CJ ANTHONY: – I Let Heaven Go
(US CrDaJo, 2005)
I Let Heaven Go – I Want To Be – Somebody Out There – You Taught Me To Fly – Bre Bre’s Song
– All I Know – It’s You – Runnin’ Back To You – What Will It Take – Let Me Show You –
Pack Your Bags
You will, of course, remember this great man from his superb 1988 LP, "Luv’s Invitation"
for the whimsically titled KMA Records. This LP was, for me, fantastic. It epitomised the best
at that time of soul balladry and smoother and acceptable uptempo grooves, at a time when
Teddy Riley and his New Jack Clones were starting to set the rot for the black
music scene in general. Spawned from this was a smouldering version of Norman Connors’
"Starship", as well as classy ballads such as "I Believe In You" and midtempo numbers such as
"Luv’s Invitation". The greatly talented Chuckii Booker had a hand in this, and added a
little something extra. Well, this new set then.
If you loved that album then needless to say you will love this one. Chuckii is nowhere
is earshot of this album but the style and persona of the album is definitely in the
same mould and naturally progresses from the 1988 album. This could, in fact, have been
released in 1989 / 1990. I don’t mean for CJ to read this and have him think that his
new work is by any means dated – oh no. It is that he has his musical head screwed on
straight as far as I am concerned, and that he is actually making his own music true
to form and from his heart and soul. All bar one track inspires me, and therefore
places this album on my list of essential purchases for 2006. Yes, another one.
They’re mounting up this year after a poultry affair last year. There seems to be a
personal theme running through this album and appears to be the catharsis of a soul
who has lost a love and realised too late that he doesn’t miss the water ‘til the well runs dry.
How many listeners out there can associate with this? Millions I suppose.
It is this raw nerve style of writing, this personal aspect that reaches
within a man and pulls out more than a song, it pulls out emotion, reality and essence.
There again, I could be wrong and talking a load of old Pony.
Anyway, whatever the case, CJ has done him – and us – proud and so I will go on to praise this
album in detail. I am a sucker for ballads – especially melancholic ones – and the opening
song hits the spot for me. I love the melody and eerie synth, although it does appear to
be a little cramped or over produced on this particular song, although its slight
oppressive saturation in sound adds credence to the pain of the lyric. Excellent.
"I Want To Be" is a perfect vehicle for C.J.’s ultra-soulful style, and the synth
again takes centre stage. The keyboard is really allowed to speak here, and again
the man does the business.
Impressed as I was with these songs, track three really got me going. "Somebody Out There"
is MAGICAL. This is the sort of groove ballad that I would have lapped up in the late 1980s,
and still do today. It is warm, soulful and reassuring. Probably this set will be too
‘programmed’ for those who like the more organic stuff, and this isn’t a problem.
I don’t actually have a problem with programming. As long as those who push buttons
and what-have-you know what a melody or groove is. Back in the 80s a lot was programmed,
but this was all built up in layers, and all complemented each other. It was varied,
and had more than a liberal dose of individuality. Today’s "super producers" press one
button, and get an ex-offender to stand there with his trousers half-way down his hips
grunting "Uh, yea, c’mon". There is a MASSIVE difference! Anyway, I’m rambling!
You Taught Me To Fly" is another VERY strong soul cut which will appeal to fans of his older work.
If you have any sort of emotion and are a parent then you will not fail to be touched
by "Bre Bre’s Song" which is a terribly poignant and beautiful song immaculately
conceived (no pun intended!) and delivered. Such beautiful lyrics from the viewpoint
of a loving and doting father. It also deals with the social issue of family breakdown,
and is a song as much for children as it is for their warring parents. The splendid
array of songs continues apace with the breezy "All I Know" which is a solid performance
in the joys of discovering a new love. "It’s You" is my least favourite song as it is
too sugary for my palette, but I do appreciate the instrumentation. It isn’t ‘til track
8 that the tempo increases, but the Chuckii Booker influence is very strong and this
renders "Runnin’ Back To You" as a must-repeat song on the CD player.
The excellent jogger "What Will It Take" complete with Reindeer bells also deserves
attention as it is another strong performance. The final two songs, "Let Me Show You"
and "Pack Your Bags" also sit well with this reviewer and his appreciation of the late 80s.
Please check CD Baby and give this a listen.
