Community Change
Articles by this Author
OnMyRadio - Musiq Soulchild
- By Community Change
- Published 04/19/2009
- Music
- Unrated
Reviewed by Bad Ilisho - Music Correspondent  |
| OnMyRadio Atlantic Records |
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| By now, you may have heard Musiq Soulchild's duet with Mary J. Blige, If You Leave [on your radio]. This track is just one of the great songs found within Onmyradio. There is an apparent shift in Musiq's artistry, but he manages to deliver just enough to keep you on board. Musiq came to us by way of Neo-Soul, and attempts to hold on to his Neo - roots with joints like Special.
Special is a head-bobber, but definitely not a dance track. The tune is busy and Musiq delivers the lyrics in sing-song fashion, with an attempt towards rap. Special is one of the few tracks that qualify as Neo-Soul. Backagain - This jam is #1 on the playlist and is hot enough to boil eggs. Apparently, there is still a good use for drum machines! Backagain is reminiscent of a Bobby Brown track, My Prerogative. Patience is something you'll need with Deserveumore. Deserveumore is a blend of the traditional urban ballad and modern word-phrasing. Musiq attempts to bridge two eras, but the song doesn't fight for your attention. Musiq's in his comfort zone with Someone, as he gives you pure emotion…complimented by hot beats. | ||||||
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| This track is a clear pull away from Neo- and a potential nudge towards a new sound for Musiq. Think Maxwell, D'Angelo and Terrance Trent D'arby. Sobeautiful creeps into your ear with a familiar sound that made people stop and listen to Musiq. On this track, he gives you sensual falsetto, and holds on to it for several bars. If you need a track to enhance an active romantic evening, this is it! Iwannabe is the official hip-shaker of the album. It's radio, club, and fan friendly. One would wonder why this wasn't the first release. The cut has a hint of island flavor and is certified with a brief contribution by Damien Marley. The album closes with a track entitled Radio. Musiq may have struggled to find a way to tie all of the songs together, but this was a tired attempt to remain current and relevant.
While there are some great jewels within Onmyradio, the album lacks synergy. You'll get the impression that Musiq is trying to bring along his old fans, develop new ones, and is leaning back in a chair sipping on a glass of Crunk.
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| Listen to: "Iwannabe" featuring Damian Marley | ||||||
| Other Releases by this artist: | ||||||
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Anthony Hamilton...He Did It Again
- By Community Change
- Published 03/7/2009
- Music
- Unrated
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| The Point Of It All |
| Anthony Hamilton's The Point of It All paints a picture of internal struggle and public triumph. The track Cool has been rotating on radio for a few months. It's catchy, but it doesn't represent the rest of the work offered up by Hamilton. He takes you from church to a nice two-step party.
The two-step comes in with the track I Did It For Sho. It's a finger popper, and you'll find yourself singing the hook no matter who's around you. The music is light on this tune, and allows Anthony's lyrics to blaze the way. You will love this track. Praying For You/Superman, is a toe-tapping, hallelujah jam. It's a blend of Louisiana swamp music, washboard good news gospel, and a subtle hint of funk. This is a radio jam, but it's an artsy gift from Hamilton. He had fun with this one and you will too. If you liked Hamilton's wailing' on his past albums, you'll like Fine Again. Hamilton has a unique way of allowing the music to have a voice, without overpowering him. Fine Again speaks to the current economic plight of America. It's a hopeful song. The lyrics are earnest. Her Heart brought tears to my eyes with these words: With The Point of It All, Hamilton further solidifies himself as the keeper of Soul music. Allow yourself to be moved, pick it up! |
The Fallacy of a Smile
- By Community Change
- Published 11/16/2008
- Poetry
- Unrated
The Fallacy of a Smile
By Community Change
On a breezy day in a café,
A man and woman sit passing pleasantries,
They talk, they smile, they nod,
Man departs, looking back…offering one last smile.
| Her face changes the moment the door closes, She’s sad, and more alone than just sitting alone, She didn’t tell him that she's carrying his child, Somewhere in between hello and several smiles, ….she decided to spare him the burden. | |
| His expression changed the moment the door closed, He looked back, but his tears blocked view of all reality, He didn’t tell her that he has AIDS, Somewhere in between pleasant glances and good-bye, …..he decided to spare her the pain. | |
| One breezy day at an uncovered grave, A pregnant woman peers down at a motionless man, They both have smiles on their faces, Man has departed, he is looking forward…offering one last smile. | |
Running
- By Community Change
- Published 11/16/2008
- Poetry
- Unrated
Running
By Badilisho
| I work late hours and avoid going home, This is me running. |
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| I sit for hours surfing sites and chatting up duds,
This is me running.
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| I hit the mall staring down potential conquests,
This is me running. |
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| I lay with no connection,
Running. I avoid reading my bible, I ignore your calls, I ignore my conscious, I run. | ||
| I beat myself up for loving you,
I argue with my thoughts of togetherness, I dash away from silent rooms, I crowd my mind with noises and things to do, This is me running, away from you. |
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Listening
- By Community Change
- Published 11/16/2008
- Poetry
- Unrated
Listening
Poetry by Badilisho
| I sit next to my air vent,
Listening to him strum his bass, I have never seen his face, But I know the interpreter is masculine, Full of compassion, Intent. Each Sunday evening he entertains me with his interpretations, Slowly and continually I fall in love with a stranger, How could he know what chords to play, When to strum the lowly, When to pop hi-tones, When to wait on silence.
Enjoying his expression like sugar on the palate, Never enough, I press my ear to the cold steel, Hoping that he would start again, He doesn't and I wait.
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