phoenix in the moon labyrinth)

http://www.lennyharold.com

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Alternative , Nu-Soul , R&B

Sortie : 2011

From Official Site :



Emerging artist Lenny Harold is set to release his exciting debut album—a work of art which will undoubtedly capture the minds and hearts of music lovers worldwide.



“The Journal of Wonders: Tale of the Phoenix in the Moon Labyrinth”— prepared to be released on March 22nd, 2011— is an eclectic mixture of R&B and Soul with delicate hints of Pop and Smooth
Jazz that will grab any listener’s attention from start to finish— a unique sound which the artist himself has coined as “hybrid soul.” The album consists of 14 original songs from Lenny;
production by Cass Maya, Taylor Ryan, and Solomon Cortes of WMC Productions; and the support of renowned musicians responsible for some of the greatest hits in mainstream music history.



Already having numerous accomplishments under his old moniker “CHANJ,” Lenny is an established artist in his own right, having worked with actor/vocalist Jamie Foxx, producer Teddy Riley, and
singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosious—whose ballad “Say Yes” would spark his rise to Apollo championship and industry discovery. After putting his own stamp on the song, Lenny has generated a solid
fan base in the states and gained notoriety through his fascinating performances across the world.



The 2011 release of Lenny’s debut album is a highly anticipated point in his career. “I’m excited about this project!” he explains, “I’ve collaborated with genius musicians and songwriters that
captivate and describe the heart in ways not yet understood. The honesty of this album will give everyone a way to relate to it…”



Beautifully representing his raw talent and soulful charisma, “The Journal of Wonders” is destined to leave a lasting impression across all genres— stylishly artistic and exemplary of musical
genius.





Executive Produced by Cass Maya

BlackBelt Music Group

Marketing & Branding by Forrest Renaissance

WMC/AM Studios

Recorded at AM Studios

Mixed by Yaron Aldema at AM Studios

Mastered by Mark B. Christensen

Assisted by Raphael Fiorda

at Engine Room Audio, NYC



Tracklist :

1.The Phoenix Cry 02:38

2.It's not ok 04:26

3.Helpless 03:55

4.Couture 03:13

5.I need you (Interlude) 01:35

6.There it is 04:37

7.Surprise 05:15

8.In my arms 04:17

9.Understand me 03:38

10.Fascination 02:45

11.Waiting on yesterday 07:15

12.Voodoo 03:40

13.Secret Love 04:51   

14.Love at the end 05:37

Lenny Harold - The Journal of Wonders (Tale of the phoenix in the moon labyrinth)

http://www.lennyharold.com

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Alternative , Nu-Soul , R&B

Sortie : 2011

From Official Site :



Emerging artist Lenny Harold is set to release his exciting debut album—a work of art which will undoubtedly capture the minds and hearts of music lovers worldwide.



“The Journal of Wonders: Tale of the Phoenix in the Moon Labyrinth”— prepared to be released on March 22nd, 2011— is an eclectic mixture of R&B and Soul with delicate hints of Pop and Smooth
Jazz that will grab any listener’s attention from start to finish— a unique sound which the artist himself has coined as “hybrid soul.” The album consists of 14 original songs from Lenny;
production by Cass Maya, Taylor Ryan, and Solomon Cortes of WMC Productions; and the support of renowned musicians responsible for some of the greatest hits in mainstream music history.



Already having numerous accomplishments under his old moniker “CHANJ,” Lenny is an established artist in his own right, having worked with actor/vocalist Jamie Foxx, producer Teddy Riley, and
singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosious—whose ballad “Say Yes” would spark his rise to Apollo championship and industry discovery. After putting his own stamp on the song, Lenny has generated a solid
fan base in the states and gained notoriety through his fascinating performances across the world.



The 2011 release of Lenny’s debut album is a highly anticipated point in his career. “I’m excited about this project!” he explains, “I’ve collaborated with genius musicians and songwriters that
captivate and describe the heart in ways not yet understood. The honesty of this album will give everyone a way to relate to it…”



Beautifully representing his raw talent and soulful charisma, “The Journal of Wonders” is destined to leave a lasting impression across all genres— stylishly artistic and exemplary of musical
genius.





