2nd July, 2010

JUSTIN MICHAEL

Album: Newworldson

Artist:  Newworldson

Year: 2010
Label: Inpop

In A Word: Drive

They’re crazy-good live, they’re soulful, funky, poppy, dancy, and altogether a lot like a walk along the boulevard on dusk with your favourite gal or guy as the case may be. I’ve decided this is the best driving album you could buy right now.

From the opening riff from You Set The Rhythm, you’ll be hooked. This self-titled sophomore release stands out as one that, even though it’s a studio record, really captures the sense of fun and vibe these guys have become famous for with their live shows.

There’s the soulful funk of Listen To The Lord with it’s rasta-infused verses, the Gospel-surfey vibe In Your Arms (yep, I just called something Gospel-surfey), the Wham-inspired clap along Do You Believe In Love and more. It’s just got everything you want in your tunes.  Great message, great vibe, soulful lead vox and genuinely incredible musicianship.

If you dug that song that said "it starts in my toes and it wrinkles my nose" then it’s worth doing a melody comparison to the radio single There Is A Way.  I don’t think it even bothers me that the melody reminds me of another song, I’m just glad these songs are all on the same disc.

Check out the Tower of Power/ Lenny Kravitz-vibe on That’s Exactly How I Like It that is followed by the Harry Connick circa Star Turtle laid back groove of Rocky Road.

It’s just all good. Get it, hire a convertable, book a sunny day, pick a windy coastal road, turn it up and drive. Make sure you’re stop by the beach and turn up the Jamaican Praise Medley just to get the locals dancing - or try it at church, you never know, the conservative back row might even dance to this one. Done and done.