Release Date: 7/22/2008
Recording Date: 7/2008
Tracks: 13
Length: 00:47:55 Hrs
Label: Epic
Type: CD
- Genre/Styles
- Contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul
Album Tracks (13)
Currently 5.0 / 5.0 Stars
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What the Critics Say
Noel Gourdin's debut album has been several years in the making, at least if you track back to the Kay Gee-produced "Family Reunion," a song featured in the 2004 movie The Cookout. "The River," a gorgeous and spiritual '60s throwback, became his first official single in 2007 and found early support from Steve Harvey, who spun it on his Morning Show. Once After My Time was released in July of the following year, the song had been on the R&B/hip-hop chart for several months, never threatening to reach the top but holding steady for an apparent eternity, much like a couple Anthony Hamilton singles. That is likely a good indication of Gourdin's future status -- not superstar-level, yet not without a set of enduring (if not blockbuster) hits and a very devoted fan base. While Gourdin's not quite as classicist as Hamilton -- his voice is flexible enough to allow the possibility of making albums that fill any number of R&B pigeonholes -- he can be roughly slotted into the John Legend/Chrisette Michele/Raheem DeVaughn camp, where modern sounds mix it up with classic inspirations. He's definitely tapping more directly into the 30-and-over crowd with "The River" and sincerely humbled ballads like "Sorry" (which slows and softens Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew," aka the backbone of A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation") and "Make the Most" (which owes most of its production to Michael Henderson and Jean Carn's "Valentine Love"). Even the productions that are synth-spiked or more hip-hop-oriented -- "Open," "Better Man" -- don't register as flagrant attempts to top the pop chart; yet, at the same time, they add a necessary dimension and another level of appeal to Gourdin's debut. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
Recent Comments
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6/18/2008 1:53 AM
I've been waiting for this album for 2 years now..ever since I saw him perform at Black Cat in DC when he opened for Goapele. Some might say I've been waiting alot longer than that. But let me be the first to say, don't sleep on Noel Gourdin's first release album. If you love timeless, soulful music this is the perscription you need to cure anything that ales you. He'll take you back to a time where music was pure and from the heart. He's going to recharge the R&B music scene by bringing music back to its roots. There's no denying that Noel sings from the heart. His lyrics are meaningful, his voice is soothing. My favorite part of Noel's music - where ever I am, he's with me. He's a true friend in person or in song. A true down to earth person with talent.
8/21/2008 6:54 PM
Been waiting for this cd to come out. The first time I heard Noel Gourdin was on the Steave Harvey Morning Show, on the radio in Nashville Tn. The song was THE RIVER, I said to my husband, I've got to get this cd. But to my suprise it was even out yet. I love his sound, I've just listened to the rest of the tracks and I like them all. I am going out and buy this CD. Noel's sound is the type of music that I enjoy listening to. Koodos to Noel Gourdin... Don't wait to long to make the next CD..