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Your Way Or God’s Way?

Posted by :Peauxetic Expressions On : February 25, 2013
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Category: Music Monday

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JPA

Earlier today, I gave my thoughts on Kandi Burruss’ (of RHOA and Xscape fame) newly released gospel single, “Stay Prayed Up”. Isn’t it funny how we often trust ourselves over trusting God? Not to say that we don’t have good judgment, but God’s judgment is way better than ours. Perhaps prolific songwriter John Patrick Adams could have instructed her to stay in the direction she was going with her own way. His new single, “God’s Way” is a very well written song that inspires us to look to God when things aren’t going the way we think they should. It also cautions us that following God’s way may help us avoid pitfalls on our journey in life.

Some of his past hits include “Why Did He Do It?”, “He Never Stopped” and “In My Favor”. The great thing about the message in his music is that it’s extremely relatable. There’s that a-ha moment when you realize you’re not the only one going through trials or tribulations. There’s clear-cut inspiration here, not to mention beautiful singing as well. In a time where artists are rewarded for how they make people’s bodies move (even in gospel music) vs lyrical content, it’s great to see that lyrics still matter. Plus, the production on the song is soft and peaceful, which only compliments the strong vocals and powerful lyrics. There’s also something to be said for original melodies (that are actually enjoyable) too. With so many artists sampling highlights of the past, it’s refreshing to hear music that isn’t borrowed from someone else’s shining moment.

If you thought that John Patrick Adams is only well versed in music, then think again. He’s also preparing for his first book release, entitled Naked. It’s set for release this May, so be sure to look out for it. Plus see if you can really handle the truth on his website, www.TheTruthBowl.com. Here, you will find many intriguing panel episodes on life topics, blogs and inspirational quotes.  You can also find more info on John Patrick Adams at www.johnpatrickadams.com.

Check out this controversial episode of The Truth Bowl below:

These Boys Are Psycho

Posted by :Peauxetic Expressions On : February 4, 2013
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Category: Music Monday

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Psycho White

Lately I’ve been finding a lot of music just browsing online or on iTunes that I’ve never heard before. For the most part, it has all turned out to be some great music. I was a huge fan of Travis Barker’s (the drummer from Pop/Rock group, Blink 182) solo CD Give The Drummer Some. In fact, I still listen to some of the songs on there today. I never paid too much attention to Blink 182(although they do have a few songs I like) and for those that are fans they just released a new EP last month called Dogs Eat Dogs. The group is now making music independently, without a major record label.  Then there’s Yelawolf. He’s Eminem’s protege that sounds eerily similar to his mentor and reminds you of him in his early days. His rapid fire flows have yet to really break into the mainstream like Eminem, but he is signed to Eminem’s Shady Records (although rumors confirm that he may be leaving the label). In comes Psycho White, the new collaborative EP between the two artists. So exactly what kind of music did they create together?

Psycho White only has 5 tracks, but almost all are very high energy, and laced with Travis Barker’s infectious syncopated rhythms. Yelawolf is a great match for Travis Barker’s production here and his lyrical delivery is something to be reckoned with. Notice I said delivery and not content though. Similar to his mentor, some of the language here is a tad bit too vulgar for me. On the opening track “Push Em”, the pair shines on one of the EP’s stand outs that sounds like a Chex mix of rhythms coupled with Yelawolf’s energetic voice screaming over the track. But great production and lyrical delivery aside….eh, there’s not much to say for the lyrics themselves here. They try their hand at reggae on “6 Feet Underground”. The production is on point, but there’s something missing here. Maybe it’s the “You can’t push us around” repetitive chorus. A track that I will call “Funky…” for the purposes of the blog is actually my favorite (you can look up the real title online) on Psycho White.  The production here has an old school Hip Hop vibe that switches back and forth to a slightly techno influenced sound. But again, if you’re looking for great lyrical content (but great delivery) you won’t find it here. “Whistle Dixie” is probably the most creative track on the EP, but after seeing its music video, I don’t like the song as much now. Disturbing is not even the word for it…I won’t post it here, but you can look it up at your own risk.

Looking for some music with awesome production and some entertaining rapping? Then look no further than Psycho White. My only gripe about the EP is I wish there was a little less psycho and more substance. There’s no word yet on whether or not the pair will record another EP or a full length album.

Check out this drum solo from Travis Barker. He’s sick on the drums…..

