Over the last couple of years, I have wondered about the state of R&B music. Actually that is incorrect, because R&B is really nowhere to be found.
Why is this? Well, R&B radio has pretty much vanished, as there are only a few markets that actually carry the format. Many of the R&B station around the US are old school stations anyway.
It is difficult for artists to get their music out to the masses. This is one of the reasons I started this site….to showcase the smooth jazz and smooth R&B that I believe will be relevant to the people who follow this.
Cordon Chambers’ new album, Surrender is R&B to the core. Slow and mid-tempo grooves, with sweeping vocals is a refreshing diversion to a lot of the music that is out today.
Gordon is not a newbie…he has written songs for other artists. You actually know several of them. I Apologize by Anita Baker. Mo More Rain by Angie Stone. Brandy, Tamia, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight singing Missing You. And these are just a few.
Chambers has also recorded three solo albums, so he is definitely a veteran in the industry.
Here are some of the highlights of Surrender:
The album starts out with The Diamond Inside. This is a great track to kick off the album. It has a nice, mid-tempo groove and it has an uplifting message. Do not worry about all of the “noise” out there. Just find the diamond inside. This is a message that all of us can use every now and then.
It Might Be You is a love song, where you think that this person is the one that you have been waiting for. You may have just found “the one,” but you are not quite sure. Chambers sets the tone here as he sings about other couples, “wondering how they met and what makes it last.” He just wants a little time to make sure that you are the one that he has been waiting for. I think we all have been there.
If the track, It Might Be You is the beginning of that relationship, in I’ll Never Forget, we fast forward years into the relationship. “You’re the best decision I ever made.” That line pretty much sums it up.
The first single off of the album is I Made It. The track features Eric Roberson and Steff Reed. This mid-tempo track talks about the overall struggle and overcoming those personal challenges. The three singers showcase their strong vocals, especially the ad-libs at the end.
Back To love is a song that features one of my favorite singers, Ms. Lalah Hathaway. This is a track where a couple has drifted apart due to a misunderstanding. It is an upbeat declaration. We need to get Back To Love….how it used to be.
Love & Help Somebody features Ayana George, and for me, this is a perfect song to close a show. I picture a church choir coming out toward the end of the song and completely taking this to another level. This is one of those “big” songs.
Chambers offers a tribute to Whitney Houston with My Way. As you listen to the song, you can imagine Whitney singing a version of this song. It is right in her lane…..BUT Chambers totally nails the performance.
Overall, Surrender is a solid effort from the singer/songwriter. If you are looking for some strong songwriting with superb vocal performances, this is an album you will want to experience.