Customer Reviews

After My Time (Snyr)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

Until about two months ago, I had absolutely no clue who Noel Gourdin was. It was then that I saw the video for his amazing first single, "The River," on VH1 Soul and knew I had to get this album. The album pretty much came out of nowhere (he needs more promotion), but I'm glad it did. "The River," a beautiful ode to a past love interest, remains my favorite song of the set, but Gourdin has many other great songs to offer on here. The opener, "One Love," is a strong, soulful, and melodic track. It should definitely be the next single, if there is one. "Open" is a catchy and entrancing mid-tempo. "Reach" was another favorite of mine. It's has a great melody and even better, a great message: stay with your true love through the thick and thin and look for a brighter day, especially when he's trying his best to please and provide for you. "Make the Most" encourages the listener to not be pety by holding grudges, and to cherish loved ones while they're still living. Near the second half of the album, there are a few less memorable songs. My least favorite was "Led You On," which was way too pop/rock for me. Overall, though, this album has a lot of great songs and it's an excellent start for Noel. I just sincerely hope he is given the opporunity to release a sophomore LP.

When I first heard the song "The River" I was reluctant because Steve Harvey was pushing it on his morning show back in the Summer of 2007. I got a cal from a friend of mine saying that he would be producing a song for Noel Gourdin's album. I was so still reluctant and kept my "Chopped and Skrewed" mind in the unsanitary world of rap and lost world of R&B. The album was released and I skipped past it at Best Buy. Then I heard the song "SORRY". MY GOSH!!!! It was like Musiq Soulchilds "MaryGoRound", you know the HIT that will never be released and your album favorite! Well this song sold me...the lyrical content was lost because I was stuck in the production of this song, then the bass line reminded me of "A Tribe Called Quests" hit back in '94. Then the background arrangement was as emotional as the lead vocal arrangement, so convincing. The vocals were tellig me that he was "Sorry" about something, which made me listen to the lyrics of this song.....SOLD!!!!! The falsetto at the end of the song. If you are a fan of "REAL MUSIC" then this the album to have! I just get stuck on one song because it's my favorite. Lisa Ellis and the staff did an excellent job with this album. Let it ride for a year like Jill Scott did...it may take some time but this isn't an album for the quick hit, #1 Smash song movement, 1 million records sold in a week deal...this is a record that can spread internationally in 18 months.

Mr. Gourdin has studied old school R&B and his love for the real deal shows on this fine debut CD. Besides the southern style soul of the "The River," Mr. Gourdin drops a one two punch from the first tracks on the CD, "One Love" (which is ole to Whodini's "One Love") and "Better Man." The CD really hits its stride towards the end with the Raphael Saadiq produced "P.Y.T," the beautiful plead for forgiveness "Sorry" (the song rides on another old school sample used by the Tribe Called Quest on "Electric Relaxation") and "Too Late." Don't sleep on this excellent CD.

this cd is ok but it seems like the whole thing sounds exactly the same. there are only about 2 good songs on here the rest all sounds like background music

What a great album...I'm really glad that I looked for, and found, it. The music is just GREAT!!! All of the musicaal selections are fantastic. Great Find For Me and My Family!!

Noel Gourdin is one of those artists whose name you may not know, but you know the song that they sing. In Noel's case it's his song "The River", a song that was heard by many. He released his debut album, "After My Time", a solid effort that I think today's R&B fan is really missing out on. To be honest, I almost passed this album up and ended up buying it about six months after its initial release. After I finally purchased it I was immediately blown away at how great it was. From beginning to end, Noel shows his versatility throughout the album. You can easily tell that Sam Cooke and Al Green has influenced him a great deal. He shines on songs like "Better Man", the breakup song "Hurts Like Hell", "Open" and the Raphael Saadiq produced "P.Y.T.". However, the album's shining moment is the song about infidelity "Sorry", in which he sings with remorse and regret. I wonder what Epic Records was thinking when they didn't release this song as a single. If you're wondering whether or not to buy this album, take it from me, don't think- just do it!

This is a great album--creative, interesting and artistic. I wish there was more of this on the radio. It's a nice sound, with musical creativity, and without offensive lyrics! Noel's voice is beautiful-- reminds me a little of Lionel Ritchie and Elliot Yamin, but with more of an R & B Soul. Please give us more!!!