TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

SPIN THIS

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 19, 2008

ELI "PAPERBOY" REED & THE TRUE LOVES:

ROLL WITH YOU

(Q DIVISION) ***½

There's a temptation to dismiss Eli "Paperboy" Reed, even after the first listen, as just another white boy with a silly nickname and delusions of soul.

But pay attention. This kid has a voice. And no matter how openly derivative his songs are (which isn't necessarily a bad thing anyway), that voice delivers.

Even with his influences on his sleeve, Reed isn't an imitator. He's absorbed Redding, Cooke, etc., but he sings like himself. No mimic could pull off "It's Easier," a ballad that deserves to be a soul classic.

Reed captures both the vulnerability and the toughness of real soul music, a mix few get right. Reed sounds like the real deal.

Download this: "It's Easier"

Curtis Ross

USHER:

HERE I STAND

(LAFACE) ***

When it gets down to it, Usher's only competition is himself and his classic 2004 CD, "Confessions," which sold nearly 10 million copies.

No, this isn't on par with "Confessions," but Ursh hasn't fallen off.

However, he's fallen in love, gotten married and fathered a son, leaving his playboy days behind.

He confesses he still has a healthy "Appetite" for the ladies and yearns to make "Love in This Club," but he keeps those urges in check.

Mr. Raymond makes it clear he's devoted to his wife.

Usher and Jay-Z taught a generation of young men to be players and hustlers. But as Jay says on "Best Thing," even grass grows and boys become men. "Let's lead the way" into fidelity, he tells Usher.

Download this: "Before I Met You"

Joinville Michel

ESTELLE:

SHINE

(ATLANTIC) ***½

Whatever the Brits are putting in the water is working. And apparently Estelle is drinking the stuff en masse.

Her debut album "Shine" is a stellar piece of work with plenty of danceable tracks and sassy relationship ditties. She belts them all out with a distinctive voice.

This summer sleeper is neo-retro-soul - and if that's not a genre, it should be.

"Shine" is produced by crooner John Legend, who also guest appears ("You Are") along with Kanye West ("American Boy"), Kardinal Offishall ("Magnificent") and Cee-Lo ("Pretty Please (Love Me)"). Speaking of shout-outs, Will.i.am and Wyclef Jean produced tracks.

The album - infused with reggae, hip hop and soul - packs a punch. Forget what your hater friends are saying and cop it. Enough said.

Download this: "Pretty Please (Love Me)"

Sarah Hoye

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT