The PUB Report

By Rodney K. Jackson

In 1988 Al B. Sure came out with the groundbreaking album, “In Effect Mode” which helped usher in the “New Jack” sound the dominated the late eighties and early nineties. But in 1994, after three albums and over 2 million albums sold worldwide, Al B. dropped off the music map. When it was announced in early 2009 that a new album was in the works, questions began to surface about the direction and target audience of his new material. Also, will he be able to survive in a drastically changed music industry environment of digital sales, auto-tune tinged vocals, and youth-driven radio play?

After receiving the promo copy of “Honey I’m Home”, a lot of my questions were answered. At first listen, it seems like a continuation of previous material from the nineties but AL B. Sure doesn’t try to be anything he’s not. He is more mature and his lyrics reflect that of “grown folks” music. The whole album is a easy listen from beginning to end but the cover of “Lady of My Life” seems a timely homage to the late Michael Jackson. This album straddles R&B, Jazz, and Pop much like his material from the past and his voice has gotten better with time. I definitely recommend this album for the ride or that laid back romantic evening.

Marketing

Hidden Beach has an excellent reputation of reaching across the generation aisle when it comes to marketing, but they must visually aim this album to a younger audience and show off Sure’s youthful side instead of his “grown man” persona featured on this album. After 15 years, he must introduce himself to a new female fanbase while maintaining his mature audience (thongs versus granny panties).

To preview this album go to: http://www.hiddenbeach.com/albsure/

Grade: B+

Track Listing for “Honey I’m Home

1. “Nite & Day (Interlude)” – 0:11
2. “I Love It! (Papi Aye, Aye, Aye)” – 4:44
3. “I’m Glad” – 4:33
4. “Top of Your Lungs!” – 3:57
5. “All I Wanna Do (…Is Make It Hot for You)” – 4:13
6. “Lady in My Life” – 5:10
7. “Dedicate My All” – 4:39
8. “By the Way” – 4:09
9. “Only You!” – 3:30
10. “Whatcha Got?” – 4:12
11. “Fragile” – 3:26
12. “4 Life!” – 4:42
13. “Never Stop Loving You” – 4:14

By Rodney K. Jackson

Whatever happen to the days of thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that took you through a journey of the past , present, and future? Artist like Minnie Ripperton, Sade, Seal, and Donnie Hathaway have created reflective songs that have lasted generations.

Marshall Titus’s new single, “Fallen Leaves”( from his “The Sound of Refuge” project”), brings the same type of memories to mind. “Fallen Leaves” looks back at life…the things that made us smile, the things that make us smile, and the sadness of losing it all. But Titus’ cyclical outlook on this process only makes it more profound and very few songs can convey this in a way as “Fallen Leaves”. The piano, string arrangement, and minimal percussion create a backdrop for his thoughtful lyrics. Coming from a theatrical background, Titus’ voice expresses every emotion as if it is happening at that very time.

Grade: A-

Editor’s Note: For those of you who haven’t heard of Marshall Titus, please check out his facebook page below. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that you have heard his voice either on TV, stage, or film.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Titus/90982301775