Noel Gourdin - After My Time (Snyr)
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Free Music Notes for After My Time (Snyr)
Free Music Review: Fine Debut - 3.5 stars
Hit: 4 Stars
Noel Gourdin is a breath of fresh air to R&B. Sure, AFTER MY TIME hearkens the "glory" days of R&B (1970s), but it is fresh enough to be relevant in today's industry. The biggest flaw of AFTER MY TIME at times is the production and songwriting; sometimes this debut does feel a bit "cheap", which is understandable considering most debuts on major-labels don't utilize big name producers. Even with the "stalest" material, which is a nitpicky thing on my part anyways, Gourdin's refined tenor convinces you that he is a star.
"One Love" opens the album great, though it isn't as exciting as say Raheem DeVaughn's opening "Woman" from his LOVE BEHIND THE MELODY. While that comparison may not hold much weight in the overall scheme of things, "One Love" just falls slightly short of being exceptional. In other words, it is good, though not a "certified-classic", as Vibe magazine formerly coined in their CD reviews section. "Better Man" is more exciting with it's vintage sounding production work, straight out of the 1970s. "The River", the brilliant first single, is a five-star performance all around. The track would've been at home on a John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, or Jaheim album; I guess it was Noel Gourdin that was blessed with the phenomenal track. "Open" is certainly catchy and successfully fuses "neo" with "contemporary" to make for one of AFTER MY TIME's best selections.
"Hurts Like Hell" formerly was one of my least favorite from AFTER MY TIME, but after several listens, the jazz-influenced production and progression grew on me. It doesn't topple "Better Man", "The River", or "Open" as my favorites, but it is certainly strong. "Led You On" is good too, though it lacks the little spice to really shine brightly. The rock inflected production works throughout the refrain, though it is a bit surprising after the sprinkle of acoustic piano with bass accompaniment during the verse. Production aside, the song is one of the stronger on AFTER MY TIME. "Reach" is another enjoyable selection, while "I Fell" and "P.Y.T." are good, though not as good as the very best. "Sorry" and "Summertime" are both standouts, while "Too Late" and "Make The Most" end the album strong, if not with the vitality of "One Love", "Better Man", "The River" or "Open". "Make The Most" features sensational production work with an inherent retro-soul quality.
Through the flawed aspects of AFTER MY TIME, Gourdin sings on strongly. In fact, the flaws of Gourdin's debut have more to do with cheap production work or bland songwriting as opposed to Gourdin's vocal chops. Sure, there are times I would like Noel Gourdin to let loose more, but then again, Gourdin's refined vocal style is quite a desirable sound. And lets face it, not everyone has the raw vocal power of Anthony Hamilton, who is the master of neo-soul. But we are talking about Noel Gourdin. Gourdin's got it goin' on y'all. 3.5 stars.
Free Music Review: Now this is a R&B CD
Hit: 4 Stars
It's no secret that 95% of today's R&B sucks and lacks soul. The biggest problem with today's R&B is the average consumer and radio stations play what they think is R&B when in reality it's pop. Sure you have your real singers like Anthony Hamilton & John Legend receiving radio play but where's the radio play for Anthony David, Dwele and Eric Roberson? With his debut CD, After My Time Noel Gourdin shines by having no guest rappers, no club songs and most importantly truly using his god given talent. I've been impressed with Noel Gourdin since hearing his debut single The River earlier this year. On his debut CD, Gourdin echoes a young Sam Cooke. With the opening track One Love, Noel samples the hook from the classic Whoduni, song One Love to great effect, talking about having One Love with his special lady. Better Man & Reach are both very soulful and have a twenty first century Al Green feel to them. Noel hooks up with Raphael Sadiq for P.Y.T. and with its laid back feel; I think this should be the second single. Naturally this being an R&B CD there's a few "baby come back" songs. The songs Led You On, Hurts Like Hell and Too Late all deal with a lost love, but to his credit Gourdin sings each of the sings differently as each songs deals with losing love at a different stage in the relationship. By singing each song differently, Gourdin allows the listener to feel the emotion with all three of the "baby come back" songs. However Summertime has to be my favorite songs on the CD, which Noel sings with ease. While Summertime is a sexual song, it never crosses into R.Kelly territory and reminds me of a song that Maxwell or D'Angelo would have sung ten years ago. This is a fine album over and along with Dwele's Sketches Of A Man & Lloyd's Lessons In Love is one of the best R&B CD's of the summer.Free Music Review: R&B at its finest
Hit: 4 Stars
Mr. Gourdin has studied old school R&B and his love for the real deal shows on this fine debut CD. Besides the southern style soul of the "The River," Mr. Gourdin drops a one two punch from the first tracks on the CD, "One Love" (which is ole to Whodini's "One Love") and "Better Man." The CD really hits its stride towards the end with the Raphael Saadiq produced "P.Y.T," the beautiful plead for forgiveness "Sorry" (the song rides on another old school sample used by the Tribe Called Quest on "Electric Relaxation") and "Too Late." Don't sleep on this excellent CD.Free Music Review: Excellent CD
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a CD that you can put on and just relax. Has the old school flavor. I was really impressed and surprised that this guy has not gotten more exposure, he is certainly as good if not better than some of these artist that are on the radio or T.V. on the regular.Free Music Review: Impressive
Hit: 4 Stars
This CD delivers! I have been listening to it non-stop since I got it on Monday! Impressive...this is what I had hoped J.Holiday would bring to the R&B scene but didn't...never fear because Noel delivers the return of R&B. Purchase...you will NOT be disappointed!