Eric Benét - Lost In Time - 2010 - WEA

Since Eric Benét stepped out on his own we have been treated to some awesome work and, like other 21st Century soul artists such as Kem, have been allowed by their Major label masters to create what they do best - soul music, and NOT what the homeboys – those not even born in the late 1980s, or were still in diapers - want. This rates as Eric's most consistent and essential set to date. On here Eric relates to us his true soulful nature and his healthy love and respect for the sweet Philly soul sound. It's blatantly obvious that Eric is a fan of the likes of Thom Bell. He has worked with his team to create a faithful representation of that idyllic sound but in a 2010 setting and my only regret is that he has not worked with Thom Bell himself...I would give anything to have this great man make a return to the recording studio and the likes of Eric Benét would be ideal a vehicle for his talents.

Every track is a winner...the Stylistics-like groove, complete with lush strings and sitar is immediately present on our platform track, "Never Want To Live Without You". To be honest, I would have bought this CD purely on the strength of this and this alone BUT the fact that every other song on this CD is equally as essential just makes my heart and soul sing. Kiddie's artist Faith Evans even sounds good (albeit with some computer tweaking) on the Emotions / EW&F sounding "Feel Good" and adds to her recent album that sees her start to grow up musically, albeit a little. Fans of New York City and the Stylistics early 70s sound will so love track 4, "Always A Reason" - a phenomenal track that really hits my heart. Songs like this with real talent, real orchestration and crafted with love and quality make me feel so warm, and this great sound feels perfect at this time of the year. I'll be playing this yet again today as I get the Christmas tree ready!

The Philly connection is strong with the legendary Eddie Levert stepping up to the mic to deliver the string-laden, wah-wah filled uptempo number "Paid". This is SUPERB! It’s really great to hear Eddie back in the studio doing his thing. The great man has had such devastating losses recently and this performance shows his inner strength coming to the fore. Chrisette Michelle workd well on the wonderfully arranged effort "Take It", the bassline is to die for as is the flute and piano lead. The vocalist is also competent and certainly far better than a lot of today's nasal whiners. The strings and horns that fill "Stir It Up" are magnificent. Again, "Lost In Time" gets a Thom Bell approach and ticks all the boxes and Ledisi comes on strong with a great performance with "Good Life" Mind you, ANYTHING is better than her last album which was the biggest pile of doo-doo I'd heard in ages. Welcome back, Ledisi! As usual, Eric Benét ends the album on a mighty strong note..."Something's Wrong" is a KILLER and with sadness we realise the CD is over. It is a magnificent thing that a major label today can allow a beautiful CD like this. Of course, many moons ago before the likes of Teddy Riley and his clones swept away adult R&B, this was perfectly normal as a release from the big boys. Hopefully some sanity will set in and these labels will release we are not ALL rap fans, ganstas or children. Albums like this are timeless and replenish the soul. More!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe.

Eric Benét - Love & Life

If you have followed this gentleman's career as closely I have, then you may well see this CD as his very best. “Love And Life” is the first album under Eric's creative control, and he has returned to his roots and to the genius of Demonte Posey and George Nash, Jr whom we know and love for their previous work with Eric (check out the Jonas album too which George has worked on!). The album sets the highest of standards IMMEDIATELY. The opening song, “Love Patience Time”- blessed with in abundance on this album – is simply breathtaking. I'm sure the mainstream R&B media will bemoan the fact that this isn't a Hip Hop album BUT it's to his immense credit that Eric delivers a set or REAL timeless songs. This is classy, summery and feel-good. The hook is catchy and the fluid drum beat and punchy 80s styled horns really are strong. Track two, “The Hunger” belts out with real authority; the clapping beats, harmonies and strings are great, and with this CD, it's fair to say that Mr. Benét has well and truly become stronger since his recent personal upheavals. Applause for that – what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and the result is very audible here! If these tunes aren't already winning you over I know you will be floored by the beautiful “You're The Only One” which is a nod towards the Philly sounds of Thom Bell and Will Hart...simply sublime!Add to the mix the heavier, addictive, jam of “Don't Let Go” and we're really smokin' now! The sensual “Chocolate Legs” is a gentle, subdued jam dedicated to the sweet and warm charms of a woman wrapping herself around him. Very tastefully executed. If you love brassy, piano-filled 80s styled jams them the rollicking “Weekend Girl” is going to impress! This isn't a cover of the SOS Band hit – but a wonderful new composition very much in Eric's unique style. Talking of the 80s I almost DIED with pleasure when I heard “Iminluvwichoo”. MY GOD! This is a soulful dancer straight out of 1983 – 1985, and I LOVE IT! Fans of recent Soulchoonz stars such as Confection, Skalp, Swade etc will immediately love this tune!!! Staggering though this is, please listen to the Afro-Cuban Funk of “Spanish Fly” which adds real kick – and all on a MAJOR label too! Great, isn't it?! I had no idea they had it in them any more! The autobiographical “Still I Believe” is a thumping electronic jam, his chorus sequenced electronically to enhance his straining emotions as he testifies that he still believes in love. “Sing to Me” is very acoustic...lyrically very strong and should be a HUGE hit if spun on national radio. A real treasure of a song closes the album – a song dedicated to his 16 year old daughter, India. “One More Tomorrow” is beautifully touching and if you adore Stevie Wonder's last album then this style is very much akin to the classy ballads on there. I rate this as Eric's best album ever, and definitely his most consistent. We need to give this a standing ovation. Beautiful.

Barry Towler

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