Elliot Yamin - Self Titled
I’ve been anticipating the release of this disc. I was a big fan of Elliot’s when he was competing on [tag]American Idol[/tag]. While it is not the strongest [tag]debut[/tag] album I’ve heard by far, it is one that delivers exactly what you expect. A young and soulful R&B record made by a man who loves soulful R&B.
There are occasional moments where Elliot’s delivery seems a bit too controlled, and occasional moments of brilliance, like his cover of Donnie Hathaway’s “Song for You.”
My complaints about the disc are pointed directly at the record’s producers, of which several are credited. I have had my fair share of experience with record mixing and production, and there are tracks on this disc that make me want to shake whomever was behind the board. For instance, I was listening to “You Are The One.” For half the track I thought maybe my headphones were loose, but I realized that no, the generic string and electric piano tracks were completely overpowering the vocals. It sounded like it might be karaoke track with a “helpful” scratch vocal to help the not-so-good drunk guy keep his place in the song. It happens a few other times where Elliot is delivering a line with his trademark runs that get lost behind an inane beat and electronic pad.
There are some instances when burying the vocal a bit behind the track is effective. The Police used the technique often as a way to make the listener strain to understand the lyrics, therefore making them really pay attention the message of the song. But these songs aren’t lyrically exceptional.
When you have a talented singer who is know specifically for his VOICE why would you ever try to bury it?
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Key Tracks:
- Movin’ On
- Train Wreck
- Alright
- Song for You
