AltWeeklies Wire
Craig David is a Soul Mannew
The last thing music needs is another album of '60s and '70s covers, but Craig David manages to infuse just enough inventiveness into these dusties to keep you from wondering why he bothered.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
05-04-2010 |
Reviews
PJ Morton Makes a Triumphant Returnnew
In Walk Alone, PJ Morton thickens his soulful stew.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
04-27-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: PJ Morton, Walk Alone
Blue-Eyed Soulster Mayer Hawthorne Proves His Songwritingnew
These tunes are just slightly more soulful than the pop ditties that made the Rascals, the Association, and the Lovin' Spoonful '60s favorites. What's strange is how often you find yourself pressing repeat.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Calvin Richardson Pleasantly Reimagines Bobby Womacknew
Richardson's commitment to traditional interpretations of this popular material highlights Womack's skill as a lyricist and arranger on par with Barry White, Leon Ware and Willie Hutch -- a fact often lost because of the prominence of Womack's unique vocal ability.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Melanie Fiona's 'The Bridge' is a Fine Crossover Debutnew
The Guyanese vocalist is ankle-deep in the still-lingering '60s retro-soul revival.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Tags: Melanie Fiona, neo-soul
The Revelations Create a Roof-Raising Soul Albumnew
Deep Soul owners looking for unreleased material on producer Bob Perry's 15-track set will enjoy Rell's greasy, slow drag of Carole King's "It's Too Late," Williams' ripping version of Latimore's "Let's Straighten It Out," or the oh-you-dirty-dog single "How Do I Tell Him."
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Darien Lifts the Gentleman-Soul Mantle on 'Walls'new
While boatloads struggle to be Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway or Marvin Gaye, one Mount Vernon, N.Y., artist is lifting the gentleman-soul mantle from Peabo Bryson's tight grasp.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Leela James' 'Let's Do It Again'new
In struts Compton, Calif.'s Leela James to reclaim the respect of American soul with a live-recorded CD of able covers, from Phyllis Hyman to James Brown.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
03-18-2009 |
Reviews
Ryan Leslienew
Proving more than a gimmicky salesman, Ryan Leslie has created a guilty R&B pleasure.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
02-25-2009 |
Reviews
Tags: r&b music, Ryan Leslie
India.Arie's Latest Has the Political Bite of Denturesnew
Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics is too false and bright to be mistaken as real.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
02-18-2009 |
Reviews
Jesse Boykins III's 'The Beauty Created'new
Jesse Boykins III has created an album that blends the jazzy adventurousness of his mentor Bilal, the languid romanticism of the Isley Brothers, and the loose songwriting of Dwele.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
01-28-2009 |
Reviews
Melinda Doolittle's 'Coming Back to You'new
You want it to be good, because she's so damn likeable. Unfortunately for former "American Idol" contender Melinda Doolittle, her debut album is only listenable.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
01-28-2009 |
Reviews
Nobody Puts the 'Blues' in Rhythm & Blues Like Anthony Hamiltonnew
His fifth studio album, The Point of It All, is arguably his most consistently brilliant work since his debut, Comin' From Where I'm From.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
01-14-2009 |
Reviews
With 'The Promise,' Deborah Cox Proves She's Not Donenew
On her first original R&B album in six years, Cox returns with pleasant, if unmemorable, ballads and midtempo grooves of sweet melodies and relationship drama. While predictable, the slower adult contemporary jams work.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
11-20-2008 |
Reviews
Beyonce Channels Her Inner Queen on 'Sasha Fierce'new
If her album title seems like the moniker for a transgendered entertainer, it wouldn't be the only thing that's gay about Beyonce's third (rushed) solo project.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
11-20-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: Beyonce, I Am...Sasha Fierce
