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Curtis Harding "Explore" from If Words Were Flowers



     I decided to get a look at what new music will be coming out this Friday and to get a head start on writing.  I do take my time listening and breaking down an album to review, but I also do not have access to promo copies or advance copies of the album to review before the release date.  I wanted to get an idea of what each album sounds like, and most of the releases were not piquing my interest until I listened to Curtis Harding.  His third album, If Words Were Flowers is set to come out tomorrow, so I decided to listen to the single "Explore" which has five songs that are already available on Spotify.

    It is a raw neo-soul that experiments with many different sounds. "Explore" is a groovy song with a consistent funky beat and a very sexy vibe with tinges of psychedelia.    "Can't Hide It" has an intro drum tempo that reminds me of Curtis Mayfield's Superfly, and the chorus is an interpolation of "Can't Help Myself" by the Four Tops.  The song is original in its own right but if you are a listener of soul and oldies radio, you can see what songs inspire Curtis Harding.  "With You" is a slow song that features acoustic guitar for rhythm, xylophone to give the song melodies, among a melancholy love song that longs for connection while expressing admiration and a sense of belonging.  " I Won't Let You Down" has that "Crystal Blue Persuasion" beat in the intro and turns into a groovy-friendly song that builds into a full chorus featuring backup vocals harmonizing, strings, and the piano melody accentuating the relationship's progression through the song. There is an organic romance to his lyrics and there is nothing sexier than a man you can depend on, is there for you, and sings about it.  "Hopeful" starts off with a Gospel choir level intro, this song is more of a rap flow, but still soulful.  It is poetic and while there is a bit of reverb to his vocals there is no autotune to be heard, the song has the potential to be a classic--the ending alone is epic  I hope that you check out the full album when it comes out tomorrow!



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