Good album for the deep soulful music fan.
938279
This is a great album if you are into deep, moody and soulful music. I also recommend this for the die hard Dave Gahan and Depeche Mode fans.
2381640
Anthony Hamilton is not a name unknown to me. I've heard his songs via many compilations and on different Dave Chappelle themed shows. Always thought of him as talented and genuine. But for some reason never went for one of his CD's. No particular reason. Just wasn't really feeling any new music during the early 2000's when Mr. Hamilton began to emerge as a major player. When I heard he was putting out a new album in 2011 it seemed like exactly the right time to really start getting into his music the way he was presenting it. With so many artists seeking to make non hip-hop based soul music out their (between neo soul,retro soul,acid jazz,etc there are too many subgenres to mention) it's always been kind of hard to seperate the standouts from the rest. Everyone involved has strongpoints. And Anthony's are actully in great abundance.

  The first five songs on this album are seamless. The title song,"Writing On The Wall","Woo","Pray For Me" and "Best Of Me" find the Miami based singer/songwriter dealing with that old dual nature of soul,on more than one level. That is the commited human being and the one seeking self centered pleasuring. Here he's more anylitical than coming to any particular resolution. But the journey is well worth taking through these well produced,electric piano and percussion heavy funky soul grooves. "Never Let Go" with Keri Hilson is one of a few diversions here,a rather reverb heavy midtempo romantic epic. On "Mad",it's actually a pretty heavy contemporary blues type track with some tasty guitar solos. "Sucka For You" is another thrilling piece,finding a modern variation on the funk/rock hybrid with a dash of 80's style synthesizer for good measure. "Baby Girl",over a jazzier soul rhythm tells the tale of an impoverished young lady becomming successful.

  "Life Has A Way" is a triumphant gospel/soul ending kind of gluing together all the of the albums themes. Anthony Hamilton offers a lot of depth,humility and spirituality in his variety of soul. It was a given during the genres heyday. But seemed somewhat in a holding pattern for a long time. Most artists in his genre claim Donny Hathaway as a primary influence. Hamilton is one of a handfull who actually can be totally genuine in that claim. Also,even down to his look to a degree the influence of Curtis Mayfield is present. Basically that particular influence is that Hamilton is very much his own man. He's dealing with matters of the heart in a modern context. But his approach is rooted entirely in the original 60's/70's soul tradition. So in this record your going to get a powerful,diverse and well balanced funky soul album that really does the talent of it's creator justice.
4752871
Apparently I am differing from many recent reviews in liking this album wholeheartedly, but I really like it. Of course, I am not very fond of Maroon, so maybe those are incompatible likings for BNL albums.

In particular, this album has a few nonsensical songs that are more fun than really artistically meritorious, but I like BNL's fun songs as much as any other part of their work. "Spider in My Room" is a great example of a fun, nonsensical song that is really more of just a very catchy tune with some memorable musical sequences. Overall this album has a lot of the songs that I can sing by memory on it...it's a very sing-a-long type of album.

For the more serious music types, there are some very well-written, rather sentimental songs like "When I Fall" and "Break Your Heart". These truly are very good songs with a lot of emotion behind them, although the live version of "Break Your Heart" found on Rock Spectacle is much better.

There are a few dingier spots on this album, though. I'm not a fan of "Just a Toy" or "I Live with it Every Day", but those are the only songs on this album that I try to avoid if they come up on shuffle.
3734626
I've been a fan of Marc for a long time, probably 10 years, and this is a really good album from start to finish. I tried to listen to it at work when it first came out as background music. I honestly didn't like it - it was slower than his other albums and didn't have but one of the cajun-feeling blues songs.

However, after I started listening to it on it's own during my down time, it really grew on me to the point I really like almost every song on the album. You can tell he put his heart into these songs. I think one of them he said he wrote around his grandmother's passing ("Hurricane Heart") and that emotion shows. After listening to each of the songs many times now, there is a depth to the lyrics and instrument play in each of them.

Glad to hear another solid contribution from a great artist!
4948937
Josh Groban's sixth album should please his fans, with a string of soulful songs carried by his excellent voice and very decent instrumental support.  Some songs are well-done covers, such as "I believe when I fall in love it will be forever".  Others are traditional airs, such as "She moved through the fair."  A few are movie themes ("Falling Slowly").  It is an enjoyable mix, and recommended to his fans.
1203570
If you like Muddy Waters' solo, with his band, or with collaborators (for instance, the superb album Fathers & Sons), then you should buy this album which is one of the best down and dirty Chicago Blues albums ever.  That's a genre I have spent a lot of time listening to and loving; and it's a singularly world-wise and muscular music that Hammond somehow came to play at a very young age, and not by his skill as an imitator.  I was not completely surprised to see another reviewer cite this as both Hammond's and Robbie Robertson's best work; I hadn't realized Roberston was in on the sessions.  The singing, playing and production values throughout are alive and blues-infused.  This is a fun and soulful album that represents electric blues at its best.
3588532
I can see why some fans of dj cam may be disappointed with soulshine, as it is something quite different from his earlier albums. Instead of dark trippy soundscapes and twisted scratches you get 60's souljazz influenced music for those warm summer nights. I simply loved it, it sort of reminded me of incognito, but with more jazz in it. So, if you're a fan of dj cam's previous work you may not like soulshine, but if you're into deep, soulful and jazzy music go buy this album, you won't be disappointed.
1609859
I would say if i could give half ratings, i would give this album a solid 4 1/2 stars. Since it's close enough to 5, I'm rounding up :) There are very few albums in the world where i could honestly say i love every track...so for me to love a good 70 percent of this album is excellent. My favorite tracks were 1. Sure Thing and 2. All I Want Is You (His 2 currently released singles). Also favorites on the album were tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, ll and 13. These are all tracks i could listen to more than once...maybe even on repeat!

