While he is currently on his "The R&B You Love" tour, one of the brightest voices in modern R&B, Kenyon Dixon, found time to deliver his latest EP, "The R&B You Love: For the '99 and the 2000s."
Since emerging on the music scene in 2014, witnessing this artist's unparalleled success as a solo artist and a sought-after songwriter has been a real blessing. Dixon's "The R&B You Love" series has been met with great excitement, so it's no surprise that his latest edition delves into one of the most beloved periods.
In the early part of the year, Dixon released the lead single "Still," which evokes nostalgic Jodeci vibes as he laments over a lost love and realizes that she is the one. The subsequent single, "Far Away," delves into the theme of escapism and the desire to retreat from reality with a loved one. "Freaky," the enticing opening track, captures the essence of the late, great Static Major.
"Run It Back" stands out as one of the few up-tempo tracks on the project, and it's sure to ignite the stage when performed live with an energetic band. However, the project truly shines in its R&B ballads. "Good Love" embodies the essence of modern-day Babyface, and one can't help but imagine a remix featuring the man himself. Meanwhile, "Brand New" exudes a seductive, sensual charm without being overly crass. Additionally, Dixon collaborates with 90's R&B crooner RL of Next for "2000s R&B," embodying the era's vibe.
I still regret missing Dixon's tour when he stopped in Chocolate City last month, but conflicting work commitments meant attending a press screening instead, but this is the life of an entertainment journalist. Fortunately, this EP more than makes up for it.
Final Grade: B+
"The R&B You Love: For the '99 and the 2000s" is available on all streaming platforms.
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