Album Review: Will Downing, Romantique, Pt. 1
Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Album Review: Will Downing, Romantique, Pt. 1

R&B crooner Will Downing gives fans an EP of covers with this latest release on Sophisticated Soul Records, Romantique, Pt. 1. No stranger to covers, as all of his albums usually feature one cover with his signature sound, Romantique, Pt. 1 finds Downing paying homage to baritone singers. Opening with his interoperation of Lou Rawls, “You’ll Never Find Another Love like Mine,” Downing’s version has a Chicago stepper’s feel to it, without losing the smooth flow of the original Gamble & Huff production.

Track 2 finds Downing in a duet with the impeccably talented Avery Sunshine to recreate Dionne Warwick’s “Déjà Vu.” The song was written by the legendary Isaac Hayes and was originally a solo performance for Warwick. Downing steps into the role of Isaac Hayes with Sunshine portraying Warwick, and the two create a great duet that showcases both of their talents.

Downing then does a modernized remake of one of his classics, 1997’s “If She Knew” from his Invitation Only album. Striping down the original track to an acoustic version gives the song a new flavor that gives Downing the chance to shine and show off his vocal chops.

Downing pays homage to Isaac Hayes once again with his version of Hayes’ “Never Can Say Goodbye.” The song is primarily known as a Jackson 5 song, but it was also covered by Isaac Hayes in 1971. Downing’s version keeps the blues-inspired feel of Hayes’ version while shadowing the heartbreak that The Jacksons displayed.

Closing out the EP is Downing’s take on John Coltrane’s “My One and Only Love.” I wasn’t too familiar with this song. Downing’s version is reminiscent of big band music and transported me to a Harlem Jazz club. The song is a testament to Downing’s vocal ability.

Will Downing is, without a doubt, one of the best singers in modern music. With his latest release Downing solidifies his ability to sing just about anything and sound good doing it. 

EP Highlights – “Déjà Vu.”, “Never Can Say Goodbye.” “You’ll Never Find Another Love like Mine,”

Final Grade B+

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, King Of Stage

The year was 1986, and Bobby Brown, a well-known teen idol, was at a critical juncture in his career. His childhood friends had recently voted him out of their musical group, New Edition. Nonetheless, his label’s CEO, the late Jheryl Busby, apprised Brown that the label was obligated to offer him a solo deal. Consequently, Brown embarked on his debut solo album, “King of Stage,” which we chose as our featured selection for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.

Slow Jam Saturday: Mtume, You, Me & He

Although some may consider R&B band Mtume as one-hit wonders for their classic song “Juicy Fruit,” true music enthusiasts know that the group had already released two albums before that song, along with some fantastic album cuts and 11 other charting songs. Led by James Mtume and featuring the powerful lead vocals of Tawatha Agee, Mtume’s track “You, Me and He” is the perfect choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.

Second Listen Sunday: Night And Day

I have previously mentioned the perks of growing up in the nineties, particularly discovering a great R&B gem on a movie soundtrack. Often, artists would release a track on a soundtrack, building anticipation for an album that might not even be released. This week’s Second Listen Sunday featured artist Night & Day falls into the former group.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

© Copyright Reviews & Dunn. All rights reserved

website designed by Red Robin Digital designers