Since releasing his solo debut twenty two years ago, the king of independent soul music, Eric Roberson, has built a dedicated fan base and continued to release quality music, all while staying true to himself.
Amid the pandemic, though, Roberson saw an unparalleled success as his newest single, “Lessons,” took on a life of its own with nine simple words “God has a funny way of showing you lessons.” Roberson created a great cross-promotional platform by utilizing social media to display classic moments of black love from cinema and television with his “Lessons” as the soundtrack.
Roberson followed up “Lessons” with an acoustic remix featuring vocalists Anthony Hamilton, Kevin Ross, and Raheem DeVaughn that is becoming just as popular. Now we finally have the album that continues Roberson’s trend of delivering grown & sexy R&B that has a message in the music.
Roberson opens the project with “Start All Over Again.” Roberson’s strength as a songwriter is that he can always invoke sensuality without becoming corny or vulgar. “High on You” is up next, and it’s another winner. Anyone who has ever experienced a love jones, a.k.a. An Attraction for someone; you are feigning for them physically and mentally.
Following 2014’s lovely collaboration on “Do the Same for Me” from The Box album, Eric reunites with Pop Roberson for a strong album track with the next song, “Good Loving.” While Hip Hop vibes carry “Don’t Run From It Baby.” One of the most surprising guests on the album is Unsung 90’s R&B trio Intro, who joins Erro on “All I Want,” which effectively recalls nineties R&B.
Roberson keeps the album short at eleven songs while effectively teaching the listener about all the facets of love.
Final Grade: A
Lessons is available on all streaming platforms
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.