TYDmusic.com: My Review-87

Musiq - Soulstar: LP (Def Soul)

The Philly native we all know and love as Musiq (who's given name is Talib Johnson) is back with his third album in as many years called Soulstar.

The album as a whole delivers a fine mixture of neo soul grooves and smoove ballads to get you moving and grooving to his music. The opening intro and title track Soulstar leads the way with a real 70s soul feel to it and features upcoming R&B stars Aaries on background vocals. Next up is the delightful 'YouLoveMe' - which again highlights Musiq unique ability to marriage the soul feel of the 70s and today. With a lush dose of strings and a touch of keys, 'YouLoveMe' signify the albums intent to keep you locked in (and it does). 'Womanopoly' follows suit with a sweet baseline throughout and Musiq's baritone vocals shining like the rising sun.

Then there's the lead off single 'ForTheNight' which for the most part has that 80s soul house feel to it but it stands on it's own regardless. This one has been compared to R-Kelly's 'Step in the Name of Love' and although there might be some merit in that, it still has it's own appeal.

Not to be left out in the cold, the ballads on this set is equally as impressive as it's counterparts. 'BabyMother' deals with the issues of parenthood and the everyday struggle of raising a child while 'MomentInLife' features another Philly favourite in the husband and wife team of Kindred the Soul Family (check out the orchestral ending on this one - excellent). Then there's the traditional ballad in 'WhereAreYouGoing?' here is where Musiq is at his finest equal in both porduction and performance

The album is in stores now so I urge you no I insist that you pick up a copy of this man's work it's truly exceptional in every sense of the word - A TY-D Pick indeed.

Listen to Musiq's 'ForTheNight'

Listen to Musiq's 'WhereAreYouGoing?'

Sir TY

Ruben Studdard - Soulful: LP (J Records)

There's much to be said about these TV singing reality shows. From Star Search to the latest edition in American Idol, the shows do bring some talent to the forefront of the musical big stage.

Speaking of the most recent offering of reality shows, the latest American Idol winner Ruben Studdard now releases his debut set 'Soulful'. The Brimaingham, Alabama native teams up with some of today's hottest producers on his debut set 'Soulful'. The likes of Harold Lilly (Monica, Deborah Cox and Angie Stone), Warryn Campbell (Luther Vandross, Kelly Price), R, Kelly and Ron Lawrence (who's worked with Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige) all have a hand in the making of his LP.

As the title suggests the album has some soulful moments on it starting with the Al Green remake 'How can you mend a broken heart' which by most standards you would forgive most for trying but gives it a decent effort nevertheless, The Carpenters penned 'Superstar' (made famous by label mate Luther Vandross), the slow groover 'After The Candles Burn' and the uptempo get together 'Play Our Song'.

Standout includes 'No Ruben' and 'What is Sexy' (ft: Fat Joe) and 'What if'. A decent debut from this Birmingham, AL native who's had so much expectation placed on his broad shoulders and one I'm sure will score with fans all over. A TY-D Pick.

Listen to Ruben Studdard's 'Superstar'

Listen to Ruben Studdard's 'Play our Song'

Sir TY