Soul Express Album of the MonthJuly 2005 KEM – Album II (US Motown, 2005) 1) Find Your Way (Back in My Life) 2) Heaven 3) Into You 4) I Can't Stop Loving You 5) Without You 6) Set You Free 7) I'm in Love 8) True Love 9) Each Other 10) You Might Win 11) I Get Lifted Produced by KEM There's still hope for soul music. The fact that an album this good tops the R&B chart is a cause for celebration. Detroit-based KEM Owens' debut album Kemistry made it to my top ten in 2003, but this laconically titled second set is a serious contender for album of the year. The production is top-notch, with true "in-the-pocket" players like Ron Otis (drums), Al Turner (bass) and David McMurray (saxophone) providing a relaxed but solid, smooth yet funky backdrop for KEM's sophisticated songs. Boy is it good to hear real drums for a change! This really is one of those rare albums where you never feel tempted to skip a track. Highlights will undoubtedly vary from listener to listener, but I find myself gravitating towards the sublimely beautiful ballad Heaven, the Al Jarreau-influenced midpacer Into You, the mellow stepper Set You Free with its nagging guitar riff, the melodic midtempo I'm in Love and the closing number, a compelling, sax-driven version of the Casey-Finch tune I Get Lifted (recorded in the 70s by George McCrae and Latimore, among others). KEM's whispery vocals may not suit everybody, but personally I find his jazzy styling just perfect for this music, no matter if he at times sounds like a trumpet or woman. Situation: The weather is warm. You have a cold drink in hand. A friend has borrowed your favourite Impromp2 album. Reaction: You slip into the CD player this disc full of mellow magic. All is well again. (9) - Kimmo Heikkinen The Latest CD Reviews Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 Other CD
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