Terius Nash, better known as The -Dream was already an established artist when he released his I Am Sam EP a few days before Christmas in 2015. The EP was a collection of covers by the legendary Sam Cooke and was recorded during the sessions, The-Dream had with Beyoncé for 4 album.
Around the time of release, The-Dream had this to say about the project “My Mother loved a lot of Artist growing up, but the one we shared the most interest in together was Sam Cooke, so tonight I give him back to her.”
As most music fans know, Sam Cooke is arguably one of the greatest singers of all time. Cooke was a baritone with 3.4. Octave range. Despite his robust pen game, The-Dream has never possessed the most vital signing voice. I honestly had no idea where the project was going to go.
To my surprise, The-Dream delivers a solid EP that serves not as a heartfelt tribute to his late mother but as a respectful homage to Mr. Cooke. Some of the songs covered include “Cupid,” “You Send Me,” and “A Change is Gonna Come.” The-Dream never over sings any of the tracks, nor does he use any auto tune. Instead, he uses falsetto and tenor to make the songs work for him. I also want to commend the singer for his production choices, as all of the songs have an old-school feel to them.
If I had one gripe with the project, I would say that he could move a few of the placements on the track list around, but overall this is a nice project worth the listen and a great introduction to Sam Cooke for younger fans.
Final Grade: B +
I Am Sam is available on The-Dream’s Sound cloud.
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.