Amazon.com: If you're new to Raheem DeVaughn but have caught wind that he calls himself an R&B-hippie-neosoul-rock star, you've got a right to be skeptical. It's hard enough to hold down an advanced degree of R&B cred these days without ratcheting up the pressure by insisting on being a hippie and a rock star, too. And despite the best efforts of Jill Scott and Angie Stone, neo-soul seems to have sputtered out somewhere among the back rooms of Maxwell's '90s-era urban hang suite. But DeVaughn's sophomore disc will hang your skepticism by its ankles and make it squirm. The D.C. singer and contemporary of Erykah Badu and Common is a gifted guy who knows how to work a lyric and never met a melody he couldn't set swiftly into motion. The best evidence comes by way of the radio-ready "Woman," a sweet-natured thumper as relatable as a crooked smile, but it's backed by pop-scraping tracks including the Gnarls Barkley-like "Energy," featuring Outkast's Big Boi, and the daydreamy and fully irresistible "Butterflies." DeVaughan simultaneously sounds like every soul singer who has raised bumps on your arms and none of them at all, which is to say he's an artist no matter what banner he flies. His mission is to move you, not just fill the space around the speakers. And in song after song here, he makes it happen. --Tammy La Gorce
Love this Neo Soul artist! This CD is excellent. This artist is truly diverse and gifted in his interpretations. I look forward to additional work from RD.
3 1/2 stars Raheem DeVaughn - Love Behind the Melody (Jive, 2008)
This isn't Raheem DeVaughn's first album but even before that one (The Love Experience), he was busy in the music industry. Not only did he write for such artists as Heather Headley but he also appeared on both of DJ Jazzy Jeff's Magnificent compilations, sounding like a young Marvin Gaye while singing about societial struggles. Although the Newark, NJ native might never make an album like Gaye, he should please many R&B/soul lovers with Love Behind the Melody.
After the okay interlude re-introducing himself, the album starts off with a bang. "Woman" could be considered "You Pt. 2" as Raheem shows his appreciation for the fairer sex. It's no surprise that this tune was Grammy-nominated. The Scott Storch-produced "Love Drug" is another hot one and even Plantlife's Jack Splash (please check his group out) produces "Mo' Better" with great results. Elsewhere, Mark Batson gives him "Butterflies" as well as the energetic "Try Again". You also can't go wrong with guest appearances by Floetry and OutKast's Big Boi.
Still, there are moments that make this album less appealing than his previous work. Kwame lazily samples The Temptations' "My Girl" on "Friday (Shut the Club Down)" and even has Raheem replacing the words "My girl" with "Friday". Also, on "Customer", the restaurant metaphors can get corny (i.e., "I'm the catch of the day").
If you're new to Raheem DeVaughn, I would check out The Love Experience first. But this album is far from a sophomore slump. It's just that while there's love behind the melody, there could have been a little more stellar material behind it too. -EJR
Pure Talent I won't go into detail on every single on this album but I will tell you this - it is definitley worth buying. The lyrics...the voice...the music will leave you refreshed, revitalized and you will definitely get plenty of head-bobbing. Raheem's lyrics are those that we all can relate to. And my favorite - Woman. Maybe because I feel as if this is my anthem this year but this is a clear example of how everyone can relate to his lyrics no matter what ethnic or culture you may come from. And if you ever get an opportunity to see him LIVE...OMG...do it. He is awesome! Raheem is definately an entertainer and his voice is powerful. He even has a bit of a comedic flare. So if you are tired of listening to the norm that is on radio now - the cookie cutter music being forced down our throats, get his CD and listen to some REAL grown, sexy, yet thought provoking music.
Hands down album of the year This album was long over due. Icould'nt wait to buy it. I fell in love with Raheem back in 04 with the love Experience. From the day I bought that cd until now, the cd has never left my car. It's a cd that you can just put in and let it play. Now this Love behind the melody, I bought without hearing one track because I knew raheem was going to bring it.And I wasn't disappointed. I LOVE THIS CD. Oh my GOD........This is hands down the cd of the year. Raheem is like a breath of fresh air. it's because of Raheem I listen to the radio again. I get tired of all the hip hop and so called R&B songs about sexing you up and all that mess. Raheem sings about love and actually being in love. This cd is in my car as well. My favorite songs on this cd are the interlude Midnite, Marathon, Woman, Customer, Not you, Empty, Desire, Love Drug, hell just say the whole cd. It's a shame that Raheem isnt getting the recognition he so deserves. Its a shame that if you not singing or rapping about pimps and hoes, cash and bling you get no air play.........Raheem keep doing your thang sweetie and dont change!!!! Your #1 fan!!!!
Lovely sounds I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! He is da man and anyone who has heard any music from this artist before will not be disappointed with his latest album.
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
