Another release from Tamar Braxton's September-due album Love and War has been uploaded to SoundCloud- say hello to All the Way. This grown up slice of Rnb was written by the legendary Diane Warren (and Tamar, I should add) and it's a slow burner that improves with every listen. The vocals aren't as showy as we've come to expect from the youngest Braxton, but that doesn't mean they're any less impressive.
Unfortunately the more I hear from this album, the more I think it will probably flop- not that I'm wanting that. But Rnb isn't selling right now and that's what Tamar is delivering. However, I'll be the first to pony up my pounds if it's full of quality like this and the album's title track. So Tamar you can sleep easy knowing you should have at least one guaranteed sale come the release date...
It appears I was misinformed. I thought Toni Braxton had retired from music! I also didn't know she's married with kids. Clearly I know squat about this Diva. Anyway, the contralto has a new album due in December called Love, Marriage, Divorce- wait, so maybe she's not married anymore?- and she's teamed up with old boss Babyface ( the dude behind some of her most iconic hits) on new song, Hurt You.
The track starts off well, with a simple piano/vocal combo that fooled me into thinking I was in for something powerful and dramatic. But as soon as the slightly confused and flat beat kicked in post intro, the track quickly lost its way. The bland backing eventually becomes indicative of the song as a whole, with even Toni and Babyface's vocals sounding uninspired and pedestrian by its end. This is definitely not a return to form for either parties. It's a shame because these two have made some beautiful music in the past.
Thoughts?
I'll listen when I get out of class but it kinda grinds my gears when a star comes out of retirement. Oh, and Toni is a bit of a medium to low mezzo with a very dark voice. :)
ReplyDeleteTamar's tune was..okay.
ReplyDeleteToni's tune the lyrics and theme were too reminiscent for me to Anouk's work. And sadly Toni/Babyface are not nearly that level. Quickly got bored.
I love Toni's silken, sultry vocals but this song doesn't do her justice. And Babyface sounds too weak, he sounds constrained next to Miss Braxton.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought, if Tamar went more in the PBR&B route (like Miguel, The Weeknd and Frank Ocean) that seems to be getting some hype, she might forge into something new and strike something good. Regardless though, I'm loving everything she's been putting out lately, I hope she gets some much deserved recognition...
ReplyDeleteYeah, i felt a pang of wrongness writing "contralto", but I didn't fancy opening that can of worms, nor changing her profile- which I'm guessing is due an update.
ReplyDeleteLol, she is the most gif-able person; too many catchphrases.
ReplyDeleteThat's actually a great idea. You need to get that message to her!
ReplyDeleteThat whole track sounds like a demo. Shudder to think what else is in store for the album if that song is leading it.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a way to reach her, other than Twitter, I'd probably suggest that to her, although from the many videos I've seen of her studio sessions, it appears though, that she has her mind set on throwback R&B and hip-hop influenced R&B, and I wouldn't want her to compromise artistic integrity if she didn't really like PBR&B...
ReplyDeleteToni, unbreak my heart. Come back and say you love me. I lov u, girl.
ReplyDeleteMaybe neither of them are that interested in scoring big hits or selling loads though and just want to keep putting out R&B music because it's part of their musical upbringing, what they're inspired by, the genre they like the most and what they do best? Toni has dabbled in pop/electro/dancey stuff before and it wasn't great (nor did it sell well), but as far as mature, old-school and soulful R&B goes, they're both at the top of their game.
ReplyDeleteThat was smart.. lol
ReplyDeleteI love Toni too!