Music Review: Musiq Soulchild's OnMyRadio

By now, you may have heard Musiq Soulchild's duet with Mary J. Blige, If You Leave [on your radio]. This track is just one of the great songs found within Onmyradio. There is an apparent shift in Musiq's artistry, but he manages to deliver just enough to keep you on board. Musiq came to us by way of Neo-Soul, and attempts to hold on to his Neo - roots with joints like Special. Special is a head-bobber, but definitely not a dance track. The tune is busy and Musiq delivers the lyrics in sing-song fashion, with an attempt towards rap. Special is one of the few tracks that qualify as Neo-Soul.

Backagain - This jam is #1 on the playlist and is hot enough to boil eggs. Apparently, there is still a good use for drum machines! Backagain is reminiscent of a Bobby Brown track, My Prerogative. Patience is something you'll need with Deserveumore. Deserveumore is a blend of the traditional urban ballad and modern word-phrasing. Musiq attempts to bridge two eras, but the song doesn't fight for your attention. Musiq's in his comfort zone with Someone, as he gives you pure emotion…complimented by hot beats.

This track is a clear pull away from Neo- and a potential nudge towards a new sound for Musiq. Think Maxwell, D'Angelo and Terrance Trent D'arby. Sobeautiful creeps into your ear with a familiar sound that made people stop and listen to Musiq. On this track, he gives you sensual falsetto, and holds on to it for several bars. If you need a track to enhance an active romantic evening, this is it! Iwannabe is the official hip-shaker of the album. It's radio, club, and fan friendly. One would wonder why this wasn't the first release. The cut has a hint of island flavor and is certified with a brief contribution by Damien Marley. The album closes with a track entitled Radio. Musiq may have struggled to find a way to tie all of the songs together, but this was a tired attempt to remain current and relevant.

While there are some great jewels within Onmyradio, the album lacks synergy. You'll get the impression that Musiq is trying to bring along his old fans, develop new ones, and is leaning back in a chair sipping on a glass of Crunk.

This review is also posted at: http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/4288/1/OnMyRadio---Musiq-Soulchild/Page1.html


Badilisho
http://ibwriting.blogspot.com

Music Review: Anthony Hamilton's Point of It All

Anthony Hamilton's The Point of It All paints a picture of internal struggle and public triumph. The track Cool has been rotating on radio for a few months. It's catchy, but it doesn't represent the rest of the work offered up by Hamilton. He takes you from church to a nice two-step party.  The two-step comes in with the track I Did It For Sho. It's a finger popper, and you'll find yourself singing the hook no matter who's around you. The music is light on this tune, and allows Anthony's lyrics to blaze the way. You will love this track.  


Praying For You/Superman, is a toe-tapping, hallelujah jam. It's a blend of Louisiana swamp music, washboard good news gospel, and a subtle hint of funk. This is a radio jam, but it's an artsy gift from Hamilton. He had fun with this one and you will too.  If you liked Hamilton's wailing on his past albums, you'll like Fine Again. Hamilton has a unique way of allowing the music to have a voice, without overpowering him. Fine Again speaks to the current economic plight of America. It's a hopeful song. The lyrics are earnest.  


Her Heart brought tears to my eyes with these words:
As you cried in my arms,

You woke up my heart,
And I saw again,
What I found in you.

With The Point of It All, Hamilton further solidifies himself as the keeper of Soul music. Allow yourself to be moved, pick it up!

This Review is also posted at: http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/4190/1/Anthony-HamiltonHe-Did-It-Again/Page1.html


Badilisho
http://ibwriting.blogspot.com