Well, its been 9 years coming, but here it is. And was it worth the wait? You bet it was!!! This is such a fine and consistent album, and far exceeded my expectations. This is far more solid and substantial effort than hitherto, albeit a bit of a variation on a theme I suppose, yet all the crucial elements – song writing, musicianship and vocals – are of a VERY high standard. Of course, as is always the case on the soul scene, bootlegs had been doing the rounds, and ta few cuts appeared as teasers on a few compilations, but here it is in all its glory. I am far more impressed with this than her 2004 “Same Girl” CD. Jermaine Dupri is not one whom I would usually sing the praises, BUT credit where credit is due, he has allowed Trina the freedom she needed to deliver a strong album at a time in the late 90s where most others would not have bothered. The same can be said of the likes of Jay-Z at Def Jam and the Williams Brothers at Cash Money who signed Teena Marie. It is our old friends Jamey Jaz and Rahsaan Patterson who take control and steer the soulful ship through all the smoothest of waters. “Losing My Mind” and “Why Do I Feel So Sad”ooze the Jaz / Patterson touch so stronmgly, and are typical of the classier material they had been working on in the late 90s. “All I Need Is You” is a classic ballad showcasing how fantastic this singer really is. This is real soul, no less. I instantly fell in love with “Say You Really Love Me” which sounds to me like a mid-70s Isleys ballad complete with acoustic touches but with the vocal trait of Karyn White. Pure class. Next up is the CLASSIC, and evergreen “Sailing”. This, most of you will already have, or will at least have heard. The melody, keys and arrangement is almost verging on late 70s / early 80s soul. A wonderful, beautiful tune. “Not Around” is pure good times, and is a song you can't be without. Even the untouchable “Inside My Love” is more than ably dealt with, thus allaying my fears of anyone tampering with the Holy Leon Ware songbook! Such a tremendous, sexy song needs treating with the utmost care. Job done. “All Night Long” is a powerful effort with some beautiful backing and female harmonies. Real soul, folks! You can’t beat it! Check the muted trumpet as it is to die for. “Remember Me” is could almost be a Babyface production – and a good one at that. The Rhodes are particularly excellent on this. Many people are going to be happy with this album, and rightly so. Best of all is the fact that the lady is working on a NEW album for release later this year. Bring it on!Thursday 12 February 2009
Trina Broussard - Inside My Love
Well, its been 9 years coming, but here it is. And was it worth the wait? You bet it was!!! This is such a fine and consistent album, and far exceeded my expectations. This is far more solid and substantial effort than hitherto, albeit a bit of a variation on a theme I suppose, yet all the crucial elements – song writing, musicianship and vocals – are of a VERY high standard. Of course, as is always the case on the soul scene, bootlegs had been doing the rounds, and ta few cuts appeared as teasers on a few compilations, but here it is in all its glory. I am far more impressed with this than her 2004 “Same Girl” CD. Jermaine Dupri is not one whom I would usually sing the praises, BUT credit where credit is due, he has allowed Trina the freedom she needed to deliver a strong album at a time in the late 90s where most others would not have bothered. The same can be said of the likes of Jay-Z at Def Jam and the Williams Brothers at Cash Money who signed Teena Marie. It is our old friends Jamey Jaz and Rahsaan Patterson who take control and steer the soulful ship through all the smoothest of waters. “Losing My Mind” and “Why Do I Feel So Sad”ooze the Jaz / Patterson touch so stronmgly, and are typical of the classier material they had been working on in the late 90s. “All I Need Is You” is a classic ballad showcasing how fantastic this singer really is. This is real soul, no less. I instantly fell in love with “Say You Really Love Me” which sounds to me like a mid-70s Isleys ballad complete with acoustic touches but with the vocal trait of Karyn White. Pure class. Next up is the CLASSIC, and evergreen “Sailing”. This, most of you will already have, or will at least have heard. The melody, keys and arrangement is almost verging on late 70s / early 80s soul. A wonderful, beautiful tune. “Not Around” is pure good times, and is a song you can't be without. Even the untouchable “Inside My Love” is more than ably dealt with, thus allaying my fears of anyone tampering with the Holy Leon Ware songbook! Such a tremendous, sexy song needs treating with the utmost care. Job done. “All Night Long” is a powerful effort with some beautiful backing and female harmonies. Real soul, folks! You can’t beat it! Check the muted trumpet as it is to die for. “Remember Me” is could almost be a Babyface production – and a good one at that. The Rhodes are particularly excellent on this. Many people are going to be happy with this album, and rightly so. Best of all is the fact that the lady is working on a NEW album for release later this year. Bring it on!