Executive Produced by Cass Maya

BlackBelt Music Group

Marketing & Branding by Forrest Renaissance

WMC/AM Studios

Recorded at AM Studios

Mixed by Yaron Aldema at AM Studios

Mastered by Mark B. Christensen

Assisted by Raphael Fiorda

at Engine Room Audio, NYC



Tracklist :

1.The Phoenix Cry 02:38

2.It's not ok 04:26

3.Helpless 03:55

4.Couture 03:13

5.I need you (Interlude) 01:35

6.There it is 04:37

7.Surprise 05:15

8.In my arms 04:17

9.Understand me 03:38

10.Fascination 02:45

11.Waiting on yesterday 07:15

12.Voodoo 03:40

13.Secret Love 04:51   

14.Love at the end 05:37

Tara Priya - Tara Priya

http://www.tarapriya.com

http://www.myspace.com/tara.priya

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Alternative , Pop , R&B , Jazz

Sortie : 2010

From Official Site :

Art isn’t limited to Tara Priya’s soul: it’s in her blood. The great-niece of the renowned Persian poet, Sohrab Sepehri, Tara was singing, playing the piano, and writing her first book of poetry
at the tender of age of 4. Born to a Persian mother and an Indian father, Tara was exposed to a diverse mix of music and dance from birth.



The Bay Area native loved to perform and quickly found her way onstage through community theater. Starring in the California Theater Center’s “Thumbelina” convinced Tara’s parents to put her in
voice lessons. By the time she was 11, she was playing the drums in her school jazz band and training opera on the weekends.



That same year, her mother passed away from cancer, leaving Tara to find comfort in writing and music. Performance—whether as a member of the Peninsula Teen Opera Company, as a voice major at The
Harker School’s Conservatory Program, or as a jazz singer in local lounges and cafés—served as both escape and expression. “My teenage years were some of my darkest,” Tara admits, “but they were
also my most creative. Poetry, prose, songs—I couldn’t stop writing.” Her talent didn’t go unnoticed by the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: at 16, Tara won its National Gold Award.
At 18, she received the Writing Award from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.



Tara trekked on to Columbia University, where she continued jazz and classical voice while majoring in Economics. But despite loving her classes, interning at Merrill Lynch, and performing
throughout New York, the evocative singer couldn’t shake the feeling that her path lay elsewhere. “I kept waiting for that ‘aha!’ moment, when you’ve finally settled in and feel like you belong
,” she explains. “New York and Columbia exposed me to so many new things, and I definitely grew as an artist. But every time I heard young female artists like Amy Winehouse or Rihanna on the
radio, I felt like crying. My heart knew what it wanted.”



Fatefully, Tara discovered that in trying to keep herself busy, she had nearly finished her BA by her second year. In 2009—a year and a half ahead of schedule—she graduated magna cum laude and
left Columbia to pursue a singing career.



The path to stardom is far from straightforward—post-grad, Tara spent months backpacking around the world and did a brief stint in finance to help fund her EP—but if anyone can make the journey,
it’s Tara Priya. Gifted with the remarkable ability to compose a song on the spot, the “retro-soul” singer quickly built up an impressive catalog of blues-tinged songs; her September 2010 EP has
received praise from radio DJs nationwide, garnering airplay on stations such as KTUH, KALX, WGTB, WKCR, and WHAP. She continues to perform in New York and Hollywood’s hottest venues, was
showcased at Nashville’s The Bluebird Café, and, most recently, was honored as one of three Pop finalists in the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest.



So what does the future hold for this bright-eyed young songstress? We can’t say, but we know what’s in ours. Soulfulness, creativity, determination, and ambition, all wrapped up in one
irresistible, irrepressible force of nature: Tara Priya.



