Soul Express Album Review

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BRIAN McKNIGHT:
Ten
US Warner Brothers, 2006
1) Used To Be My Girl 2) Comfortable 3) Find Myself In You 4) What's My Name 5) Unhappy Without You 6) A Little Too Late 7) Holdin' On (Missin' You) 8) Shoulda Been Lovin' You 9) Again 10) More And More 11) Can't Leave You Alone 12) I Do 13) The Rest Of My Life 14) Red, White And Blue (with Rascal Flatts) 15) Don't Take Your Love Away

I have always highly rated Brian McKnight. I think that he has often displayed a uniqueness that is very welcom in a day of production-line formulaic music, and he has odd flashes of real, unarguable genius. His songwriting skills are not in question, nor indeed are his vocal skills. I think that he has been let down by record labels and having to work with producers who simply are not on his wavelength. It would be fair to say that “Ten” does not have that flash of genius, but it is still a very consistant release. It is walking a tightrope of appealing to his traditional fanbase, whilst trying to keep its head above the rising sewage of major label “R&B”. It works.

I think that the down side of this album is that long-time writing partner Brandon Barnes has no part of this album, and producer Silas White (a new name to me) has tended to shy away a little too much from real instrumentation for clomping, clunking beats and hand claps possibly appealing to the Hip Hop generation. Brian is big enough and talented enough to make good of this anyway and he does turn it around and make it work. The opening song is a typical contemporary number though is very, very addictive after a few plays. It does, in part, remind me of last summer's fantastic Isley Brothers jam “Pretty Woman”. “Comfortable” redeems itself nicely after the annoying and unnecessary “megaphone homeboy” dalliance at the offset. This becomes another winner after a few plays.

More traditional and typically Brian McKnight is the gorgeous “Find Myself In You”. I believe that this was the header single in the US. The summery, jaunty beat is complemented by a subtle 70s overtone and sitar. This works well, and I can clearly detect the homage being paid to Marvin Gaye within Brian's vocal phrasing. I applaud this as he does a very nice job of it. “What's My Name” is another classy yet contemporary track and I am sure that you will enjoy it.

“Unhappy Without You” is more on the R&B/Hip Hop tip, but has a niggling undertone of the 1980s to it. In theory I should not care much for a song of this ilk, but I rather do, so there! LOL. Brian McKnight is in familiar territory with the gentle “A Little Too Late”. Fifteen years ago this would have been a hit. Also to please will be “Holdin' On (Missin' You)”although clonky and jerky acts as a great vehicle for Brian's ultra-smooth delivery. “Shoulda Been Loving You” is a very good stomper with 80s appeal, swirling strings, heavy beats and scratchy guitars. This is a strong, strong cut and Marvin would definitely appreciate it. Another strong uptempo cut with an 80s undertone is “Can't Leave You Alone”. Shame about the rap though. At least I can hear what the chap is saying and understand him! I think.

If any song on here is going to be a hit it is likely to be “I Do”. This is, lyrically, classic Brian McKnight, but for me is spoilt by overbearing heavy beats. Easy on the bass there, Silas! Following a few duff numbers the CD closes with “Don't Take Your Love Away” which is a gospel effort. Very nice it is too. The harmonies are spot on. This is definately worth a purchase so do not overlook.

-Barry Towler