AUTHENTIC Album Review by Angela Lester
Bradd Marquis’ sophomore album AUTHENTIC is all about starting over. Marquis’ Debut Album, Finding My Way (2007 Bradd INC/Elam Records) was a concept album, not just an album full of singles as so many are these days. The same can be said of AUTHENTIC. Marquis goes from breaking up to finding a new love. He takes the listener on a journey that is intimate and definitely AUTHENTIC. I want to take the listener through the journey.
Starting with 'Don’t Belong Together,' Marquis immediately reminded me of Teddy Pendergrass. For those of you too young to remember Pendergrass, that is a definite compliment. The track features strong vocals including a surprising falsetto and a full sounding brass section.
'Slow Down' moves the listener along to meeting a new love but he isn’t quite ready to move on. The track features strong drums and a rich harmony.
On 'Trust Your Heart' Marquis seems to be truly sharing his experience at how hard it is to find true love
'I Want to Be In Love,' the first single off of his new album, starts with a sigh. That single sound drew me in. He is still in search of love and it is a truly heartfelt ballad. The track sounds “full” unlike many of today’s R&B singles. The song sounds as if it is backed by a full orchestra.
I must admit 'Good Man' is my favorite track. The song makes me want to set Marquis up with a good woman. As the refrain says, "No good man’s supposed to sleep alone.” This track not only speaks to the listener emotionally, but provides a background of music that compliments Marquis’ baritone and is also great to listen to alone.
'Gameface' provides a short interlude. Marquis gives us a break from a very personal and emotional album.
The rest of the album reflects so much of the current environment. 'Here We Go' is a hooking up song as is 'Hott Body' which is a straight dance song. Marquis lets us know that he has finally found love in 'You Got Me' which features a wide variety of instruments.
Marquis continues the album with 'All of Me,' a tightly arranged track with a soft, mellow feel that showcases his fine baritone, and 'Still Got Love' a reflective, uplifting song about life’s choices.
Marquis finishes the album with a re-mastered version of 'Radio' a song that originally brought him to the notice of New York listeners.
Bradd Marquis is a fine new voice in the soul music genre. AUTHENTIC debuted on April 12 and is available on iTunes and CDBaby. Learn more about Bradd Marquis at http://braddmarquis.com and view the video above for his first single 'I Want To Be In Love.'
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