(October 5, 2019) We’ve always appreciated Donnell Isaac, simply because he resonates love and romance on a classy level. And SoulTracks honored the Portsmouth, Virginia singer/songwriter for his 2018 Love Changes CD with a Readers Choice Awards nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. But before he made his presence known as an adult contemporary balladeer, Isaac (known then as Donnie C) released indie hits like “Shelter from the Storm” and a contemporary remake of Rev. Paul Jones’ popular gospel anthem, “I Won’t Complain.” Because of his Christian convictions, Isaac chooses to sing about intimate love relationships instead of just bedroom talk.
Whether it’s an original work, “Loving You” (dedicated to his wife), or a clever modern twist to Mother’s Finest’s 1978 hit “Love Changes,” Isaac has won over fans on our First Listen pages. With the latest First Listen installment, “Tonight” (Charlton Family Entertainment), Isaac should win over even more by continuing to sing honestly about relationships: “We need to get away/ And bring this back to us.”
While “Tonight’s: soundtrack possesses a modern edge, Isaac’s vocal inspirations that include Donny Hathaway and Anthony Hamilton echo more of a sophisticated R&B/soul sound. We heartily welcome back Isaac with another winning performance that should continue his emergence as an artist on the rise.
By Peggy Oliver
Donnell Isaac - "Tonight"
