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Newcomer to the R&B scene, Darien Brockington showcases his soulful voice on his first full length release, "Somebody to Love."  Although the album can become a bore after the midpoint and is not exactly spell-binding, Brockington proves that he has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the future.

The self proclaimed “D Brock” has a sound that evokes similarities to the R&B powerhouses of Usher, Carl Thomas and R. Kelly. His smooth, clean-cut voice coupled with catchy, sexy beats makes for an undeniably “feel good” album.  One of Brockington’s biggest mistakes however was reducing the album’s title track to a mere interlude. "Somebody to Love," one of the strongest tracks, kicks off the album with a likable tune and thoughtful lyrics. “Everybody needs something to believe in, everybody wants somebody to love,” can resonate with anyone. D Brock adds passion and soul to the common musical equation of romance and love lost.

 

The hot, hip hop sounds of "More and More" and "Think It Over," and the jazzy melody of "Can We Fall in Love Again" can leave listeners questioning why Brockington hasn’t had a faithful radio following yet.  "I Got What You Want" and "I Miss You" (which bears a striking resemblance to Usher’s tune on his track Superstar) also showcase Brockington’s ability to switch gears from playful hipster to romantic soul man.

 

"I Need You," however, could use some work lyrically... Featuring Little Brotha rapping, it goes: “I met her at the corner store on a hot summer day getting gasoline 93 octane, two bottles of juice, some combos, scratch magazines, her body so ravishing.” The heavy bass, rhythmic jazz and soft voice are almost enough to forgive the laughable lines of the track.

 

 "Somebody to Love" has its high points, but really it is little more than a feel good album. Darien Brockington however, is somebody to watch. For a first try, Brockington does a pretty good job -- but to be great he most definitely needs something to make him more memorable and resonating. Zoning in on the jazzy, clean cut soul and thoughtful lyrics next time around may be the trick.