Noel Gourdin - After My Time (2008) (Review)

Noel Gourdin

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All artists suffer from setbacks in their career and Noel Gourdin is no exception. In 2007, Columbia Records (home of Noel's original record deal) went through some staffing changes in the middle of his promotional rounds. Many Columbia acts were then transitioned to its sister label, Epic Records, where Noel was faced with the possibility of being shelved or dropped from the label. Perseverance eventually paid off. The aptly-titled debut album, After My Time, has finally seen the light of day. Noel Gourdin uses that light to provide some rather honest reflections of both life and love.

A modern man is often defined as being powerful, formidable and sex-driven. Vulnerability is considered to be a weakness and there are just some truths that should never be revealed to the opposite sex. Noel Gourdin doesn't exactly defy these male stereotypes; instead he opens up about them on After My Time.

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All artists suffer from setbacks in their career and Noel Gourdin is no exception. In 2007, Columbia Records (home of Noel's original record deal) went through some staffing changes in the middle of his promotional rounds. Many Columbia acts were then transitioned to its sister label, Epic Records, where Noel was faced with the possibility of being shelved or dropped from the label. Perseverance eventually paid off. The aptly-titled debut album, After My Time, has finally seen the light of day. Noel Gourdin uses that light to provide some rather honest reflections of both life and love.

A modern man is often defined as being powerful, formidable and sex-driven. Vulnerability is considered to be a weakness and there are just some truths that should never be revealed to the opposite sex. Noel Gourdin doesn't exactly defy these male stereotypes; instead he opens up about them on After My Time. "Led You On" is a classic tale of boy-meets-girl with seemingly pure intentions only to discover that he just wanted to get in her pants. She mistakenly trusted his empty words and ignored his actions. Noel's gentle delivery is comforting. It makes one truly appreciate this unconventional message.

After My Time offers more doses of reality. On the passive-aggressive "Reach," it's Noel's duty to help his woman understand that patience is indeed a virtue. They must settle for what they have until their situation allows for something better. Some things are simply out-of-reach. On the lightly jazz-induced "Sorry," Noel genuinely apologizes for giving into temptation and begs his lady for her forgiveness.

The most compelling and all encompassing track on After My Time is the lead single "The River." Noel Gourdin reminisces about life back home and everything he had to leave behind to carry out a very soulful mission.

After My Time is a collection of heartfelt songs from a man unafraid to open his heart. He's a man who's strapping and prone to making mistakes. He also chooses to be honest about the mistakes he's made. He's a 360-degree modern man and After My Time is a mission accomplished.

By Akim Bryant