Customer Reviews

Intimacy

5 star:		(132)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kem's "Intimacy: Album III" is filled with satisfying, soul-drenched warm-bath ballads that will please his fan base. The result is a winning fusion of of old-school R&B and contemporary jazz.

He uses his expressive, intimate voice with great intelligence. He is capable of eliciting drama where his contemporaries tend to overdo or undersell. His limitations as a producer and song writer are therefore minimized.

The ethereal, distant quality of his earlier material has given way to something more straightforward and sensual, making the album incidentally more palatable.

"When I'm Loving You" is a fine example with its lush, tropical atmosphere, complete with acoustic guitar tropical and ear-pleasing drum patter. Comparisons to Sade are inevitable. "Can You Feel It" and "Human Touch" continue the pattern, with Kem's voice riding the waves of his busy, seductive melodies.

These songs are built less upon radio-ready hooks and more on grooves, texture and the sincerity of Kem's delivery. That said, the cliched yet well-crafted lead single "Why Would You Stay?" has done well on the airwaves, hitting the top 20 of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. Its overtly romantic quality and distinctly 90s-sounding production reminds of Boyz II Men. "You're On My Mind" follows suit.

Jill Scott adds a shot of caffeine to the gospel-infused "Golden Days" with her inspired preaching, and Maurissa Rose complements Kem beautifully on the inspired "If It's Love," another R&B slow-burn and potential hit. The best track is "A Mother's Love" with its piano-driven, double-edged melody. It's as beautiful as its title.

Sessions for the album took place over a three-year span - this music was clearly and carefully labored over. There are other artists with similar voices and songwriting ability, but "Intimacy: Album III" shows Kem to be a dedicated, passionate musician deserving of his place on the shelf.

It is hard out there for the 'true' R&B singer. Kem is one of those classic R&B singers who doesn't aspire to conform to the contemporary R&B ala 2010. 2005's Album II clearly showed the singer as almost and anachronism as opposed to a current, relevant artist. Make your stabs at Kem "being out of touch", but one can hardly call two gold (almost platinum) albums as "out of touch." On the exceptional Intimacy, Kem's first effort in five years, he only tinkers with the formula, yet somehow, the subtlest changes make 'Intimacy' Kem's finest effort in my opinion. Vocally, Kem seems to have evolved. While still showcasing his restrained falsetto-laden vocals, he actually belts (not unhealthily for you classically trained vocalists) and that timbre of his voice is exceptional.

The album opens with the somewhat sleepy, but sensual and enjoyable "When I'm Loving You." "When I'm Loving You" sounds no different from any material from Kem's two previous albums, but that's not so bad in todays 'contemporary R&B' climate. Anything Kem does will stand out because he doesn't conform, which is positive. "Can You Feel It" may be lengthy pushing the 6:00 mark, but it is one of the albums clear stand outs. A solid old-school adult contemporary groove, full of soulful guitar and electric piano, makes this track more exciting and more effective than "When I'm Loving You." It is a nice change to find Kem pushing himself vocally and stylistically just the slightest bit here. My favorite part is when his vocals grow 'full in body', almost emulating the sensual message of "When I'm Loving You."

"Love Never Fails" is a lovely ballad, sounding as if it could have just as easily graced a Freddie Jackson or Johnny Gill album. Kem intelligently never adds any drums, which reminds me of what traditional R&B artists like John Legend ("Ordinary People" from Get Lifted) and Chrisette Michele ("Love Is You" from I Am) have been so successful. It does grow the slightest bit sleepy, but when Kem changes the tone of his voice towards the end, you feel that the climax of the song has been achieved very successfully. "Share My Life" proves to be another beautiful track, in line with Kem's "Intimacy" theme. As always, while Kem barely breaks a sweat vocally, he does just enough and the subtlety is much appreciated.

"Human Touch" plays on Kem's jazz-influenced R&B (much like Brian McKnight). While the production plays on the simple groove that is "in the pocket," the simplicity comes over as quite the minute songwriting and arranging on Kem's part. Again, "Human Touch" maybe one of the sleepier numbers, but I personally love it. The greatest line might just be "don't you want to spoon... in a garden of pillows." Kem ignites the flame with two straight five-star performances via "If It's Love" and "Why Would You Stay?." "If It's Love" is classic soul at its best. The production still clones the simplistic, stripped production work that has come to characterize Kem albums, however with just the slightest tweaks and cosmetic alterations from previous Kem albums, it sounds just that much better and more overt. Kem's duet partner just adds the icing on the cake, creating a grand chemistry between the two vocalists. Kem's first single, "Why Would You Stay?" is one of the best adult-contemporary songs I've heard since... hmm "I Can't Stop Loving You" from Kem's last album. Perfect in every way, "Why Would You Stay" is simply marvelous. Period.

