to listen or purchase
Take a jumbo stewing pot, mix in Tamar Davis and Conya Doss on lead vocals, James Poyser, Rahsaan Patterson, Keith Crouch and Carvin Haggins on the production end, and the talented musicianship of Sheila E. and John "Jubu" Smith to name only a few, while sealing the blend with the soulful sounds of Swiss singer Seven, and you have a musical feast, otherwise known as Home. This treat of an album should satisfy the taste buds of those eager for something drawing upon but being distinctive from what has already been left behind by other blue and brown-eyed soul predecessors of the lighter-skinned persuasion. With this all-star cast of modern soulsters behind him, Seven himself stands out on this project as not only the featured singer but also impressively as songwriter.
Take a jumbo stewing pot, mix in Tamar Davis and Conya Doss on lead vocals, James Poyser, Rahsaan Patterson, Keith Crouch and Carvin Haggins on the production end, and the talented musicianship of Sheila E. and John "Jubu" Smith to name only a few, while sealing the blend with the soulful sounds of Swiss singer Seven, and you have a musical feast, otherwise known as Home. This treat of an album should satisfy the taste buds of those eager for something drawing upon but being distinctive from what has already been left behind by other blue and brown-eyed soul predecessors of the lighter-skinned persuasion. With this all-star cast of modern soulsters behind him, Seven himself stands out on this project as not only the featured singer but also impressively as songwriter.
Home is the perfect musical introduction of Seven to international audiences. Most of the songs on Home rely on lyrics that speak about the realism in relationships, the good and bad times, trust, intimacy, infidelity, confidence and lack thereof. "Wake Up," while drawing you in with its infectiously funky beat, presents the challenge to step out of your dream and create your destiny -- otherwise things for you will always remain the same and never grow. Whoever dreamed of the pairing of Seven with Tamar Davis (Prince) on "Brother & Sister" should be commended. The song is not a typical ballad, but is certainly a beautiful duet that draws you straight to the heart of all about which this duo sings. The track "Yes" opens with a beat reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's "Masterblaster," so immediately you're hooked and eager to hear more. And "On & On" is a particularly strong cut, ending with a dose of reality as the voice of a young boy leaves a message of hope for Seven before running off - "Hey Seven, hope you get that on the radio!" - a reminder that good music often lacks mainstream airplay these days.
Featuring an array of solid tracks, ranging from the exceptionally upbeat to mellow grooves, along with the slow and sensual that call your ears to attention as you listen closely to the risqué lyrics, Home is worthy of your time. Recommended.
By Detrel Howell