::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: "COMING HOME" BY LEON BRIDGES

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: COMING HOME BY LEON BRIDGES
"Style, technique, retro grooves- nobody's making soul like Leon."
by Nicole Queen

25 year old, Leon Bridges has managed to bring the sounds of the legendary Chess Records to 2015. The Fort-Worth, TX native is not shy about embracing the roots of sweet soul revival in his new album Coming Home, released under Columbia Records.

Bridges, who has no problem displaying his love for the past exhibited it effortlessly on every track. If you close your eyes and listen you can feel yourself being taken thru the emotions of this album; happiness, sadness, love and gratitude, to name a few.

A story is told from the first track "Coming Home" (which was top 10 most viral tracks on Spotify) to the last record "River." "River," which happens to be my favorite track on the album, gives the feeling of a Sunday morning gospel song equipped with a fresh start and forgiveness. Now, it’s not to say that everyone will appreciate the authenticity of the real R&B blues on this album. One thing is certain; you cannot turn a deaf ear to real instruments, real musical arrangements, real vocals and lastly real music.

Filled with much talent, I am expecting much more from Leon Bridges. Although, he is just starting out with Coming Home, he leaves enough evidence in this album that he will only get better.

Coming Home is available now on iTunes and Amazon.

Read more »

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: INNERWORLD BY ELECTRIC YOUTH

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: INNERWORLD BY ELECTRIC YOUTH
by Daniel Harris

Electric Youth is free to create in a space that is most pleasing to them as musicians and true artists. Much like the cover art for their debut album Innerworld, their world is untouched by industry or over-burdening expectations. This album perfectly reflects an innovative nature rarely found in today's music.

Steeped in sounds and concepts of noted 80s synth-pop bands, Electric Youth took inspiration from a number of sources to help give depth and texture to Innerworld. Whether it was working with a vintage synthesizer collection or watching films like Metropolis and Heavenly Creatures, Electric Youth used this variety of influences to give this album more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Traveling between LA and Toronto to complete this album, Austin Garrick and Bronwyn Griffin's labor of love is evident from the first listen. Before Life has no lyrical or vocal content, yet it is able to give a true sense of the emotions of the album. Anticipation and the promise of the album both build in tandem with climactic synth chords and effects.

WeAreTheYouth and Innocence are perfect representations of Innerworld's atmospheric nature. Both songs project what seems to be a very introspective view of Electric Youth's inner world. Both songs, complete with driving, repetitive synth bass, fascinating arrangements and catchy hooks, reflect an appreciation for and a longing to maintain a world not effected by the ills of industry demands.

If All She Has Is You is a delightful ballad that presents a pleasant break from the upbeat nature of this album. Austin trades programming and deep synth bass for a more simplistic, melodic arrangement. This pairs perfectly with Bronwyn's entrancing and airy voice.

Overall, Innerworld is a perfect introduction to Electric Youth and is an album that should definitely be in every Headphone Junkie's collection.

Innerworld will be released September 30th and is available for pre order now on iTunes and Amazon.



  

Read more »

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: CITY HEART, SOUTHERN SOUL BY NOEL GOURDIN

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: CITY HEART, SOUTHERN SOUL BY NOEL GOURDIN
by Daniel Harris

What happened to the love song? Has love become such an obscure idea that the music industry cranks out "hits" like "Talk Dirty" or "Lolly" as a reflection of its absence? Love songs present an opportunity to sit back and really appreciate a significant other.

They were classic tales of incredible highs and the REAL! Let's also remember the tremendous respect for the ladies! Today, soul singer/songwriter Noel Gourdin does his part to bring the love back with his brand new release City Heart, Southern Soul.

Best known for his 2008 hit single "The River", Gourdin's success can be attributed to the positive nature of his lyrics and the respect for women he displays in those lyrics. While that shouldn't be a huge selling point for obvious reasons, with the striking amount of misogyny is today's music, Gourdin has established himself as a dependable escape from this sad reality.

City Heart, Southern Soul is an ode to good, honest music. Gourdin's skillful tenor voice is the best vehicle to convey all the ups and downs found in this album. There isn't one specific sound to this album and truthfully, that is a great thing. Sonically, this album offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

Two great examples: "Patience" is a 60s soul inspired single that would make Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett and Jackie Wilson very proud. The sincere lyrics reflect the pretty relateable experience of the patient anxiety of waiting for the next moment and opportunity to reunite with a that special someone. While "Heaven Knows" deals with the heavy issue of infidelity and how to move forward after both parties have been caught in its grips. Its deep, soulful, gospel flavor is a great vehicle for Gourdin's genuine and apologetic lyrics.

 If you are missing the love from today's music; if you are missing good, honest, soulful lyrics, City Heart, Southern Soul should definitely be added to your collection.

If you are in Baltimore on February 21st please join us for a special listening of the album. RSVP HERE for more information and to be entered to win a free album!

Thank you Shanachie Records for the advance album!

Read more »

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: "The Song Is You" Jennifer Holliday

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: The Song Is You by Jennifer Holliday
by Daniel Harris




It is no secret how music playlists are "selected." Many corporate owned radio stations use focus groups to test how well songs will do in a given market. The songs that test well make the playlists and can be heard around the clock. This means that many of the songs that do test well, will undoubtedly sound the same and frankly, quite boring.

On this coming Tuesday, R&B legend Jennifer Holliday will release her 6th studio album The Song Is You. After listening to it, it is pretty safe to say that this album would not test well in a radio playlist focus group. Before you start to riot and call for TheSoulcialista to close up shop, I should preface that by saying that not testing well in focus groups is a good thing!

The Song Is You is nothing less than classic Jennifer Holliday. Her powerful, smooth soprano voice is ever-present. Through songs like "Touch", "Are You Leaving" and "Love Dance", Holliday grabs her listeners and brings them on an emotional journey that some would say is missing from those focus group songs.

Each song on The Song Is You are songs that are considered "pop standards." "The Look Of Love", "At Last" and "Nobody Does It Better" are songs that any music lover will recognize; however, in true Jennifer Holliday fashion, she is able to take each song and really makes each song her own.

The fact that Holliday's newest offering may not test well with radio station focus groups is not a knock on the R&B diva. It does not at all suggest that she is no longer capable of making great music.  On the contrary, Holliday proves with this album that her sound and her style are much more sophisticated for the likes of any focus group.

Read more »