The rest of the tracks weren't my favorite, but were still listenable. I made it through the entire track without having to skip it. So i consider this a very good album. The beats on all the tracks are great! No cheap sounding beats or music. And every melody compliments his voice perfectly.  Definitely worth a buy if you love soulful r&b with an up to date sound and style.
3062396
I actually really like this album. I am surprised not more reviewers are commenting on this jewel of album. But, then again, most hip Incognito fans are too busy grooving, doing their thing, to stop and drop a review. Why? Because Incognito fans are grown folks and desire grown folks music. I am in my late twenties and I find myself gravitating toward this sound of music - a lot of soul, some acid jazz, a funky riff here and there, some wonderful house tones, and yes, Maysa. Definitely a solid album. Just prior to obtaining Tales From The Beach, I listened to songs from a prior album, Adventures In Sunshine - it appears this latest album picks up where Adventures left off. Sublime and familiar. Definitely five stars.
3344189
While always having enjoyed older music I am finding myself more and more drawn to the music of the past and not knowing much about R&B I found this an excellent compilation. Considering the title of the album some of you may get confused, "did he say R&B? I thought this was a soul album?"

Let it be known, there is no soul music on here, if you got it expecting to hear early examples of the soul genre you will be disappointed. Still, the tite of the album is correct, this is the roots of soul, the music that later turned into soul music. As this is musically "virgin territory" for me im not going to reflect over the selection of tunes or artists. All I can say is that I digged the music that was on here.

While liking good sound quality I where never an audiophile but I got no complaints as far as quality goes, the tunes doesn't sound too beat up distorted so im happy with these aspects as well. If you want to take it from someone that is kinda clueless, this is an awesome compilation that will not disappoint.
3877251
Mahogany has a voice of plush velvet that is superbly utilized in this lush album and he is backed by superb musicians. Particular favorites of mine on this album are All Blues (Miles Davis) Double Rainbow (Jobim) and  Dat Dere (Bobby Timmons). The selections are nicely varied from scat  singing to soulful ballads. An excellent album.
3781407
Sonicaly this album clearly has a soul. If you want the same old album as you heard before than don't bother, but if you appciate an artist strecting and pushing you to the limits of their borders, (if there are any in this case) then you must order this album!
3077563
great album  for blues  fans. Soulful, it boogies, it's captivating.  Hooker was a real blues man. If you like John Lee , then I think is one of his must haves.
4396440
A beautiful album from start to finish soulful yet smooth. Blends Soul and Jazz seamlessly. Highly recommended, a must have for any music lover.
371471
I just got this album today and I am blown away. Let me try and set aside the obvious draw of his beautiful face and focus on that soul stirring voice that reaches into the depths and tugs up feelings long ago suppressed. I know I am drawn to "blue eyed soul" but this man has the vocal talent of someone 3 times his age and experience. It's as if he produces a beacon of light deep into the fog, seeking out those adrift and clinging to hope. I do believe he carries an awfully old soul around in that angelic face.
4228413
I was in love with Boys for Pele from the moment I listened to it. Reviewers have complained that it's all over the place, but that's one of the things I love about it. You can be in almost any mood and enjoy at least a couple songs here at any given time.

Beauty Queen/Horses - A fairly mellow, relaxing song. Great way to start off an album that packs as big a punch as Pele. You catch more bees with honey . . .

Blood Roses - . . . than with vinegar. Which is what track two is. There's a lot of anger in Blood Roses. It's a good one for when you're in a dark place or in the mood to vent poetically. And the harpsichord is just beautiful here.

Father Lucifer - This is a weird one. But what else can we expect from a song inspired by Tori's hallucinogen-fueled spiritual love affairs?

Professional Widow - Widow is another angry, fast song. The sheer passion of Tori's vocals here is something that should be heard at least once.

Mr. Zebra - Kind of a wind down from Widow. Airy, light, almost childish. But in a good way.

Marianne - One of the most depressing songs on the album. You have to be in the right mindset to get through this one.

Caught a Lite Sneeze - Not one of my favorites. Some of Tori's finer vocal work, but not as interesting as the rest of the album. The good news is, it's much less heavy than Marianne.

Muhammad My Friend - A softer, breathy take on very complex subjects, such as religion and where the femminine fits into that. Or, rather, doesn't.

Hey Jupiter - Once again, you have to be in the right mindset. This is a very sobering song. It's one of the more heartbreaking songs about loss in my entire (extensive) CD collection.

Way Down - Along the same lines as Mr. Zebra, but I sense some much darker undertones in this one. Maybe it's just me.

Little Amsterdam - Possibly the moodiest, most straightforward story song on the album.

Talula - A breath of fresh air after the haunting Little Amsterdam. A jingly tune that brightens the mood of the entire album.

Not the Red Baron - A bittersweet song that, in my opinion, could have been a minute or two shorter.

Agent Orange - Another short, upbeat song.

Doughnut Song - The anger heard earlier in the album comes back, but in a sugary falsetto voice.

In the Springtime of His Voodoo - Confusing, faster song.

Putting the Damage On - Quiet. Lovely. Heartbreaking.

Twinkle - The perfect ending to the album. Leads them out of the chaos as gently as Horses led them in.
4860316
I really like this album. I sounds soothing, yet has a great
beat to it, and rythim.
It goes into the soul.
Love it.