Avant has to be R & B’s version of a cat, album after album, label after label finding ways to reinvent himself and continue his career. It’s safe to assume that he has 9 lives after releasing his seventh album, Face The Music on his 5th label. Music business politics aside, Avant has a slew of hits in his career, and regardless of his label, he has a strong fan base that supports him, if only for his knack for being consistent with his song quality. His latest offering, is no different as far as R & B quality is concerned.
Led by the single, “You & I,” a duet reuniting him with R & B songstress, Keke Wyatt, the album is packed tight with soulful melodies in line with much of what we’ve come to expect out of the 90’s scene of slow jams—in the same vein as R. Kelly and Joe. Avant garnered a lot of criticism early in his career for sounding a lot like the other two men, who started their careers earlier, but with time he proved he can stand on his own quite comfortably. “You & I” doesn’t quite match the passion of the duo’s original partnership, 2000’s “My First Love,” but not for a lack of effort, as the duo puts together a couple of stellar individual performances on the new track.
“80 in a 30” is a signature Avant record, always finding new metaphors with numbers to tease the ladies with. “More” is one of the album’s high points, extremely sexy yet simple at the same time. “Don’t Know How” may be this album’s defining song though, something Avant does well, helping to keep his past projects in heavy rotation—at least for this writer. “Don’t Know How” is the song that he croons unlike any other artist in the genre would be able to deliver, nor would listeners want them to after hearing Avants version.
The album’s one black eye appears to be, “Nobody’s Business,” which is seemingly out of place on an album of mostly ballads. It’s an uptempo track that throws off the chemistry of the rest of the project. Coming in right in the middle of things at track 6, it’s more disruptive than anything.
The majority of the production is handled by Kajun, except for three tracks which are produced by Tim & Bob. The Avant & Kajun tandem proves to be a fruitful one, providing Avant with another fan pleaser. Now maybe he can keep the same label home for a couple of albums.
Face The Music Avant Album receives a PAR
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
What are your thoughts on the Avant, Face The Music Album? Let us know in the comments below!
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