themusicmaster47
My Digital Music Collection
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Raheem DeVaughn should remind the world that Washington, D.C. is more than just Go Go music and crime. He is a true soul man or, as he would put it, a "R&B Hippie/Neo Soul Rock Star". DeVaughn, who is from the DC Metro area, released his grand debut album The Love Experience in 2005.
Upon first listen to his sophomore effort Love Behind the Melody, one would recall the sound and soul of music legend Marvin Gaye. DeVaughn, quite evidently, takes influence from Gaye and crafts his own vibe, art, and version of Soul music seemingly effortlessly. Production, instrumentation, and vocal arrangement (always what interests me) are fresh, dope, and on point on every last song. Appearances on this Melody include the always welcome MC/Producer Big Boi (on "Energy") and a surprise appearance (at least to me) by Spoken Word/Soul duo Floetry (both floacist Natalie Stewart and Songstress Marsha Ambrosious on "Marathon"!!!).
This is true music...REAL music...seems like that is hard to find theses days. If one is looking for a quality album full of modern R&B/Soul rhapsodies, look no further!
My Grade: A Standout Tracks: "Try Again" "Mo Better"
LEAD SINGLE: "WOMAN"
For years i have been saying "She is talented...but she ain't ALL THAT...". Well, I have been listening to Alicia Keys' new album "As I Am", and I AM in total aww by the project...this creation...this wonder circle of melodies, bass lines, and honest lyrics. Songs such as "No One" and "I Need You" demonstrate the TRUE LOVE one being would have for another...NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS!! The Tribute her her grandmother on "Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)" is so poignant...so much feeling in that song. HER vocals and production are outstanding in EVERY last song, both exhibiting a raw purity that just fills me with such joy. (NOT MUCH VOCAL EDITING!!! YAY!!!lol)
This album has truly impressed me. HECK now i want her other albums!! lol......i am ashamed that I only saw her as "talented"...now i see her as a force to be reckoned with (along with many others lol) can't see what she does next. I finally take Alicia as she is....BRAVO ALICIA, BRAVO....
My Grade: B+ (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)
(Stand out tracks below)
"I NEED YOU" (JUST LOVELY)
Comments
Thank you little bro for the delightful review. This must be my age showing but I have her first two albums which I adore. However, everyone and even my own Momma told me not to buy this album. Before I pass judgment and on your recommendation, I will preview the album online if possible. I appreciate you sharing with me her new hit song via Youtube. For some reason, I am just not "feeling it." Maybe it is because she is growing up and maturing and her image now is sexy and grown. But, I always saw her mature beyond her years with her first two albums. There is no doubt that she is talented as a musician for she actually writes and plays musical instruments, but something for me is not saying "whoa Alicia" this time. Let me stop being judgmental without hearing the entire album so I will do my homework and see if I reconsider my initial reaction. Great post!
maybe her managers, production team, the agent who came up with her clever name, her record company, or the musicians who played on the album should get the bravo
MY GOODNESS!! I KNOW YA'LL HAVE HEARD OF AMY WINEHOUSE RIGHT? I love her!! she has such a great voice! Her style is dope too! She is soulful, jazzy, brash, humorous, sexy, serious, etc... She is a must have for me!!! Her albums are classics!! "Back To Black" is one of the most beautiful songs i have heard
Comments
Yes. The lady does seem to channel some very classic spirits. Her effortless forays into myriad styles, while maintaining her own identity, is awesome in one so young.
I'm pretty impressed with her. In fact, I had her album Frank for awhile. My mother introduced me to her music!! =)
Last Songs Played
MOG Meter
Comments
what up? i like what you have to say about the album. i wrote a review for this album as well, and i found it refreshing to hear music that didn't seem watered down for the sake of selling out/buying into trendiness.