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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Cornell C. C. Carter

One Love

Review by Gary Hill

If you are into smooth R&B music and haven't heard Cornell C. C. Carter, you really need to get on it. He's one of the best out there today. His sound has a modern edge, but is really so retro in so many ways. He delivers the music with so much style. It's catchy, often funky, magic.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 5. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review
Winners
Keyboards create a beautiful backdrop for an announcer introducing the album. After that extended introduction, this works to a funky kind of jam that's part old school soul music, part electronic sounds and part hip hop. It's a lot of fun. It is energized and catchy.
Relax
The short introduction almost feels progressive rock like in some ways. The cut works out from there to more of a typical R&B styled jam that's tasty. There is some funk and a lot of style in the mix.
Free
Classic electronic styled R&B textures make up the musical concept here. This is a bit on the mellower side. It's a classic groove that feels like it could have been released in the 1980s or 1990s. It's all delivered in such style.  
Badeyah
The rhythmic element on this cut is very cool. The bass brings some serious funk to the proceedings. This is another fun cut with some smoking hot retro stylings.    
One Love
Funk and classic soul are on the menu here. This is a killer tune with catchy hooks and great musical textures. I love it. It has a cool empowering rap mid-song. .
That's My Baby
Smooth, accessible R&B grooves drive this number, too. It has a great energy and some strong hooks. The whole vibe is classic in nature.
That Feelin'
The rhythmic groove on this is so cool. The tune has many of the same musical elements, but packaged into a new form. It's another strong piece on a disc that's full of them.
Getaway
The funk is dished up in real style here. I can make out hints of things ranging from Bobby Brown to the more mainstream side of Parliament on this piece. The tradition of going from strength to strength is continued here. The dramatic female spoken voice mid-track is a great touch.
Somethin' Like
Another cool modern R&B groove, this isn't a big change. It is another winner, though. It has a good energy and solid hooks.
Maybe
A slow burn styled R&B groove is on hand here. This is another solid track, but not a big change.
Life
By this point in the album you have a pretty good idea of what is in store, classic R&B delivered in style. This delivers on that promise. .
Bonus Track
             
Somethin' Like (Soul Mix)

As you might imagine, this is a different mix of the earlier track. Perhaps it seems more retro. It still works really well, though.

 
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