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For those wanting to see Joe Lee McCoy perform, they will find the singer/songwriter most at home in an intimate lounge or coffee house setting, close spaces better suited to hear the detailed eloquence of his workman's lyricism. When Joe Lee McCoy puts his pen to paper, he has plenty to say about the joys and challenges of everyday life. Whether about the excitement of falling in love, the trials of the everyday working person struggling to make ends meet, or striving to inspire hope amidst frustration, the Mississippi-born songwriter brings every lyric he sings to life. Though vocally limited, McCoy is absolutely at ease with just his voice and acoustic guitar, sometimes getting lost in the moment, and emotionally leaves the tight background vocalists and pounding rhythm section far behind. Keeping his musical arrangements simplified minimizes his vocal challenges and helps his insightful lyrics resonate with those who can appreciate his songs wherever he performs.
Some music followers may deem his music acoustic soul; an unplugged format primarily defined by spare arrangements, gospel-tinged vocals and acoustic instrumentation made popular by artists like Tony Rich and Rachel Bell. Undoubtedly, there is a pure soul vibe flowing from McCoy's raw tenor. Yet, on his debut, Natural, one can also hear elements of folk, R&B, and hip-hop. The diversity of sounds is no doubt because of McCoy's eclectic list of influences, including such disparate talents as: Tupac, India Arie, John Mayer, Otis Redding and Eric Roberson. McCoy simply calls his songwriting portfolio, "the music of my mind."
In his very young career, the Dallas, Texas resident McCoy has been a regular on the Southwestern regional circuit, mostly performing his lyrical paintings with just a guitar. With his distinct, acoustic twist on R&B and soul, it only took a short time for him to land on the national radar in a performance of the poignant love song, "Fantasia," when it was featured on rapper Mike Jones'Street Songs Freestyle Salute. An appearance in the Jones'video proved an ideal platform for McCoy (who appeared completely at home with fellow lyricists from the hip-hop community), and a great springboard for expanding McCoy's audience just in time for Natural's release. This independent release from SoulBoy Entertainment is an extension of McCoy's soulful swagger, with many of the tracks dedicated to his hopeful romantic and spiritual sides.
From those twelve selections, there are a few notable highlights, including some songwriting gems. Natural opens with the fun, head-nodding title track, one featuring the kinds of catchy hooks and irresistible rhythmsR&B radio should readily gravitate toward. "Fantasia," the song from Jones' Street Songs Freestyle Salute, relays the thoughts of one who admires and respects a young schoolgirl, and who eventually wants to develop a long lasting friendship.
Songs with religious overtones are sprinkled throughout Natural. With prayerful-like lyrics like, "Hail Mary, we need more than love," the country flavored "Mexico Me" is an intense tale about striving for a better place to work and a better life for the family. A personal favorite, "Hardworkin' Man," pays homage to a providing, if imperfect father and autobiographically expresses McCoy's spiritual journey, "I take my problems to him like car troubles so he can fix it for me."
As a songwriter with a flair for subtle humor, McCoy understands that tickling the funny bone can be quite cathartic. Near the close of "Practice On Me," McCoy wittily ends a fantasy love affair gone south by declaring to his phantom love how he will "write you out of my mind." In another piece of intriguing storytelling, "What God Made" is an examination of different peoples' longtime, occasionally bemusing desires, including the life of a single mother making strides to raise her family and a man whose goal is to be on Soul Train.
It is indeed the power of McCoy's pen that makes Natural riveting listening. His innovative and inexhaustible poetic flow and storytelling is in line with the works of Roberson, Bell and Arie. Yet, despite the strong lyricism and charisma of his word paintings, McCoy has occasional pitch issues and a limited overall vocal quality, particularly when compared to many of his musical inspirations. Taken as a whole, Natural is a decent introduction to the music behind McCoy's gifted poetic mind. Mildly Recommended.
By Peggy Oliver