R&B/Soul Music
- RIP The Godfather of Soul
- Monica's Latest Single
- Ciara Gets Up
- Shareefa
- Lionel Richie's Homecoming
- Robin Thicke's Evolution of R&B
- Ruben's R&B Return
- John Legend: Once Again
- Justin Timberlake -- My Love
- Anthony David: Atlanta Urban Soul
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
The passing of the Godfather of Soul James Brown on Christmas Day put a damper on what has otherwise been a joyous holiday season.
Much has been already said so I’ll keep it short and sweet: if it wasn’t for James Joseph Brown, Jr., it’s likely that R&B/Soul as we know it today wouldn’t exist. Period. RIP.
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
I admit, I'm late on this, but I finally caught Monica's latest video from her Makings Of Me album.
The single was written/produced by Missy Elliot and uses a soulful sample of Curtis Mayfield's 1970 record "The Makings of You". The vid is a bit generic and the song sounds a bit like R. Kelly's You Remind Me but it's passable. Shame that Monica's album isn't doing so hot -- at last check it has yet to go gold.
Check out the video and then peep the review.
Peace!
Check out the video and then peep the review.
Peace!
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
R&B/Pop star Ciara has been busy promoting her new album "The Evolution".
The new album is heavily expected to sell 350,000 units in its first week and and debut in the top 3 of the Billboard 200. Check out her latest performance and then peep the new R&B/Soul 101 review.
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
I have to admit, the debut album by Shareefa surprised me. I was expecting worse.
Point of No Return is pretty much what you'd expect from today's R&B. But the first two Southern hip-hop inspired singles "Need a Boss" featuring Ludacris and "Cry No More," hardly allow Shareefa to display her R&B prowess.
The full review:
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/shareefa___point_of_no_return
The full review:
http://bluessoulmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/shareefa___point_of_no_return
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
These days, Lionel Ritchie is more famous for being "Father of Nicole Ritchie" than for his Commodore and solo “Endless Love/All Night Long" heyday.
Save for a few upbeat "hip" tracks, Ritchie knows what side his bread is buttered on and delivers the "one step away from schmaltzy" songwriting wizardry he's known for.
Check the full review in the articles section.
Check the full review in the articles section.
Robin Thicke's Evolution of R&B
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
But what Thicke lacks in lyrical fortitude, he makes up in sheer solemnity – this dude is for real.
Check out the song "2 the Sky" to see what I mean. Unless it’s all an bulletproof act, I believe that he lives and breathes R&B/Soul. Check out the review for The Evolution of Robin Thicke in the articles section.
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
Despite all his talent, I believe that Ruben isn't getting to sing material worthy of his vocal prowess.
Ruben Studdard AKA the Velvet Teddy Bear seems the type. With his disarming smile and southern charm, I’m sure that he can’t say no to anybody. Which is why his new album dubbed The Return (oh the gravitas!) runs in the middle of the road with blandly produced R&B.
Check the review for Ruben Studdard's The Return in the articles section.
Check the review for Ruben Studdard's The Return in the articles section.
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
The first single from his sophomore album, Once Again, is "Save Room". Due in stores Oct. 24, it features production from Kanye West and Raphael Saadiq.
The single "Save Room" didn't really move me when I first heard it but I'm hoping the new album builds on the smooth R&B groove that was Get Lifted.
Be sure to check out the Blues/Soul 101 review later this month
Be sure to check out the Blues/Soul 101 review later this month
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
Funky best describes Justin Timberlake's latest single.
The second single off FutureSex/Lovesounds is My Love featuring rapper T.I. It's not bad and one of the better songs off the album. Check the full album review in the article section.
Anthony David: Atlanta Urban Soul
Posted by
Ryan B. Patrick
After repeated listens of Anthony David’s album The Red Clay Chronicles, I must say that he’s one of the best new R&B/Soul artists to come out in a minute.
While my recent review of the album may seem like I’m being hard on the southern soulster, I still feel that the best is yet to come from David. The production on Red Clay Chronicles could have been a bit tighter, and some of the hip-hop-influenced joints done away with.
Bottom line, it’s not a flawless album but it’s definitely worth your time.
Bottom line, it’s not a flawless album but it’s definitely worth your time.