Typically my reviews are written in third-person style leaving little room for real personalization. However, after listening to Yearning 2 Love, the latest offering from the Kloud 9 twins, Kendall and Kelvis Duffie, I have decided to stray from the norm and speak strictly from the perspective of how their music moved me. Hearing influences of soul legends, past and present, I was overcome with a sense of invigorating relief because the realization is that this project obviously reflects a truly soulful side that lives within the Duffie brothers. Though there are minimal guest appearances scattered throughout, this album is not inundated with outside influences as so many recent releases in the r&b/soul genre have been. The featured guests only lend additional flavor. The songs that comprise Yearning 2 Love have simple, groovable melodies with a blend of heartfelt and carefree messages.
Typically my reviews are written in third-person style leaving little room for real personalization. However, after listening to
Yearning 2 Love, the latest offering from the Kloud 9 twins, Kendall and Kelvis Duffie, I have decided to stray from the norm and speak strictly from the perspective of how their music moved me. Hearing influences of soul legends, past and present, I was overcome with a sense of invigorating relief because the realization is that this project obviously reflects a truly soulful side that lives within the Duffie brothers. Though there are minimal guest appearances scattered throughout, this album is not inundated with outside influences as so many recent releases in the r&b/soul genre have been. The featured guests only lend additional flavor. The songs that comprise
Yearning 2 Love have simple, groovable melodies with a blend of heartfelt and carefree messages. There are no vocal acrobatics, just good singing from deep within, great music and wonderful collaborative efforts.
Kloud 9 has already been established in the UK as a soul duo with great musical credibility. Counting Incognito's Bluey as a friend and having him lend his talent to your project is not something that every musician can claim. Bluey appears on the song, "So Many Reasons" and brings extra funk to it with his infamous knack to make a guitar come to life. Envision Yearning 2 Love serenading a couple out for a romantic evening, leaving any stress-related worries at home, and remembering love. "Special One" will have the couple dancing in Chicago steppers-style, smiling as their bodies come together, enjoying spins, twirls and twists. "Never Knew" will have the husband mouthing the words, which explain to his wife just how she won his heart. The horns on "Dance A While" might take the couple back to the days of doing "the bump" but they will not want to sit this one out! The title track, "With Me," "So Many Reasons," "Can't Be Love" and a smooth cover of Jermaine Jackson's hit "Don't Take It Personal" (featuring smooth jazzman Kirk Whalum) will leave the couple knowing that this night of perfection through music is just what they needed to revel in their well-established love.
One of my favorite songs on Yearning 2 Love is "Just Another Day," which is not only the perfect song with which to start and end each day to graciously thank the Lord for keeping you from dangers seen and unseen, but it is also sung with great precision.
I highly recommend Yearning 2 Love to all who desire music that combines danceable grooves, ballads with meaningful lyrics and a sense of spirituality that embraces you from your speakers to the essence of your soul.
Detrel Howell
