Res- How I Do
Written: Jun 09 '03 (Updated Dec 21 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Accessible, rock vibe
Cons: Still not really my genre.
The Bottom Line: A strong, if under appreciated record. Recommended for R&B fans.
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| pearl-drum-man's Full Review: How I Do by RES |
This is my submission to Matta75's (http://www.epinions.com/user-matta75) "I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours" write-off. I was randomly paired up with cletta1201, making for possibly the most opposite pairing of the bunch. Read her review of the album I selected for her here (http://www.epinions.com/content_102202576516).
INTRO
As primarily a rock, punk, and metal listener, I was somewhat curious as to what I was in for when I first opened cletta1201's anonymous package containing this cd. Despite my listening preferences, I do follow music with enough interest to have a fair knowledge of artists outside my standard genres. However, Res (pronounced Reese) was an artist I had never heard of, therefore I had no idea what was awaiting me.
THE MUSIC
The first thing that caught my attention as I listened to the entire album was that it had a surprising rock oriented vibe, especially for a soul/R&B artist. The vocals are very rich, as Res focuses on her smooth mid-range most often. I was also pleasantly surprised at the abundance of real drums on the record, which were only supplemented with loops. Though the album certainly has pop potential, it doesn’t stray into the clichés of recent pop-tart female artists.
Golden Boys starts off with a cool jazz inspired drum intro, and settles into a syncopated mid tempo drum and bass groove, which builds in the choruses with layered vocals. They-Say Vision has a decidedly contemporary, soulful rock vibe. This song reminds me quite a bit of the direction Pink went on her latest album. It’s one of the better tracks on the record. Ice King has a laid back vibe, with some especially strong vocals from Res. It is also one of only two songs in which she appeared to contribute to the writing. How I Do kicks off with a cool drum groove, which the vocals play off. It also features some cool 1970’s inspired guitar accents. Res also changes things up as she explores the higher range of her voice more aggressively. The Hustler has a vibe reminiscent of the last Lauryn Hill album, both vocally and musically, and is one of my favorite tracks. Tsunami is possibly the most enigmatic track on the album. It features an acoustic guitar intro, and a slightly more subtle vocal approach from Res. It stands out because it sounds like no other track. After the song ends, there’s a bit of silence, then Res and Co. burst into a punkish, rockin’ track, which is obviously to my liking.
Though these tracks are my standouts, all of the other tracks are solid as well. In fact, most of the tracks I didn't mention feature a purer R&B vibe, which is why they lacked appeal for me, but may actually find greater appreciation for fans of the genre.
TRACK LISTING
Golden Boys
They-Say Vision
700 Mile Situation
Ice King
Sittin’ Back
How I Do
If There Ain’t Nothing
The Hustler
I’ve Known The Garden
Let Love
Tsunami
BOTTOM LINE
How I Do by Res was probably deserving of more success than it apparently received. I certainly put this album in the same category as The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, unfortunately it didn’t attain the same acclaim. This record is a must own for fans of the soul/R&B genre, but fans of pop/rock can also find it accessible.
The Participants
DrFaustus and jay1051971
aerocat and divad23
paulyoungotti and matta75
kcfoxy and guildenstern
jennjoy and shilmafone
jdhodges2 and cartman_2k
tigger500 and kristinafh
thevoid99 and pacmany2j
foxy_shy and lambchops
deadmilkboy and stairway2drew
cletta1201 and pearl-drum-man
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying
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Epinions.com ID:
pearl-drum-man
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Member: Tom
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Reviews written: 79
Trusted by: 87 members
About Me:
Lean, mean, drumming machine.
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