After My Time (Snyr)

Noel Gourdin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 22, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Epic
• ASIN: B001B0G5KC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,058 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. One Love

2. Better Man

3. The River

4. Open

5. Hurts Like Hell

6. Led You On

7. Reach

8. I Fell

9. P.Y.T.

10. Sorry

11. Summertime

12. Too Late

13. Make the Most

Editorial Reviews

Newcomer Noel Gourdin(Gor-Deen) is prepped to make a major impact on the music world with his powerful debut disc. Influenced by classic Soul as well as the contemporary sounds of R&B and Hip Hop, Noel's music is a seamless blend of each genre. His debut offering is a refreshing mix of timeless R&B with a modern, youthful feel. Armed with commanding, rich vocals and a solid collection of intimate, soulful songs, this budding new talent is positioned to make an indelible mark on music's landscape by bringing together listeners across all generations and genres.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Return of R&B!!!!, July 23, 2008

By 

E. Hildred (Clarksburg MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: After My Time (Snyr) (Audio CD)

Welcome back R&B! Thanks to Noel Gourdin....I had been waiting on this CD for a long time and trust me when I say it did not let me down. My favorites are "Sorry" "Summertime" "Reach" "Make The Most" and of course "The River". Don't hesitate, BUY THIS CD!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine Debut - 3.5 stars, July 28, 2008

By 

Michael Brent Faulkner, Jr. "Brent Faulkner" (Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: After My Time (Snyr) (Audio CD)

Noel Gourdin is a breath of fresh air to R&B. Sure, AFTER MY TIME hearkens the "glory" days of R&B (1970s), but it is fresh enough to be relevant in today's industry. The biggest flaw of AFTER MY TIME at times is the production and songwriting; sometimes this debut does feel a bit "cheap", which is understandable considering most debuts on major-labels don't utilize big name producers. Even with the "stalest" material, which is a nitpicky thing on my part anyways, Gourdin's refined tenor convinces you that he is a star.

"One Love" opens the album great, though it isn't as exciting as say Raheem DeVaughn's opening "Woman" from his LOVE BEHIND THE MELODY. While that comparison may not hold much weight in the overall scheme of things, "One Love" just falls slightly short of being exceptional. In other words, it is good, though not a "certified-classic", as Vibe magazine formerly coined in their CD reviews section. "Better Man" is more exciting with it's vintage sounding production work, straight out of the 1970s. "The River", the brilliant first single, is a five-star performance all around. The track would've been at home on a John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, or Jaheim album; I guess it was Noel Gourdin that was blessed with the phenomenal track. "Open" is certainly catchy and successfully fuses "neo" with "contemporary" to make for one of AFTER MY TIME's best selections.

"Hurts Like Hell" formerly was one of my least favorite from AFTER MY TIME, but after several listens, the jazz-influenced production and progression grew on me. It doesn't topple "Better Man", "The River", or "Open" as my favorites, but it is certainly strong. "Led You On" is good too, though it lacks the little spice to really shine brightly. The rock inflected production works throughout the refrain, though it is a bit surprising after the sprinkle of acoustic piano with bass accompaniment during the verse. Production aside, the song is one of the stronger on AFTER MY TIME. "Reach" is another enjoyable selection, while "I Fell" and "P.Y.T." are good, though not as good as the very best. "Sorry" and "Summertime" are both standouts, while "Too Late" and "Make The Most" end the album strong, if not with the vitality of "One Love", "Better Man", "The River" or "Open". "Make The Most" features sensational production work with an inherent retro-soul quality.

Through the flawed aspects of AFTER MY TIME, Gourdin sings on strongly. In fact, the flaws of Gourdin's debut have more to do with cheap production work or bland songwriting as opposed to Gourdin's vocal chops. Sure, there are times I would like Noel Gourdin to let loose more, but then again, Gourdin's refined vocal style is quite a desirable sound. And lets face it, not everyone has the raw vocal power of Anthony Hamilton, who is the master of neo-soul. But we are talking about Noel Gourdin. Gourdin's got it goin' on y'all. 3.5 stars.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars c.may, July 28, 2008

By 

C. May "musicologist" (l.a. calif) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: After My Time (Snyr) (Audio CD)

I too have been waiting for this cd to drop ever since I saw his live performance on Apollo. This guy is definately an "Old Soul" with a twist of refreshing youthfullness that the music business seems to want to avoid due to the success of rap. But, if your flavor for music is old school r&b with a touch of hip hop on the side then Noel Gourdin should be in your music library. Because he's certainly going to bring it. He has no gimmicks,he just plain sings!