Signed, Sealed, Delivered [CD]

I realise that the concept of this CD may not be to everyone taste, but I write this as someone who enjoys 'respectful reprises' of classic, timeless songs. On hearing him perform live on Weekend Wogan (07-Mar-10), I immediately checked out this CD. Releasing a Motown album seems to be an almost-inevitability amongst many singers (Rod Stewart, Boyz II Men, etc) so there needs to be something different to set it aside from the others.

First and foremost, this is an excellent compliation of songs in their own right; Marvin Gaye, Temptations, Al Green... any Motown afficiandos know these songs in a heartbeat. Craig David manages to make these songs feel modern again - especially 'For Once In My Life' and 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone', which have been brought up to date with some interesting keyboard and percussion additions, without ruining the original. For me, they put the 'bop' back in! Two definite highlights are 'One More Lie (Standing in the Shaddows)' and 'All Alone Tonight (Stop Look Listen)', which are the only two new tracks (though both contain the bracketed title sample, to excellent effect). 'One More Lie' is my favourite track, and reminds us who Craig David really is. There is *almost* a pinch of disco in some of the tracks, which still works despite this sounding like a clash. However, few CDs are without their weakness, and in this case it's '(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay', which has lost the toes-dipped-in-water feel of Readings original. Plus, it isn't even a Motown song, so what its even doing on this CD is a mystery. Hey-ho *shrugs*.

Craig David's smooth vocals suit these songs perfectly, and respectfully complement the originals. They are different enough from the original to be fresh, but not so much as to loose their original appeal. Boyz II Men's album was mainly accapella (the bonus being that there are more of them...) and was refreshing, but this CD adds something else. I'm not a hardened Craig David fan, but this is a fantastic CD. Highly recommended if you like fresh takes on classics, and if you enjoyed Motown Hitsville USA. Top Marks :-)

Craig David said he thought Motown was a 'genre' not a label. I guess no one has record collections anymore so how should they know otherwise. Anyway, this album is ok. It's not terrible. I wouldn't bash Craig David because he became a bit unfashionable.

However, 'if I'm being honest with you' (copyright Simon Cowell) this is a fairly uninspiring set of covers. If Craig David was on American Idol (I know he's British, but that's ok, let's imagine he's changed nationalities (I don't mind)) then he would be quite a good act. I could imagine his cover versions being applauded by Randy Jackson, who would say 'that's great, dog' and Simon would tell him he sang well, but needed to work on his dancing and performance. Craig might even win and if he did this would be the kind of post-American Idol CD he would bring out. A bit of Stevie, a bit of Al, smooth, soft, pleasant(ish), unthreatening, the kind of thing you'd put on during a nice meal for two, if neither of you were very bothered about music, but wanted to pretend you were into soul, or didn't want to hear each other talk too much. Craig said this album 'stemmed from Michael Jackson dying.' Fair enough. My own reaction was to give Off The Wall a spin.

Of the tracks, Mercy Mercy Me lacks any understanding of the emotion of the Marvin Gaye version, the Stevie Wonder title track is harmless and the Al Green is ok for round 3 of American Idol. If Paula Abdul hadn't been fired, she'd be up on her feet clapping and swaying out of rhythm and probably wondering how to get Craig's number. Give her a call Craig! Maybe your next release could be an album of duets!
Comment

I love this CD so is well worth the buy.
Some old tunes to take me back & very easy to listen to.
5*