East Carolinian

Issue date: 6/13/07 Section: Features

The sultry sounds of Brian McKnight can be heard once more in his new album, Ten. The 47-year-old artist again delivers soulful lyrics combined with a buttery smooth voice, to release an album that can compete with his younger cohorts, such as Ne-Yo and Chris Brown.

Released on Dec. 5, 2006, Ten offers listeners a taste of the life of McKnight, who has been delivering hits since 1991.

The CD begins with a love song entitled "Used to Be My Girl." McKnight mixes hip-hop and R&B to deliver a ballad filled with bitterness about the loss of his girlfriend, which seems to be the theme of over half of the 15-track album.

The next song, "Comfortable," lends the listener to easy, free-flowing lyrics about an almost sexual encounter. This track sounds similar to Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable," but with McKnight's unique twist.

McKnight also draws inspiration from musical legend Marvin Gaye. "Find Myself in You," rivals Gaye's "Sexual Healing." However, McKnight's smooth voice and soulful lyrics make this song truly one of a kind.

Following these tracks is a barrage of break-up R&B ballads, that can make anyone want to groove, including "What's My Name," Unhappy Without You," "A Little Too Late," "Holdin' On" and "Shoulda Been Lovin' You."

For the albums final tracks McKnight takes a turn from the hurt, break-up themed tracks and delivers some touching love songs.

"More and More," starts this sequence of sweet songs, proclaiming, "I'll be loving you more and more."

Then, McKnight gives listeners a more hip-hop inspired track, "Can't Leave You Alone," with a rap section that is sure to get fans dancing.

More touching love songs follow, including "I Do" and "The Rest of My Life."

By the end of the album, McKnight delivers a totally different type of song, "Red, White, and Blue." The track is a duo between McKnight and Rascal Flatts, and has that country twang that only Flatts can provide.

The tear-jerking track, which talks about the military men and women at war, proclaims "Baby, tomorrow I'm gonna have to fight, I fight for what's right and I fight for what is true, mostly I'm fightin' to get back to you." This song is sure to touch any American, especially the families of military personnel overseas.

Ten concludes with a Christian-inspired hit, "Don't Take Your Love Away." Overall, Ten is an amazing album. McKnight mixes heartbreak with hope to give fans a taste of the artist's abilities to cover a broad spectrum of ideas.

Listeners will likely agree that McKnight has not lost his touch in this easy listening, soulful album.



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools