For the last couple of years there has been an underground movement in soul music in the UK that has been gathering momentum.
Sick of the dirge like r'n'b and (c)rap that has afflicted black music for over two decades a few diehard fans from far and wide have resorted to writing real songs again. Their albums have largely slipped through unnoticed from all over the world - Confection from Australia, Swade & Thomas G from France, The Sunburst Band from our very own UK and best of the lot, PEO (can't wait for them to release an album) & Cool Million from Germany. The only notable absence is the Americans!
Cool Million released their first album 2 years ago and it was by far the best of the crop to date. They have been whetting our appetites for a few months now with the singles "Sweet Baby" & "Back For More." Well the new album has finally landed and it is in a word, AWESOME.
These guys set the benchmark with their debut album & have thrown down the gauntlet with this one. 16 tracks of relentless danceable music with great lyrics from start to finish (no ballads on here) and probably the best up tempo "soul" album for over 20 years. There is not a hint of a bad track and the music goes from very good to excellent to absolutely superb. This really takes you back to the 80's and would easily stand side by side with any of the musical greats of that era, specifically Jam & Lewis. Yet they copy no one, the songs are all original compositions and sound fresh, up to date and current.
Okay, if I have to pick favourites, then "Sweet Baby," "Sprinkle," "Love The Beat," "Magiq," "Thought We Had It All," "Just Dance," & "You Got Style" but the weakest track on here (and there isn't one) would probably be the best track on any other soul album.
I cannot praise this album enough - it is a joy to listen to, it deserves 100 stars not five! The guys deserve hearty congratulations on a magnificent album. You know what we want next guys - LIVE SHOWS in the UK
BUY THIS ALBUM NOW - YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.