I first reviewed this album back in in 2007 and having been contacted on a few networking sites about tracks and artists on here i thought it a great idea to re-affirm the set and raise the profile yet again. As I say, quality will never die so why ever not dust off and re-present? After 3 scaringly quick years, the contention stays that there are no bad tracks on this set and still rates as an excellent album full of respectable modern street orientated soul songs - all compiled by Di-Lee here at Soulchoonz! The charming Kimia Collins kick starts this set, an in my opinion a sexy young vocalist from Los Angeles, and cites Faith Evans and Mary J Blige as her inspirations. I ascertain that she needs to aim much higher than those lightweights, and is certainly more of a singer than either of those particular 'idols'. You see, unlike her idols, Kimia understands that you need more than a heavy bassline and a sample to make a record. The song is still contemporary, but is still excellent so don't be put off by associations with the likes of Faith and Blige. We also have Lisa Bell who is another young talent who hails from Canada. Her inspirations are far more healthy, and include Etta James and Gregory Isaac. This beaty number is definitely from the quality end of the scale – think of the best songs from Kindred's last offering, and you're not far wrong.Fellow Canadian Kayte Burgess has 2 songs on here. The first is marred by some rap, but once that ends the groove is infectious and drizzled with excellent sax and rhodes. “Happy” is more like it – an aptly titled boogie tunes affair and still remains a goodie! Lorraine reid is also a fellow Canadian and after 3 years we still await her début album. In the meantime, though, this street rumbler is very good indeed and has a great hook. This song bodes well for her album which is said to be styled on Jill Scott. Wade O Brown needs no introduction. This young chap has a seriously soulful voice and it is a pity that he is only about 28 as his vocals would have benefited the style of the 1980s very well. This Remix is chunky, funky and is perfect for today's resurgence in the sound I deem 'yester-now'. This track is, needless to say, a highlight of the album. Apart from being a very beautiful and sexy young Lady, Michelle Tavares also has 2 inclusions on here. The infectious and bubbling stepper “Wanna Be” and slap-bass led party friendly “I Need Your Lovin'” will not disappoint either. The latter should be particularly of interest.
Another highlight on this set is the KILLER “Deception” by Alana Bridgewater. This track is styled on the 60s Stax Records sound with vocals similar to Chaka Khan or Aretha Franklin. This song is still BRILLIANT and along with Wade O Brown (and many others, of course!) make this CD essential. Kate Bowen is another seriously attractive and talented young Lady, and was well-known for her 2006 EP “Bare”. “Been So Long” is an excellent and very tight modern stepper but pales in comparison to the aforementioned track. It was 2 years since Ian Martin's last album and was included on here to close the CD off. As a remix, “Movin' On” is a bit too UK-aimed and manufactured but I know it went down very well here in Blighty and a jolly good show too! This is still a strong, strong album and for those who missed out on this first time around I heartily recommend you check it out! Please contact Di-Lee at Soulchoonz for a copy before they disappear!
Barry Towler
The Vibe scribe
