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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Unconditional is the second album from Dennis Taylor. It has to be said, this Dennis Taylor definitely has a lot more in common with 1980s American soul stars Luther Vandross and Alexander O'Neill, than the professional snooker player of the same name and era. Following the critical success of his debut, Dennis has teamed up again with producer/writers Fred McFarlane and Darryl James for another album of what could be termed mid-80s "heritage soul". The tracks are all pleasantly sleek, polished and short, mimicking the hippest tunes performed by the 80s' slickest crooners. Comparisons with these soul legends are further validated as one of Vandross's collaborators Brook Richardson, contributes the medium-tempo "It's Over" to the album. The soul-queen sound also gets a few nods too, with that track sounding very Joyce Sims, and the backing arrangement of "Do What You Feel" reminiscent of Amy Grant's "Baby, Baby". As a purely positive comment, Taylor's smooth cover of Dionne Warwick's "I'll Never Love This Way Again" is probably what a collaboration between Boris Gardner and Curtis Stigers would have sounded like. The future of British soul, or just a fleeting visit of a good spirit from its golden past--who can say? --John Galilee
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real soul for the new millennium,
By A Customer
This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD)
Nice one Dennis! Fans of DT's first album, 'Enough is Enough' will be in raptures over his excellent sophomore effort. Staying with that eighties-retro soul sound of producers Darryl James and Fred McFarlane, Dennis Taylor has improved on the aforementioned debut and delivered a soul album of impeccable quality for 2001.While the first album had a couple of standout cuts ('Enough is Enough', 'Smile' and 'Here I am'), 'Unconditional' is a decidedly more rounded affair. All killer, no filler. From the dancers such as 'Steppin', 'Fills Me Up' and 'Lover for Life' to the melancholic subtleties of the exquisite 'It's Over', this album offers pure quality for connoisseurs from the word go. The sound is unmistakably Dennis Taylor, quite an effort for a relatively new artist. However, if pushed to make comparisons, I would describe DT as a groovier Luther Vandross. But his sound is decidedly unique and a breath of fresh air when compared to the dross of other, more popular, contemporary American R&B acts. Dome Records seem to be going from strength to strength with releases like this and the recent 'Cooly's Hot Box' album, 'Take It'. In fact, if you like DT's work, I implore you check out the other releases on the label such as the homegrown quality soul of 'Hil St Soul'. With albums such as 'Unconditional' and the rest of the Dome back catalogue, the future of soul music feels somewhat rosy. All in all, a real corker of an album that will warm the cockles of anybody with an ounce of soul running through their veins.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet like chocolate,
This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD)
I can only describe his voice as being as smooth as velvet and as thick and sweet as honey and treacle. He is the "new" Luther Vandross in my eyes. Both of his albums are a good mix of vibes, some slow, some funky. Both fantastic albums that are guaranteed to get you in the mood!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Back to basics soul,
By Jetrocket "jetrocket" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD)
I love this record. It is the work of mature and self-assured soul singer working in faux 80's vein (Frankie Beverly, Oran Juice Jones, Kashif come most immediately to mind). Originally from the Bronx, Taylor has been making most impact among the UK soul fraternity and while achieving underground notice in the US -- "It's over" is a dj-white label single currently gaining club play here in NYC. Unfortunately, his albums have only been available as imports through the excellent Dome label. "Unconditional" is Taylor's 2nd release and it continues to evolve the formula developed on his debut disc "Enough is Enough" released roughly a year ago (which is also recommended). Every song on "Unconditional" is simply immaculate -- adult, grooving beats, uncluttered arrangements, simple but meaningful lyrics -- plaintatively sung. "Unconditional's" strength lies in the fact that it is unpretentious and easy to approach. Many reviewers compare Dennis to Luther Vandross, Will Downing and the likes. I think the comparisons are misleading. While he echoes a certain unvarnished approach to delivering a song, he is short on the gimmicks that these singers use to stay relevant. Dennis retains his essential qualities without sacrificing himself to misguided trends. My favorite tracks on this cd change weekly but I am most content to sit back and enjoy the whole mellow rides; prefereably with the lights down! Serious purveyors of quality will find much to admire. Enjoy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best I've heard in awhile.,
By Deena "Jazz Lover" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Unconditional (Audio CD)
I love his soulful romantic voice. It's too bad he is not well known in U.S.A. I would truly recommend this one.
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