Esoteric

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Review: ‘The genesis of a modern soul genius — Eric Roberson’s first album, finally back in print, and filled with a wonderful assortment of early work! Eric kind of set this one up as an introduction to his wide range of talents — including notes in the booklet about each tune and the story of it’s development — and, in keeping with his strong sense of good spirits, also giving credit to other artists, producers, and friends who helped him find his sound. The sound is quite similar to work on Eric’s seminal Vault albums — mellow, but never slick or smooth — and in a warmly personal style that’s made Roberson one of the greatest underground soul artists working today! Titles include ‘Genesis’, ‘4U’, ‘Runaway’, ‘Morning After’, ‘Crazy’, ‘Rain On My Parade’, ‘Woman’, ‘New Born Child’, ‘She Went Away’, and ‘Funny Feelings.’….Dusty Groove America.

Review

The genesis of a modern soul genius — Eric Roberson’s first album, finally back in print, and filled with a wonderful assortment of early work! Eric kind of set this one up as an introduction to his wide range of talents — including notes in the booklet about each tune and the story of its development — and, in keeping with his strong sense of good spirits, also giving credit to other artists, producers, and friends who helped him find his sound. The sound is quite similar to work on Eric’s seminal Vault albums — mellow, but never slick or smooth — and in a warmly personal style that’s made Roberson one of the greatest underground soul artists working today! Titles include Genesis, 4U, Runaway, Morning After, Crazy, Rain On My Parade, Woman, New Born Child, She Went Away, and Funny Feelings. –Dusty Groove America

Flawless, August 31, 2006 This is a solid set of very competent soul songs, full stop. I hate comparing artistes to others but if you like Anthony Hamilton or Donell Jones, I think you will like this dude. (There’s a third person he reminds me of but I can’t quite put my finger on who it is). Anyway, it’s all here: beautiful slow jams, interesting mid-tempos and even one or two potential club bangers. Crazy… for example, features a rapper called John Baptist and I fear the only reason why this song didn’t make more of an impact on the charts or on MTV is because he isn’t one of those high profile rappers. A reflection of where we are in music today and a pity really, because the song is no less entertaining for it. Eric not only sings, he ‘recorded and mixed’ all the songs here as well. It doesn’t give details on the inner sleeve notes but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he played all the instruments on the songs as well. A genuine talent. –Olukayode Balogun, (Leeds, England)

The word esoteric means intended for or understood by only a selected few. I said that to say that everyone is not going to enjoy this album because everyone doesn’t understand or know what good music is. This is amazing music. I was fortunate enough to see Eric Roberson (or Erro, as his true fans call him) in concert. I had front row seats so I saw, up close and personal, how wonderful and talented he is. That was the first time I had heard a great deal of his songs and from then on, I knew I had to support him. Everything about his music is just that, music. The instrumental arrangements are nice, the lyrics are very good, and he executes his music well. This album has its share of mid-tempos and up-tempos, but the overwhelming majority of this LP is ballads. I was pleased because I’m a ballad fanatic. His ballads are so sweet and sincere, the ladies are truly in for a treat. My absolute favorite song on this album is track number two, 4U. The entire arrangement of this song is incredible. The beat is infectious and so is the melody. Too, the lyrics are very nice. Those who ended up in a relationship with someone who used to be a good friend should listen to Morning After. Eric apparently has been down that road and a beautiful song was produced in the aftermath. This album has lots of guitar and piano, but the best songs usually do. What is Love Made Of? and Maybe are both nice numbers. Ironically, the beat of What is Love Made Of? sounds a little like Mary J. Blige’s song called Don’t Go. The hook on What is Love Made Of is very memorable. I have spent mostly my entire review praising this album. I suggest that anyone who is a lover of R&B and/or neo soul purchase this album for its consistency, sincerity and creativity. 5 SHINING STARS! Mikeisha’s Top 5 1. 4U 2. Morning After 3. Runaway 4. Maybe 5. Woman –Mikeisha Best, Miss Mikeisha