Our site is growing faster and now we’re welcoming some artists at BuyMyPlaylist!
Jermaine Riley is one good example. Riley is a R&B singer/songwriter, who has spent much of 2011 year re-branding himself as a bonafide solo artist through the release of his very well received covers/remix tape, Nine Ten Eleven: The Refixes, as well as honing his skills and recording his debut solo album; the intriguing concept-based project, Hello Earth.
Soul Culture’s Blog made a review of his new album “Hello Earth”, which will be released next week (January 20):
Here’s Soul Culture track-by-track album preview:
1. “Hello Earth: (Prod. by Swift D)
BIG cinematic sounding Just Blaze come J.U.S.T.I.C.E League-esque production kicks of the LP in the right way. As the beat knocks, it’ll make you nod your head and have you pulling a mean mug.
2. “Wonder Woman” (Prod. by Parker & James) ft. Lioness
Although I’m a fan of Lioness, I wasn’t sure how this track was going to turn out to be. Sure she did her thing on A.L‘s Funky House sounding joint “Tell Me,” but I just wasn’t sure it they’d get the combo right. Verdict: Never doubt Parker & James, Young Riley and Lioness on a track together… it’s a banger. Simple but effective kick and snare lead beat, simple but effective hook, not too many “bells and whistles.” Enjoyed Lioness’ verse… love her double time flow towards the end of her verse.
3. “There’s Only One Me” (Prod. by CJ Blair)
To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of this song when it dropped, thought it would grow on me but unfortunately it hasn’t and after listening to the rest of the LP, I’m not sure if it fits. Euro-Pop/R&B is lost on me. However, with that being said, one may have to listen to the track in sequence with the rest of the album, to hear if the song’s concept lyrics fall in line with the rest of the LP, to develop a better more well-informed opinion of the track.
4. “Smallville” (Prod. by Harmony)
Emotive, guitar lead track that allows Riley’s vocals to shine through. One of those slick songs that straddle the line between solid album track and potential single. You can literally imagine this song being played during the final scenes of a Smallville episode through to the end credits.
5. “My Superspective” (Prod. by Maleek Berry)
Adopts a similar vocal cadence and delivery recently made famous by Lily Allen and refreshed by Ed Sheeran… WITHOUT sounding cheesy. Definitely one of my favorites on the LP.
6. “Nobody Else” (Prod. by Dready)
I didn’t expect anything less than a heat rock when I first read the tracklist and I wasn’t let down. Described as his “love letter to Louse Lane,” at the request of pretty much everyone in the room, the track had to get reloaded…it was that good. Very smooth R&B joint, the only song on the album that doesn’t have a distinct medley.
7. “Key To The City” (Prod. by Harmony) ft. Donae’o
The project’s next single. Great collaboration and great production and well written super hero song. Note To Self: Donae’o spits better than the current crop of R&B singers turned rapper #Fact.
8. “Peaceful Day” (Prod. by 3 Mindz) ft. Cherri V
A rare but very welcomed well-written ballad in today’s confused world of R&B. An unexpected piano lead ballad. A pleasant surprise that didn’t let anyone one down. Another dope collaboration. The intro was a tad long but you soon forget that once the track kicks in.
9. “The Other Side” (Prod. by The Baker Boyz)
Guitar lead track that kicks off with Riley singing in double time and at times utilises a similar Lily Allen cadence heard in “My Superspective,” without sounding repetitive. Definitely one of the more Pop/R&B sounding tracks on the LP, but once again, Jermaine pulls it off without trying to sound like something his not.
10. “SuperSexy” (Prod. by The Sonix)
[Have you ever been in a club when the DJ drops a particular song and every single woman in there screams "this is my song"? Well prepare for that to happen again]. In my opinion, this is the BEST song on the album and my personal favorite. The smooth and sultry production is near perfection. The instrumental so sultry one could imagine Brandy singing over it.
11. “Home Sweet Home” (Prod. by Caligraphist) ft. Mark Asari & Shaun Riley
Mid Tempo ballad, that’ll have you singing along to it in a matter of minutes. Another one of my personal favorites. The vocal arrangement on this song should be applauded. Mark and Jermaine vocals compliment each other and Shaun Riley are pretty impressive, he more than holds his own.
Check Jermaine Riley Page at BuyMyPlaylist.com
