CD REVIEW: South Border "Episode III"
By Gian Fiero
source: musesmuse.com
Genre: R&B/AC
Sounds Like: South Border
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 10
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 10
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Sweet, Wish You Were Here, Better Man, Tha Show, Rainbow
Weakness: None!
CD Review: How do you follow-up a 5-song EP that wins 4 Muse's Muse Awards? With a "Platinum" edition of an LP that contains 15 songs and video footage; including the previous gems "Sweet," "Tha Show," the fan favorite, and most downloaded song in Asia, "Rainbow."
South Border's stellar musicianship is second only to their palpable passion that comes through in their music, which is reminiscent of the great song-driven R&B bands of the 70's such as Heatwave, The Gap Band, and The S.O.S. Band, but with a contemporary flare. Like many of those R&B icons, South Border has showmanship that translates well in their recordings and is an essential part of their branding.
Their most commercial track, the infectious, carribean flavored, "Wishing You Were Here," is a bonafide hit with cross over appeal that radio will embrace; especially in the aftermath of Robin Thicke's huge number one single, "Lost Without You," which has resonated with R&B/AC audiences.
The new songs on Episode III capture and represent what will more than likely become their staple and the key to their mainstream success: the love ballad. And why not? Armed with three of the best vocalists in the biz (Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos, and their resident keyboardist/songwriter/MD, Jay Durias), they are abundantly qualified. The Joe inspired, "Better Man," the retro, "Too Crazy," and "Wherever You Are" (the perfect complement to their smash "Rainbow"), and what can be used as the South Border wedding song, "Best That I Can," make the strongest artistic statements and aptly showcase the diversity of their individual and collective strengths.
Yes, South Border's timing is excellent and this latest Episode is one that music lovers AND the industry will want to tune into.
Advice: Persevere! Your breakthrough is approaching.
source: musesmuse.com
Genre: R&B/AC
Sounds Like: South Border
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 10
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 10
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Sweet, Wish You Were Here, Better Man, Tha Show, Rainbow
Weakness: None!
CD Review: How do you follow-up a 5-song EP that wins 4 Muse's Muse Awards? With a "Platinum" edition of an LP that contains 15 songs and video footage; including the previous gems "Sweet," "Tha Show," the fan favorite, and most downloaded song in Asia, "Rainbow."
South Border's stellar musicianship is second only to their palpable passion that comes through in their music, which is reminiscent of the great song-driven R&B bands of the 70's such as Heatwave, The Gap Band, and The S.O.S. Band, but with a contemporary flare. Like many of those R&B icons, South Border has showmanship that translates well in their recordings and is an essential part of their branding.
Their most commercial track, the infectious, carribean flavored, "Wishing You Were Here," is a bonafide hit with cross over appeal that radio will embrace; especially in the aftermath of Robin Thicke's huge number one single, "Lost Without You," which has resonated with R&B/AC audiences.
The new songs on Episode III capture and represent what will more than likely become their staple and the key to their mainstream success: the love ballad. And why not? Armed with three of the best vocalists in the biz (Vince Alaras, Duncan Ramos, and their resident keyboardist/songwriter/MD, Jay Durias), they are abundantly qualified. The Joe inspired, "Better Man," the retro, "Too Crazy," and "Wherever You Are" (the perfect complement to their smash "Rainbow"), and what can be used as the South Border wedding song, "Best That I Can," make the strongest artistic statements and aptly showcase the diversity of their individual and collective strengths.
Yes, South Border's timing is excellent and this latest Episode is one that music lovers AND the industry will want to tune into.
Advice: Persevere! Your breakthrough is approaching.
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