Soul Express CD Review

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There is a song on here - a very, very good song - called Satisfaction Guaranteed. That really does some up my feelings about Adam McKnight and his splendid music. Vocally we are dealing with a real talent and I hear echoes of Luther Vandross, John Whitehead and even Barrington Scott Henderson. Every track is a winner but for me the showstopper is the KILLER "Up There With You". What a beautiful record! This song really is the sort of material that makes a very good album GREAT, and all essential elements fall together perfectly to make one gorgeous song. I was hooked by its beautiful, warm introduction, the smooth and velvety vocals and fluid instrumentation. The backing vocals are also on the nose and this has been one of a number of songs that have hallmarked the recent heat wave thus far of this summer for me musically.

That isn't it, though. The CD is hopeful, socially conscious and brimming with positivity. This is exactly the sort of material I like to hear. "Lets Come Together", "Determination", "Love Can", "Spirit In Love" and "Together We Can" are top notch examples of real soul music with real instrumentation and songwriting.
Not many artists can deal with social commentary well, and no-one in the realm of major label could even hope to scratch this quality of artistry. I think this facy has been borne out with the special acknowledhgement of Elton John who has enlisted Adam on his UK tour following hearing Adam in his home town of Atlanta - and will be having him backing him for the Live 8 event in early July. Elton is, I know, a keen fan and connoisseur of black music - strongly endorsing Remy Shand a few years back - and this certainly adds a lot of weight to the argument that Adam is sheer Class.

"Determination" is a CD that may appeal to the Gospel aficionados, but as far as I am concerned this is better. Adam really works on the theme of self empowerment and as a tool for encouragement and verve this CD really rocks. The power of love is the strongest theme on this set and "Love Can" administers this concept perfectly. I think this is far, far better than any Gospel set on many fronts. If you love a Southern flavour with plenty of horns then the Malaco-ish "You Inspire Me" will wet your whistle nicely. I can take or leave that sort of sound, but I really love this song. It's happy, bouncy and uplifting, and there is little of that anywhere today, is there?

Incidentally, a jazzy flavour is added with the slinky "Many Times". Another strong, strong track on this strong album. Albums like this stand head and shoulders over the sheer dogs mess of artists who purport to be R&B. Classy, talented, blessed with great insight into life and love, Adam has a great future and hopefully this CD will go far and do him well. Another set that will be in my listings for the best of 2005. Thanks, Adam for a great CD. CD Baby stock this so do drop in and have a sample listen. Essential real soul.
- Barry Towler