Tracklist :   

1.Rollin' 02:52

2.Wounded 03:15

3.Expectations 03:29

4.Memories 03:43   

5.For Love 03:16   

6.Rollin' (Reprise) 04:11



released 08 September 2010

Voice: Tara Priya

Guitar: Jason Cirimele

Production: Andre de Sant'anna

Cover Art: Sharon Her

Tara Priya - Tara Priya

http://www.tarapriya.com

http://www.myspace.com/tara.priya

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Alternative , Pop , R&B , Jazz

Sortie : 2010

From Official Site :

Art isn’t limited to Tara Priya’s soul: it’s in her blood. The great-niece of the renowned Persian poet, Sohrab Sepehri, Tara was singing, playing the piano, and writing her first book of poetry
at the tender of age of 4. Born to a Persian mother and an Indian father, Tara was exposed to a diverse mix of music and dance from birth.



The Bay Area native loved to perform and quickly found her way onstage through community theater. Starring in the California Theater Center’s “Thumbelina” convinced Tara’s parents to put her in
voice lessons. By the time she was 11, she was playing the drums in her school jazz band and training opera on the weekends.



That same year, her mother passed away from cancer, leaving Tara to find comfort in writing and music. Performance—whether as a member of the Peninsula Teen Opera Company, as a voice major at The
Harker School’s Conservatory Program, or as a jazz singer in local lounges and cafés—served as both escape and expression. “My teenage years were some of my darkest,” Tara admits, “but they were
also my most creative. Poetry, prose, songs—I couldn’t stop writing.” Her talent didn’t go unnoticed by the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: at 16, Tara won its National Gold Award.
At 18, she received the Writing Award from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.



Tara trekked on to Columbia University, where she continued jazz and classical voice while majoring in Economics. But despite loving her classes, interning at Merrill Lynch, and performing
throughout New York, the evocative singer couldn’t shake the feeling that her path lay elsewhere. “I kept waiting for that ‘aha!’ moment, when you’ve finally settled in and feel like you belong
,” she explains. “New York and Columbia exposed me to so many new things, and I definitely grew as an artist. But every time I heard young female artists like Amy Winehouse or Rihanna on the
radio, I felt like crying. My heart knew what it wanted.”



Fatefully, Tara discovered that in trying to keep herself busy, she had nearly finished her BA by her second year. In 2009—a year and a half ahead of schedule—she graduated magna cum laude and
left Columbia to pursue a singing career.



The path to stardom is far from straightforward—post-grad, Tara spent months backpacking around the world and did a brief stint in finance to help fund her EP—but if anyone can make the journey,
it’s Tara Priya. Gifted with the remarkable ability to compose a song on the spot, the “retro-soul” singer quickly built up an impressive catalog of blues-tinged songs; her September 2010 EP has
received praise from radio DJs nationwide, garnering airplay on stations such as KTUH, KALX, WGTB, WKCR, and WHAP. She continues to perform in New York and Hollywood’s hottest venues, was
showcased at Nashville’s The Bluebird Café, and, most recently, was honored as one of three Pop finalists in the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest.



So what does the future hold for this bright-eyed young songstress? We can’t say, but we know what’s in ours. Soulfulness, creativity, determination, and ambition, all wrapped up in one
irresistible, irrepressible force of nature: Tara Priya.



Tracklist :   

1.Rollin' 02:52

2.Wounded 03:15

3.Expectations 03:29

4.Memories 03:43   

5.For Love 03:16   

6.Rollin' (Reprise) 04:11



released 08 September 2010

Voice: Tara Priya

Guitar: Jason Cirimele

Production: Andre de Sant'anna

Cover Art: Sharon Her

John Legend & The Roots – Wake Up!

http://www.johnlegend.com

http://www.myspace.com/johnlegend

http://www.theroots.com

http://www.myspace.com/theroots

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Soul , R&B , Blues , Jazz , Rap Fusion , Alternative

Sortie : 2010

Inspired by the election of Barack Obama in 2008, and the nostalgia that it brought on for a time when urban communities were active in the civil rights movement, soul-singer John Legend and
hip-hop luminaries The Roots got together to record a track reminiscent of the music from that time (the ’60s and ’70s). The result was a full-length album, which basically plays like a hits
anthology of classic soul, funk and reggae music.

