Newcomer brings talent, style
Emily King
Issue date: 10/8/07 Section: Arts & Culture
- Page 1 of 1
Eastside Story-A
A New York City based vocalist releases a shining debut with all the makings of a classic album with, Eastside Story.
The bi-racial beauty (she's black and white), rips it poetic and soulful on an album filled with danceable gems, introspective feel good music and intelligent mind-feeding tracks.
King's strongest suit is her delivery. While her voice is a sensuous and smooth alto that glides effortlessly over masterful production, the energy and passion that bleeds though her voice is sure to gain her many instant fans.
Listening to her sing her songs about love, life and loss can recall memories and thoughts of Lauryn Hill and soul singing newcomer Chrisette Michele. Her rich and throaty delivery is a satisfying treat in today's by-the-numbers pop divas with minimal talent.
On the album's first single and opening track, Walk In My Shoes, King reveals a little of her rough side with a streetwise anthem that beckons her detractors to see if they can survive living life as she does.
On the sweet ode to the man of her dreams, U and I, Emily sings a lightly layered chorus to the love she has been waiting for. More love is shared on the gliding gem Hold Me and the bossanova sound of the smooth slow jam Moon.
Emily showcases a flair for clever arrangements with her standout performance of the Bill Withers classic Ain't No Sunshine. She makes the song her own while paying solid respect to the original.
The production throughout is solid and inventive. Though the album is purely soul inspired R&B, the instrumentation is varied and well done. Everything from classical guitar and luscious keys to calm tambourines and jazz drums make an appearance.
From beginning to end the album is solid both musically and lyrically. She is a true artist and the album is a musical meal meant to feed the soul. She even wins when she jumps to social and political stances.
Is the album perfect? No, but it comes as close as any notable album this year. That is a major achievement considering she is a new artist.
Bottom Line: Emily King's album is a must have for any fan of good soulful music that's a break from the manufactured sound in constant rotation. Plus her voice is tight. Definitely give her a look.
Gregory Brand, Jr.•
A New York City based vocalist releases a shining debut with all the makings of a classic album with, Eastside Story.
The bi-racial beauty (she's black and white), rips it poetic and soulful on an album filled with danceable gems, introspective feel good music and intelligent mind-feeding tracks.
King's strongest suit is her delivery. While her voice is a sensuous and smooth alto that glides effortlessly over masterful production, the energy and passion that bleeds though her voice is sure to gain her many instant fans.
Listening to her sing her songs about love, life and loss can recall memories and thoughts of Lauryn Hill and soul singing newcomer Chrisette Michele. Her rich and throaty delivery is a satisfying treat in today's by-the-numbers pop divas with minimal talent.
On the album's first single and opening track, Walk In My Shoes, King reveals a little of her rough side with a streetwise anthem that beckons her detractors to see if they can survive living life as she does.
On the sweet ode to the man of her dreams, U and I, Emily sings a lightly layered chorus to the love she has been waiting for. More love is shared on the gliding gem Hold Me and the bossanova sound of the smooth slow jam Moon.
Emily showcases a flair for clever arrangements with her standout performance of the Bill Withers classic Ain't No Sunshine. She makes the song her own while paying solid respect to the original.
The production throughout is solid and inventive. Though the album is purely soul inspired R&B, the instrumentation is varied and well done. Everything from classical guitar and luscious keys to calm tambourines and jazz drums make an appearance.
From beginning to end the album is solid both musically and lyrically. She is a true artist and the album is a musical meal meant to feed the soul. She even wins when she jumps to social and political stances.
Is the album perfect? No, but it comes as close as any notable album this year. That is a major achievement considering she is a new artist.
Bottom Line: Emily King's album is a must have for any fan of good soulful music that's a break from the manufactured sound in constant rotation. Plus her voice is tight. Definitely give her a look.
Gregory Brand, Jr.•
Be the first to comment on this story