to listen or purchase
Harlem-based singer Rokeem Pough (a.k.a. Rok) has a keen sense of melody and an unassuming but very effective voice that carry his debut album, Born 2 Sing, to surprisingly high places. Sounding like a softer-toned Fred Hammond, Rok breezes nicely through a series of catchy tracks, all highlighted by great vocal arrangements. Songs like "Tell the World," "I Love You" and "To Fall In Love" should appeal to both Gospel and Urban Adult Contemporary fans, as Rok hits the softer side of modern R&B without compromising his spiritual message. While the musical production could use more organic elements (the disc screams for a real horn section), there's an awful lot to like on Born 2 Sing, which is an impressive introduction to Rok and a really enjoyable disc from beginning to end.
Harlem-based singer Rokeem Pough (a.k.a. Rok) has a keen sense of melody and an unassuming but very effective voice that carry his debut album, Born 2 Sing, to surprisingly high places. Sounding like a softer-toned Fred Hammond, Rok breezes nicely through a series of catchy tracks, all highlighted by great vocal arrangements. Songs like "Tell the World," "I Love You" and "To Fall In Love" should appeal to both Gospel and Urban Adult Contemporary fans, as Rok hits the softer side of modern R&B without compromising his spiritual message. While the musical production could use more organic elements (the disc screams for a real horn section), there's an awful lot to like on Born 2 Sing, which is an impressive introduction to Rok and a really enjoyable disc from beginning to end.
Vocals: 4 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.5 stars
Production: 2.0 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Chris Rizik