Arista
2003
Comin' From Where I'm From
About This Album
After two albums recorded in the mid-'90s went unreleased and 1999's XTC was largely overlooked, former D'Angelo backup singer Anthony Hamilton's fourth bid for solo success, Comin' From Where I'm From feels more like a hard-won debut. Featuring savvy R&B production from the likes of Cedric Solomon and James Poyser of the Soulquarians, Comin' is a solid mix of organic period keyboards, guitars, and horns and cutting-edge "beats" and synthesizers. While some traditionalists may balk at the hip-hop-friendly sounds, it serves Hamilton well. Not only does it position him squarely at the forefront of the neo-soul movement, but it also allows him the aesthetic freedom to comment on a wide breadth of social and personal issues that harken back to the glory days of '70s soul without ever feeling dated. Listen to how the choir screams against Hamilton's throaty plea on "I'm a Mess," and it's hard not to think of early-'80s Prince, another artist who balanced a classic soul style with forward-thinking production. However, it is Hamilton's soft, earthy vocal style reminiscent of Bill Withers and gritty, personal lyrics evoking his youth growing up in Charlotte, NC that really carry the album.
Track List (try tracks 2,4 and 6)

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