(May 11, 2021) Anthony Hamilton always keeps it 100 on any song that he sings. That explains why he’s a much in demand duet partner, as well as one of the mainstream singers who it is not a stretch to describe as a soul singer. Hamilton exudes honesty from both a vocal standpoint and lyrical standpoint, as well as through his musical arrangements that draw from the gospel, blues, R&B and even country music.
(May 11, 2021) Anthony Hamilton always keeps it 100 on any song that he sings. That explains why he’s a much in demand duet partner, as well as one of the mainstream singers who it is not a stretch to describe as a soul singer. Hamilton exudes honesty from both a vocal standpoint and lyrical standpoint, as well as through his musical arrangements that draw from the gospel, blues, R&B and even country music.
Hamilton’s new album drops in August, but he released the new single from that project, and “You Made A Fool Of Me” has all of the realness and rawness that we have come to expect from Mr. Hamilton. Hamilton worked with top-flight producer Jermaine Dupri on this tune in which the song’s title tells you everything you need to know about the subject matter. Yet, with Hamilton it’s all about getting there. “You Made A Fool Of Me” is not just a story about a man dealing with the painful discovery that the woman he loves has been unfaithful; Hamilton’s searing vocal performance makes it feel as if the listener is discovering the betrayal right along with the singer.
Dupri had a lot to work with in the consummate pro in Hamilton. Still, Dupri understood that he was working with a vocalist who gets to the heart and soul of any subject matter that he chooses to touch upon. Yes, going with a classic soul arrangement with a nice helping of gospel included through the call and response rapport that Hamilton always has with his backing vocalists, The Hamiltones, may seem like a no-brainer. But it can be easy to overthink things. Instead, Dupri didn’t let anything get in the way of Hamilton’s talent as a soulful storyteller, and the vocalist delivers. Check out “You Made A Fool Of Me” here.
By Howard Dukes