Single Review: Melanie Fiona Wrong Side Of A Love Song

[Universal Republic Records]

In a tug-of-war between Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, 28-year-old Melanie Fiona transports me back to 1967 in Studio B of West Grand Boulevard, the home of Motown Records. Melanie’s aggressively vulnerable vocals chase an increasingly frantic cymbal heavy drum pattern cradled by a dirty blues guitar arrangement. 

Single Review: Elle Varner Not Tonight

[RCA Records]

“I need a little audacity but it’s not in my bones” Elle Varner’s imperfectly polished brass vocals dance in yearning emotion over Pop and Oak’s eruption of synthesized strings and heartbeat overriding drums, edging Elle to approach the guy she’s admiring from a far in a crowded room.

Album Review: Machel Montano Double M

[Ref Rex Records / Xtatik Ltd]

The Jay-Z of Soca music Machel Montano gives no let up in his tradition of releasing an album every year. Double M gives an overwhelming offering 20 songs of pure dominance. Machel’s game plan is clear. Create one power and one groovy soca monster track catered to the vibe of each major international carnival season. Tapping into dancehall vibes with ‘Doh Fraid’, Euro-electronic productions of Fly So High and Represent not forgetting International Soca Monarch winning power houses ‘Pump Yuh Flag’ and ‘Mr Fete’ he has executed this with perfection.

Album Review: Robert Glasper Black Radio

[Blue Note Records]

The perfect marriage of Modern Jazz and Soul accompanied by passionate live drums, keys commanded by the hands of a master, sultry vocals and conscience rap.

Robert Glasper’s alluring passion to reconcile this fusion of Modern Jazz and Soul has manifested into the appearances of old frends; Bilal, Lalah Hathaway, Meshell Ndegocello, Yasiin Bey (formally know as Mos Def) along with new admires Lupe Fiasco and Chrisette Michele. The beauty of this album is its ability to submerge even the most displaced ear into the grasp of its core.  

Album Review: Miguel Kaleidoscope Dream

[RCA Records]

Overdose in the freedoms in life. The creative freedom of Miguel’s Kaleidoscope is a mind trip of uninhibited expression. Even before of the release of this second offering, Miguel was faced with the intimidating Prince comparison, which I admittedly raised an eyebrow at. This album’s similarities to Prince’s Emancipation are undeniable building my curiosity into his future development. For now just enjoy tracks ‘Adorn’ ‘Arch & Point’ and ‘Candles In The Sun’ with synthesized keys reminiscent of ‘Alicia Keys – No One’ who appears on the backing vocals of ‘Where’s The Fun Of For Ever’.