Russell Taylor – Confessional (Album Review)
Six years after his debut release Something In Between (2004), soulful singer-songwriter Russell Taylor is back with the re-release of his sophomore album Confessional this February. The album is written in its entirety by Taylor, who also produced at least half of the tracks himself under the producing pseudonym of ‘Rt!’.
After a couple of listens, the songs are catchy, however Taylor’s voice could be described as a little rough around the edges. Although soulful notes are reached on ‘Mad 1 More Night’ with a high register reminiscent of (but not quite as magnificent as) neo-soul greats D’Angelo and Kem, his control on some of the melodies could stand to be more polished – especially on the ballad ‘Way I Feel’. For me, the album starts to pick up in the latter half, with beat-heavy numbers like ‘Fairgame’ and the catchy ‘Blueprint’.
Standout tracks are the opening song ‘Hands 2 myself’ and ‘The Way It Is’, both produced by Khari Cain aka Needlz, who has worked with names like Talib Kweli, Ludacris, 50 Cent and Lupe Fiasco to name just a few. ‘Hands 2 myself’ was the first single from the album, quietly released back in December ’09. It has a current sound and – even though it makes use of the dreaded autotune – it works, making it a great choice for a single release. ‘The Way It Is’ is also definitely a favourite.
The majority of the album is produced by Twizz, who has made songs for MIMS, Rashaan Patterson and Tamela Mann. ‘Another Life’ is a lovely, soulful love song comparable with Maxwell and the closing track ‘Let Me Love U’ soars and really does Taylor’s tenor voice justice. The song plays to a woman’s fantasy of having a man who will soothe the hurt received from past unworthy lovers, as Taylor offers: “Why don’t you just let me love you. Just open up and let me in/Come with me to forever, where you’ll never be hurt again.” The electric guitar and drums give it a soul-rock feel and it’s a great ending to the album.
The Philadelphia native made a video last year for ‘Press Pause’, which is the second single following the re-release of the album:
It’s an amusing song about a woman getting too comfortable – leaving toothbrushes behind and drawers on the bathroom floor – all sorts! Although the concept of the track is interesting and relatable, the execution lacks finesse and the chorus sounds more amateur than hit-worthy. For me, it was lost amid the other songs on the album. Hopefully subsequent singles will be better chosen.
Overall there’s a good mix of up-tempo and calm, soulful songs to keep listeners’ attention. If you’re a fan of artists like Raheem Devaughn and Dwele, then this is an album for you – although be prepared to work a little harder to sink onto the songs as Taylor’s vocals aren’t as smooth as those of some other neo-soul artists out there.
A good effort and, even though I feel that it’s an album with more fillers than singles, I’ll will be in rotation on my playlist for a while.
–Amber Yeshpaul
Russell Taylor performs this Thursday in London at Aesthetic Sounds, alongside Choklate – click for event details.
Caught RT live at Aesthetic Sounds and I loved it. I thought considering the fact this was Russell’s first London show, he managed to interact with the crowd very well. When I went, I was looking to be entertained and I was entertained by all that performed that night. Even when RT forgot some of his lyrics on stage I found how he handled that situation not only funny but he acted professional and his experience of performing live shows showed.
I noticed that people where buying his music during and after his performance which meant that those that had not heard of him before loved him enough to reach in their pocket to buy his album. I hope the next time I see him, he will be headlining.
Interesting… I have heard Russell’s name a thousand times, but had never heard him sing, neither live nor recorded, before I happened across his album release party at SOB’s in Manhattan last year. The show was energetic, the songs catchy, the crowd hyped and the place packed – and anyone who has been to SOB’s knows that a packed house for one artist is pretty significant. I enjoyed the show so much that I left with both the new album and his debut project that evening. I have since seen him a few more times, as he hosted a couple of shows and then on an open mic night. He’s always sounded fine to me; and I am not exactly a casual listener. I have long been a supporter of independent artists and attend live shows on a regular basis. I am opening a CD store selling their projects and have a good ear. Russell Taylor’s show has always been fine. And Confessional is a good CD; it’s easy to compare him to other artists, but the wiser choice would be to judge the disc on it’s own merit. Then, I think you will have a different opinion.
Hey Amber. I just caught Russell live supporting Choklate. I wasn’t familiar with his work before although one or two people had hyped him up to me. I must admit I wasn’t too impressed. What you said about his vocals ring true- he was even sharp in places- but it was the lacklustre songs that really let the side down. That ‘Press Pause’ track as you pointed out, was a case in point. I didn’t rate it lyrically or otherwise.
Shalom x
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