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Soul Express CD Review



NEW BIRTH: – Lifetime
(US Stonehurst Records, 2004)
Fun Is In The Chase – Workin’ On You – Ballin’ – Dream Merchant – Ten Toes Up – Comin’ From All Ends – Mo’ Deep (feat. Sean Barney Thomas) – You Know You Want Me – In My Lifetime – Hey Girl – To The Light

What was I saying about comebacks in 2004? Well, here is another one that really brings joy to the old heart. New Birth, conceived by Harvey Fuqua of Motown fame in 1963 released their first LP on RCA in 1970, and here we are today with Leslie and Melvin Wilson at the helm moving into the 21st Century.
In an age where many established artists try to keep up with modern trends (or fads, depending on your viewpoint) and debase their appeal, The Wilson Brothers step forward and deliver to us a set of QUALITY soul recordings that are not only very traditional but very 2004 too. There is nothing old or retro about this set, but neither is it bumbling about in hip-hop territory.
I had been waiting for this set to be released and was thrilled to listen to it on CD Baby. I was hooked within seconds of track one and was in no doubt that this was a must-have set. We start out with a KILLER stepper, "Fun Is In The Chase", which reminds me greatly of the happy tunes that Brotherly Love effortlessly turn out. This is a gorgeous track with an effortless ability to draw us within its folds thanks to an irresistible and catchy melody. You will have this tune in your head and will not be able to let it go. Vocally, the Wilson brothers are SUPERB. Soulful, smooth, gritty and they hit the right notes as far as I am concerned. This is classic stuff, have no fear.

The second track, "Workin’ On You" is a current favourite spin of mine. Again, the ability to hit me right in the "oh yes!" centre of the brain and heart is spot on again. This 80s styled ballad will definitely work on you and if by this time you are not convinced then I suggest you buy a pack of cotton wool buds! Anyway, "Dream Merchant" is a nice floater, again reminiscent of Brotherly Love, but to be honest I much prefer the SUPERB "Ten Toes Up" which has hit the repeat play button more than once, I can tell you. This is not a cover of the Dazz Band song from 1995 but a seriously sexy and soulful new composition, which will more than serve its purpose in the old boudoir. The Frankie Beverly and Maze "Back In Stride" feel seriously pervades the opening moments of the excellent funker "Comin From All Ends". This is another happy vibe and sits very nicely, thank you very much, with the funky "Mo’ Deep" which has elements of Kleeer within the keyboards, and even a bit of Zapp within the beats.

The style changes down a gear for the brilliant "You Know You Want Me" with its slap bass and 80s styled synth flourishes. Vocally the brothers are a fantastic mix of J. Blackfoot and H-Town, which means plenty of grit, guts and passion. "Hey Girl" is a blinding ballad that has found a fan of Peter Young on his excellent show on Jazz FM, London. It's not surprising at all as this really is a moreish number and you will know why within the first 30 seconds or so.

If these songs are not impressive enough, please check out the wonderfully smooth jogger, "To The Light" which has a beautiful ethereal, magical quality to the vocals and the musical backdrop simply issues forth warmth. This is a superb, positive and essential album and one that I really do not feel you should overlook.

A mandatory purchase for 2004, and nice to have you back, Leslie and Melvin.
- Barry Towler


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

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