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This CD began life in a very interesting way… a few months
before the full CD was released, samplers were sent out to all
corners of the globe with a very simple message: Rip me, burn
me, and pass me on. Rob Reynolds was approaching the pre-promotion
of his record Sightseeing with a little bit of long distance
viral marketing, urging people who heard the tracks to copy them
and share them with their friends and family and strangers alike.
Whether his marketing campaign paid off or not, Sightseeing
is a collection of highly likeable AAA soul tracks filled with
heart, groove and sentimentality.
The album starts off with "Sweet Mother", a track that
could have easily fit on the slower side of a Seal record.
There are crisp drums and the kind of keyboards rhythm parts that
draw heavy influence from Stevie Wonder's halcyon days.
"Heaven Knows" is a highly melodic downbeat tune that
calls out for understanding and empathy, all the while with an
understated immediacy in the groove that elevates the track above
90% of modern pop music. "Change My World" relies upon
thick string arrangements and a vocal line reminiscent of an even
more soulful Bill Withers to carry across its message.
The music is broken down to its essentials on "Loving Arms",
leaving only the barest of instruments backing the starkly beautiful
and emotive vocals of Reynolds on this tender song. Popping it
up about 5 notches on "Bring Me Water", Reynolds almost
reaches the blissful pure pop of songmakers like William Topley
or Seal.
All things told, Rob Reynolds has crafted an album filled with
songs that are not only heavy on messages of love and hope, but
on melodic and beautiful melodies. And while you may not hear
songs from Sightseeing on your Top 40 radio station yet,
it is only a matter of time before this amazingly talented writer
and performer finds his way into homes across America… whether
by viral means or by Clear Channel realizing what they could hold
in their hands. Don't be put off by my mention of AAA radio, lovers
of fine music should all take a few minutes to find a track and
give it a listen. There will be no disappointment.
-L. Keane
Track Listing:
1. Sweet Mother
2. Heaven Knows
3. Sherry Man
4. Change My World
5. Loving Arms
6. Bring Me Water
7. Dream Song
8. Upon The River
9. Pressure
10. Don't You Ever Dream
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Rob
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