Starting of strong with the hard-hitting “Hard Times,” originally recorded by Baby Huey, an obscure, single-album artist whose legacy still lives mostly in hip hop samples (everyone from A Tribe
Called Quest to Ice Cube and the Wu-Tang have sampled him). For the most part this track plays closely to the original, which is a good thing, but a verse from the Roots’ MC Black Thought builds
on that and brings it into the contemporary.

From there, the rest of the album runs the gauntlet, from Donny Hathaway (“Little Ghetto Boy”), Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (“Wake up Everybody”), Erni Hines (“Our Generation”) Marvin Gaye
(“Wholly, holy” ), Nina Simone (“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” ) and James Kirkland (“Hang on in There”) – another artist who is highly praised and sampled in the hip hop world. In
fact, as much as the album pays homage to a certain period of music, it can also be seen as a thank-you to all the great, sometimes obscure artists that hip hop producers and MCs, after
tirelessly digging through crates of vinyl, have resurfaced and relied on for their catchy hooks.



A concern I originally had was that Legend’s voice would be too smooth, too polished and crooner-y to sing gritty protest music, and nowhere is this more apparent than on the one track that isn’t
a cover, “Shine.” It definitely stands out, because next to the covers, it sounds just like a John Legend song. (Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on what you think of Legend’s music.)

But for those who don’t like Legend’s music, the range of his voice on the rest of the album will pleasantly surprise you, especially on the stand out track, Bill Wither’s “I Can’t Write
Left-Handed,” a poignant story about an injured vet coming home from the Vietnam War. Legend’s raspy, gospel-worthy voice here transplants the listener right back to 1973 when the original was
first recorded (video for both versions below. Cue Withers up at 1:56 and Legend up at 0:54 for a duet), and while no one can come close to Withers, Legend and the Roots come close here.

Whether you have a penchant for classic soul music, or the genius of the Roots, or just want an introduction into some of the music you would find in Questlove’s extensive vinyl collection, this
album is a must buy. The only thing that’s missing and would really make this album stand out would be to include an accompanying disc of all the originals.


by Jesse Kinos-Goodin

permalink

Tracklist :

1. Compared to What

2. Hard Times

3. Little Ghetto Boy

4. Wake Up Everybody feat. Common and Melanie Fiona

5. Our Generation

6. Love the Way It Should Be

7. Hang On in There

8. I Can’t Write Left Handed

9. Wholy Holy

10. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free

11. Shine


LINK REMOVE réclamation DMCA

John Legend & The Roots – Wake Up!

http://www.johnlegend.com

http://www.myspace.com/johnlegend

http://www.theroots.com

http://www.myspace.com/theroots

Origine du Groupe : North America

Style : Soul , R&B , Blues , Jazz , Rap Fusion , Alternative

Sortie : 2010

Inspired by the election of Barack Obama in 2008, and the nostalgia that it brought on for a time when urban communities were active in the civil rights movement, soul-singer John Legend and
hip-hop luminaries The Roots got together to record a track reminiscent of the music from that time (the ’60s and ’70s). The result was a full-length album, which basically plays like a hits
anthology of classic soul, funk and reggae music.

Starting of strong with the hard-hitting “Hard Times,” originally recorded by Baby Huey, an obscure, single-album artist whose legacy still lives mostly in hip hop samples (everyone from A Tribe
Called Quest to Ice Cube and the Wu-Tang have sampled him). For the most part this track plays closely to the original, which is a good thing, but a verse from the Roots’ MC Black Thought builds
on that and brings it into the contemporary.

From there, the rest of the album runs the gauntlet, from Donny Hathaway (“Little Ghetto Boy”), Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (“Wake up Everybody”), Erni Hines (“Our Generation”) Marvin Gaye
(“Wholly, holy” ), Nina Simone (“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” ) and James Kirkland (“Hang on in There”) – another artist who is highly praised and sampled in the hip hop world. In
fact, as much as the album pays homage to a certain period of music, it can also be seen as a thank-you to all the great, sometimes obscure artists that hip hop producers and MCs, after
tirelessly digging through crates of vinyl, have resurfaced and relied on for their catchy hooks.



