Another Dwele 'Some Kinda...' review by the one and only Gotbeatzzz's. __________________________________________________________________

Dwele - 'Some Kinda...' (Virgin Records)

“Dwele, Dwele, Dwele has done it again!” The Detroit singer/songwriter delivers another solid soul performance with ‘Some Kinda…’. Dwele’s first commercial release, ‘Subject”, showcased a rare talent that is deserving of the many accolades it garnered and his October release, “Some Kinda…” continues the goodness. While it could be argued that it is very close to the formula of his previous 2 CD’s could that be so bad? Dwele simply is not a “like him or leave him” artist, he is much more of a “like him or like him more” artist. The sonic palate being produced by the likes of Mike City, J. Dilla, G-1 and Dwele himself on 9 tracks, definitely builds on what ‘Subject’ started – smooth soul-dipped ballads that complement Dwele’s breathy vocals and bouncy soul-jazz numbers just hype enough to get you ready for the dance floor.

If one were to ask Dwele how he would describe his album in under 10 words, he would probably say something like, “I do what I do”. And what Dwele does best is produce hot mid-tempo joints and slow burners telling tales of love and life. The title track, “Some Kinda”, weaves a tale of growing up without father. Misfortune struck at the age of ten, when Dwele's father was fatally shot outside their home. So, as artists do, he channeled emotions arising from this terrible situation through his music and transformed them into sonic success. Keeping the lessons from his father his messages in his heart and expressing them in his music no doubt was a healing to him as you can hear confidence and strength in his lyrics and delivery. The production on this track is outstanding… vibrant horns, his ubiquitous clap-snare and those Marvin-esque oooh’s and coos all equaling Dwele perfection.

“Flapjacks” ain’t “flapjacks” anymore after the Detroit’s finest works the track with that title his way. Although admiring the object of his affections, how shall we say... ‘flapjacks’, Dwele still recognizes that there is more to love than a sexy booty. “I gotta want you. You gotta want me. We gotta want the best of love… I gotta need you. You gotta need me. We gotta want the best of love.”, croons The Master. That term “flapjacks” sorta reminds you of that secret code Toni, Tony, Tone` used to sing in (‘Slow Wine’ anyone?).

Not to be left out, the lovers in the house have 2 white-hot baby making tracks with “Wake the Baby” and “Weekend Love”. As if his ‘melt the panties’ voice isn’t enough, he enlists Boney James to sax things up on “Wake the Baby” and the track, “Weekend Love” soulfully reminisces about hooking up with for the weekend with that love that got away. Prediction… there are gonna be plenty of summer babies in the wake of this CD.

Simply put, don’t sleep! This CD is Some Kinda wonderful!


Reviewed by Giant Step contributor Jeff Green (Gotbeatzzz)
November 2005
View Gotbeatzzz‘s profile: www.giantstep.net