Search - Will Downing :: Classique

Will's romantic 'homage' to Old School Soul. For the hopeles

ST | New York City | 06/16/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The title may mislead his fans, since he sings and covers some classic songs, but the CD contains some good new, original stuff as well.

The Will Downing we all know has returned to where he started and where he belongs, giving audiences some very good music from his heart.

This is sultry soul, lounge style - an album from which characters in an early 1990s romantic comedy film could draw inspiration.

If you find this idea quite charming, then this album from the veteran American singer is for you.

It's suave, slightly cheesy and full, with more "I'm not your yesterday Baby, I'm your tomorrow" lyrics than you can shake a stick at.

It's hard to pick out any individual singles as they all fill a set format.

Will's lyrics aren't particularly on form, but this can be forgiven for those romantics out there.

He has gone back to his old school roots and brought back his signature sound and writing.

The album may remind you of a mix of Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass, a lukewarm Barry White and a diluted Marvin Gaye on a recording that's smooth, passionate and emotive, but probably too much so...

No hip hop/Nu Soul diversions are allowed here.

This soul/jazzy album will appeal to his fans, and maybe convert some others as well, and of course anyone who likes jazzy, smooth vocals.

On "Classique" Will confirms that when it comes to romantic soul he has few peers.

You may like his covers of "I'm Gonna Love You A Little More Baby" and "Baby You're For Real", which Marvin wrote for The Originals and on which Will here duets with ex-Montclairs' member Phil Perry, who oversings here, going a little over the top.

Will has mixed his own compositions, the jazz tinged soulful ballads or mid tempo songs like "More Time", "Just Think About It", "Love Suggestions", "Ride", "I Won't Stop", and "Let's Take It Now" with the covers to really get you in the mood and to fuse a deep and soulfully sensual rack of tunes but sometimes it's too much.

We need to come up for air before drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions and, at times, of a rather boring and repetitive undertone.

It is the more uptempo "Something Special" that will be popular with the modern soul dancers.

Having said this, there's no mistaking his inimitable styling. Will is definitely a master of his art, and his two decades of promoting the many sides of R&B on a commercial front have earned him a well-deserved place with the "old school" artists

A blend of old school soul and jazzy vibes, this is a good album from a great artist, now thankfully recovered from his illness.

My favourite tracks: "Something Special", "I'm Gonna Love You A Little More Baby", "Baby I'm For Real"."

Will's back...doing what he does best.

Justo Roteta | Los Angeles, California United States | 06/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's so good to have Will Downing give us such a great CD. His cover versions of The Originals' "Baby, I'm For Real" and Barry White's "I'm Gonna Love you just A Little Bit More, Babe" are beyond any reproach whatsoever and the original songs "I Won't Stop" and "Something Special" are pure butter. Hopefully, urban radio will give this CD much-deserved airplay as Will is most certainly one of today's best crooners and an artist who truly deserves greater exposure and recognition. This is romantic, heartfelt, emotional and soul-stirring music that will nourish your heart, soul and spirit. Enjoy!"

Classique - a CLASSIC!

Andre Heeger | Germany | 06/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the real thing, believe me.

You want classic soul, a voice that makes your baby's heart melt along with yours - get this. Classic soul has never been better.

I was never a big fan of Will Downing. Don't get me wrong, this guy sure knows his stuff and made some fine albums over the years. But somehow they never stuck with me as albums. A song here and there, yes, a beautiful voice, great covers and originals but never an album that I l.o.v.e.d.

This - this is perfection. Silky soul of the highest order.

Will Downing has found his place alongside the likes of Teddy Pendergrass, maybe even a touch of Barry White.

The first song Ride made me think of the O'Jays - which in itself is saying enough, smooth as ooooooh.

If you like mid-tempo sexy grooves: put down the lights, make some Love Suggestions, cook Something Special, invite your lady, tell her I'm Gonna Love Just A Little Bit More Baby and enjoy a trip to heaven with Classique"