R&B singer-songwriter Brian McKnight returns to the scene with his latest release Exodus on The SoNo Recording Group. Serving as his sixteenth album in a twenty-eight-year career, McKnight has hinted that it will be his last album of original material. McKnight opens the album with “Unbelievable,” before transitioning into the singles from the album, which all appear at the beginning of the album.
“Neva Get Enuf of U” is up first and opens up with similar production to Tim & Bob. McKnight guides through the song with ease, and I can see this song being remixed with EDM production for fans of that sound.
“’42 (Grown Up Tipsy)” is up next and is more of a slow jam than the preceding song. Naturally, given the title, one would expect McKnight to venture into a sound to cater to today’s youth. Still, the singer keeps the mood grown and sexy. “Nobody” is a classic wedding ballad that McKnight is known for, while “Bad” is a nice steppers groove.
“When I’m Gone” seems like McKnight’s farewell song to his fans as he uses a lost love as a motif to bid farewell to his fans. McKnight has always excelled more at ballads and slow jams, and his latest release is no different. “Stay on Your Mind” and “Sexy” are better songs than some of the 2020’s releases from other singers.
Listening to the album, it’s clear that McKnight’s new marriage to Dr, Leilani Malia Mendoza played a part in his writing process. The songs “Hula Girl (Leilani)” and “My Baby” are clearly about her. I also commend McKnight for the album’s closing track, a cover one of Sting’s classic songs, Fragile, and giving it some R&B flavor.
Brian McKnight has had a fantastic career that any singer, no matter what the genre would love to have. While McKnight has sixteen albums, it’s surprising that he’s still releasing new music. He could easily make a living touring off his old material. If Exodus does prove to be the singer’s swan song, not only is the album a decent addition to an already impressive catalog, it’s also a great closer.
Best Tracks: “Stay On You Mind,” “Sexy,” “’42 (Grown Up Tipsy)” “Neva Get Enuf of U
Final Grade B
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
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