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Someday, when two-step becomes as popular in the U.S. as it is in the U.K., dance music fans will point to this album as the one that got them into the scene. Though not as strong as similar work by Craig David, MJ Cole's debut will serve as a strong primer for those unfamiliar with the combination of funky, ebullient beats; an R&B tone; and smoky vocals that is two-step.
The disc grabs the listener immediately--the R&B influence helps to do that--and slides one into a rhythmic fog that is occasionally punctuated by a bass line or a vocal that reminds one of finely aged, 12-year old British pop music; whiskey smooth and leaving one thirsting for more. Most successful are tracks like "Tired Game," "Crazy Love," and "Attitude," which best showcase the multiple layers that go into the creation of a catchy song. Open with a acoustic guitar and morph that into a dance rhythm, layer drum-and-bass over it, and then frost the cake with a female R&B singer who works her magic and you have the recipe for a hit. Or start with electronic blips and a then throw in a slow groove. Whatever the formula, MJ Cole proves that he is a master chef. When this album allows you to forget that it's all about the drum machine is when it succeeds. Fortunately, on Sincere, that's most of the time. Here, the drum machine is one part of a creative, energetic, pastiche that makes even those with two left feet want to get out on the floor and shake it. |
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Sincere $14.49 CD |
Sincere (+2 Bonus Tracks) $33.49 CD |
Born To Do It $14.99 CD (pre-order) |
Born To Do It (+2 Bonus Tracks) $38.49 CD |