A concern I originally had was that Legend’s voice would be too smooth, too polished and crooner-y to sing gritty protest music, and nowhere is this more apparent than on the one track that isn’t
a cover, “Shine.” It definitely stands out, because next to the covers, it sounds just like a John Legend song. (Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on what you think of Legend’s music.)

But for those who don’t like Legend’s music, the range of his voice on the rest of the album will pleasantly surprise you, especially on the stand out track, Bill Wither’s “I Can’t Write
Left-Handed,” a poignant story about an injured vet coming home from the Vietnam War. Legend’s raspy, gospel-worthy voice here transplants the listener right back to 1973 when the original was
first recorded (video for both versions below. Cue Withers up at 1:56 and Legend up at 0:54 for a duet), and while no one can come close to Withers, Legend and the Roots come close here.

Whether you have a penchant for classic soul music, or the genius of the Roots, or just want an introduction into some of the music you would find in Questlove’s extensive vinyl collection, this
album is a must buy. The only thing that’s missing and would really make this album stand out would be to include an accompanying disc of all the originals.


by Jesse Kinos-Goodin

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Tracklist :

1. Compared to What

2. Hard Times

3. Little Ghetto Boy

4. Wake Up Everybody feat. Common and Melanie Fiona

5. Our Generation

6. Love the Way It Should Be

7. Hang On in There

8. I Can’t Write Left Handed

9. Wholy Holy

10. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free

11. Shine


LINK REMOVE réclamation DMCA

Chrisette Michele - I Am

http://thisischrisettemichele.com

http://www.myspace.com/chrisettemichele

Origine du Groupe : North America
Style : Neo-Soul , R&B
Sortie : 2007

Def Jam unveiled a stunning new talent in 2007 with I AM, the debut album from Chrisette Michelle. Though raised on gospel, Michelle's biggest influences are clearly old-school jazz divas in the vein of Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, as their textured, bluesy phrasing can be heard informing her own delivery. Yet Michelle is decidedly contemporary, threading elements of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, pop, and adult-alternative into her unique brand of neo-soul. Help from artists like Babyface, John Legend, and will.i.am heighten the profile of an already mightily impressive debut.

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Tracklist :
1. Like A Dream 3:59
2. Work It Out 4:21
3. If I Have My Way 4:02
4. Best Of Me 3:53
5. Your Joy 4:32
6. Good Girl 4:04
7. Be OK (Feat. Will.I.Am) 3:43
8. Mr. Radio 3:54
9. Golden 4:23
10.Let's Rock 4:44
11.Love Is You 3:17
12.In This For You 3:41
13.Is This The Way Love Feels 6:46
14.hidden track 3:45

 

Chrisette Michele - I Am

http://thisischrisettemichele.com

http://www.myspace.com/chrisettemichele

Origine du Groupe : North America
Style : Neo-Soul , R&B
Sortie : 2007

Def Jam unveiled a stunning new talent in 2007 with I AM, the debut album from Chrisette Michelle. Though raised on gospel, Michelle's biggest influences are clearly old-school jazz divas in the vein of Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, as their textured, bluesy phrasing can be heard informing her own delivery. Yet Michelle is decidedly contemporary, threading elements of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, pop, and adult-alternative into her unique brand of neo-soul. Help from artists like Babyface, John Legend, and will.i.am heighten the profile of an already mightily impressive debut.

permalink

Tracklist :
1. Like A Dream 3:59
2. Work It Out 4:21
3. If I Have My Way 4:02
4. Best Of Me 3:53
5. Your Joy 4:32
6. Good Girl 4:04
7. Be OK (Feat. Will.I.Am) 3:43
8. Mr. Radio 3:54
9. Golden 4:23
10.Let's Rock 4:44
11.Love Is You 3:17
12.In This For You 3:41
13.Is This The Way Love Feels 6:46
14.hidden track 3:45