Psycho White 1

Justin Timberlake Dresses Up On New Single

Posted by :Peauxetic Expressions On : January 21, 2013
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Category: Music Monday

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JT Cover

It’s been nearly 7 years since the release of the classic R & B masterpiece, FutureSex/Love Sounds. This CD is still in rotation on my iPod. Not to mention his debut album, Justified, which was also a great collection of songs. Who can forget the epic greatness of “Cry Me A River”. I must admit, I never got into his original claim to fame, N’Sync. I will admit though that “Gone” was one of their best songs and I think it’s the first people were really introduced to what he could offer as a solo artist. Now over 20 million albums and millions of singles sold with just his solo career alone, Justin Timberlake has decided to return to music again. He had been gone so long that it made some fans wonder if he would ever return to the stage again. He seems to have gotten his feel for the acting bug and now has made his way back to the studio. Many times when artists disappear and come back after years off the scene, their music runs the risk of not being received well. But Justin Timberlake just may have defied the odds.

Last Monday, Justin Timberlake released his new single, “Suit & Tie” featuring Jay Z. I immediately liked the song and the music sounded like he never left. Timbaland is at the helm of production again, which was a smart move considering their massive success together. The production is mellow, but intricate at the same time. There’s a really smooth swagger here and by the time Jay Z adds his verse, there’s almost no way you can resist the infectious groove of this song. But what do the fans think of the new song? The UK loved it so much that it almost bumped Will.i.am and Britney Spears’ “Scream and Shout” collaboration from the #1 spot (the song debuted at #3 on the UK charts). Talk about a comeback. “Suit & Tie” also marks the biggest first week sales of any of his singles, with 330,000 plus downloads. Could this be the biggest single of his career? Only time will tell, but at least it peaks quite an interest in what his new album will sound like. Who says you can’t disappear for years and rule the charts again when you feel like it?

What do you think of Justin Timberlake’s new song, “Suit & Tie”? His new CD, titled The 20/20 Experience will be hitting stores soon. Will you be buying?

JT

Dwele: Greater Than One, Better Than Most

Posted by :Peauxetic Expressions On : January 21, 2013
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Category: Music Monday

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dwele

You may remember Dwele from his McDonald’s McCafe (their version of Starbucks deluxe coffee) commercial back in 2008, as a featured male vocalist. Or you may remember him from the interestingly written song about infidelity, “I’m Cheatin”. This song, lifted from his Sketches of A Man CD, speaks about him cheating on his girlfriend….with his girlfriend. Then there’s his feature on Kanye West’s hit song, “Flashing Lights” and work with Slum Village (remember their song “Tainted”?). But McDonald’s jingles and memorable hook lines aside, I really never heard much of his CD releases in their entirety. That is until now. In search of some new music, I ran across his CD on iTunes and liked the first 5 songs I previewed. So I decided to buy his most recent release, titled Greater Than One.

“Going Leaving” is a thumping slow groove, complete with trumpets and a swing out dance feel. Dwele is transparent here in a tale about being confused on whether or not he wants to be in a committed relationship and eventually losing the woman he loves. On “Takes22Tango”, he cleverly sings about doing the tango on the dance floor….and then in the bedroom (“working horizontal dance moves”). The song is part calypso, part Erykah Badu. The track sounds eerily similar to “I Want You” from her Worldwide Underground album. Nevertheless, this one of the standouts and best songs on Greater Than One. Speaking of similarities, Dwele’s vocals resemble closely to another much underrated male R & B, artist Raheem DeVaughn. The two team up on “What You Gotta Do”. It’s a great collaboration about appreciating your woman before you lose your woman. Their voices mesh so well together here, that they almost sound like the same person.

In perhaps his most seductive song to date, Dwele take a strong romantic detour on the CD with “Obey”. This song is sheer genius, period. The vocal arrangements and melodies here are smooth, but the contrasting lyrics are forceful (“Don’t play tough if you’re not ready/Before you faint on me”), without being distasteful. You just have to hear this one to get the full effect. “Must Be” featuring J Tait, L’Renee and Black Milk is a catchy, upbeat, boastful track about his love for his hometown Detroit, Michigan. The song slows things down towards the end to catch your breath and hear some soulful vocals. But, Greater Than One is without its pitfalls. Fortunately for Dwele, this only happens once, on the track “Patrick Ronald”. It’s his name for his alcoholic drink of choice, Patron. This song has the potential to be clever, but somehow misses the mark. Perhaps its the interlude that kicks the song off or the lackluster chorus. But even champions have a bad day, right?

Greater Than One is one of the best R & B CD’s I’ve heard in a while. I may be late finding Dwele’s music (this is his fifth studio album), but I’m definitely awake now and won’t be sleeping on his work going forward.

Check out “Obey” and “What You Gotta Do” below