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How does one
continuously write good music for ten years? Brian McKnight
might be able to tell you. After releasing a self-titled album
(1992), I Remember You (1995), Anytime (1997), and
Back at One (1999), the multi-platinum artist has done it
again with his latest, superhero. The 15-track album,
which McKnight says has “the best elements of [his] four
previous albums,” is a CD that people can listen to straight
through, over and over. The music just doesn’t get old.
Beginning with
a fantasy instrumental “Prelude,” McKnight sets the scene
well for the remainder of superhero. Since the
singer/songwriter/producer wanted the album to be “well
rounded,” the songs that follow feature R&B, pop, rock,
jazz, gospel, and rap. Highlights include “Everything,” and
“Get Over You.” They are simply those kinds of songs that
you listen to for the first time, yet feel like you’ve known
the rhythm and words for years. Think “One Last Cry,”
“Anytime,” or “Back at One,” – classic Brian McKnight
tunes. Other great ballads in superhero include
“Still,” “Biggest Part of Me,” and “When Will I See
You Again,” all of which reflect the piano genius in McKnight.
On the other hand, the title track, “Superhero,” uses a
classic rock background that shows off his guitar skills.
As if that
wasn’t enough, the new album also features several guest
artists including *Nsync’s Justin Timberlake in the pop-ballad
“My Kind of Girl,” Nate Dogg in the faster-paced “Don’t
Know Where to Start,” and the St. Lunatics in the danceable
bonus track, “Groovin Tonight.”
The
only low points of superhero are the songs in which
McKnight changed his traditional style. Pardon the use of a
cliché, but ‘if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.’ For
example, McKnight’s first single off the album, “Love of My
Life,” highlights a new falsetto style. Unfortunately, it just
began to sound whiny after a while. In addition, the beats in
“When You Wanna Come,” and “Whatever You Want” both
deviate from those of his usual hits, and could be considered
sub-par efforts. It’s also uncanny the latter sounds a lot
like Toni Braxton’s “Wasn’t Man Enough for Me.” Still,
Brian McKnight’s incredible vocal talents still pull him
through the rough spots, earning him 4 stars for the album.
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| Artist |
Brian McKnight |
| Title |
Superhero |
| Label |
Motown
Records |
| Reviewer |
Roxanne Reyes |
| Rating |
 |
|
 |
| website |
Brian
McKnight Home |
| win stuff |
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