"A Mother's Love," reduces the energy of "If It's Love" and "Why Would You Stay." Sure it is somewhat sleepy (though atmospheric and beautiful), but with the stripped production, the lyrics become that much more depth-filled and meaningful, so I must give kudos to Kem's judgement, tender vocal performance, and 'telling' songwriting. The piano performance isn't too shabby either... but maybe as a pianist that's my natural musicianship coming out. Smartly, Kem adds a groove to the mix which allows him to ad lib and stretch himself vocally. "You're On My Mind" smartly hikes up the tempo, adding Maxwell-ish horns to the mix and soulful guitar riffs that where notably absent from "A Mother's Love." "You're On My Mind" additionally does a good job of allowing Kem to stretch out vocally, more so than on previous albums. The Jill Scott feature "Golden Days" closes the brief set with a bang - it is unlike anything Kem has ever produced before. Vocally, Kem's style is perfected on this cut (great nuances), with clear jazz undertones, not unlike something that Bobby McFerrin might do. And let's not underwrite Jill Scott's spoken word guest spot ;).

Essentially, while 'Intimacy' doesn't reinvent anything, it is easily Kem's most polished and exciting album in my mind. The sensual factor is heightened here which helps to rid of Kem's 'wedding singer' image. Sure, you can still see him singing for the bride and groom, but this album helps to establish Kem's personality as a singer/songwriter just slightly more than either 'Kemistry' or 'Album II.' 4 stars; Highly recommended.

Target opened at 8AM, I got there at 8:30 and got the last copy.............need I say more.

Thank goodness Intimacy is here. Like many Kem fans, I've eagerly anticipated this release. I thoroughly appreciate Kem's comments and the use of the word "Album"(as Kem Gratiously Refers to it as). From the opening "Share My Love" to the closing "Golden Days which features Jill Scott" Kem has truly hit a home run with this Album. It has often been said that good things come to those who wait, well I've waited and now, I'm good. Intimacy is loaded with smooth, quiet storm grooves that keeps you feeling well. He continues to remind us of the great Al Jarreau for the right reasons. It continus to be extreemely important thaat we artists like Kem to continue to allow grown folks to hear grown folks music, but grown folks music that is safe for children to enjoy also. I can't wait for his return to Detroit so that my wife and I can enjoy his grooves from a front row seat.

I ORDERED KEM'S NEW CD, "INTIMACY", FROM AMAZON.COM LAST WEEK AND RECEIVED IT YESTERDAY (24 AUG 10). THIS CD IS JUST LIKE THE LAST ONE THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME AS A GIFT (IT WAS KEM'S ALBUM II).........FABULOUS!!!! I'M A 59 YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO CAN SAY I'VE BEEN AN AVID MUSIC LOVER AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER AND IT IS SO VERY REFRESHING TO LISTEN TO A YOUNG MAN WHOSE STILL SINGING "ADULT-SOUNDING" SONGS THAT ACTUALLY HAVE MEANING TO THEM. WE ALL KNOW SONG #7, "WHY WOULD YOU STAY", IS EXCELLENT, BUT #4, "SHARE MY LIFE", IS A GREAT ONE ALSO. ACTUALLY, THE ENTIRE CD IS TOPS! KEM REMINDS ME SO MUCH OF AL JAREAU BUT WITH A LITTLE BIT MORE SEXINESS AND SWAGGER IN HIS VOICE. I HAVE YET TO HEAR A SONG HE SINGS THAT I DON'T CARE FOR. I'M GOING TO SEE HIM AT THE AMPHITHEATRE TOMORROW EVENING IN ST. CHARLES, MO AND I'M EXTREMELY EXCITED (I FEEL LIKE I'M 21 YEARS OLD AGAIN.......ha!). ALL I CAN SAY IS: "THANKS, KEM.......YOU'RE AWESOME!"

Soul singer Kem's third album "Intimacy: Album III" opens with the lilting Stevie Wonder-esque ballad "When I'm loving you" which sets the tone for much of the CDs 10 tracks; breezy Jazzy songs with superb instrumentation.

"Love never fails" is a splendid falsetto-sung piano ballad, while "Share my life" is guitar-festooned. "Human touch" is a midtempo groove as is the quivering duet with Maurissa Rose "If it's love" which calls to mind Al Green.

"A mother's love" is an almost hymnal piano ode to mothers showcasing his sonorous tenor vocals, with full instrumentation in the final minute and a half. "You're on my mind" is Marvin Gaye-style while closing "Golden days" is Jazzy with slightly askew beats and a fluid poetic recital by Jill Scott urging one on despite obstacles in life. "You can do it" she stresses.

The pace never rises above midtempo (nothing like "I get lifted" From "Album II" for example). This album is a warm and intimate experience.

I named my review after arguable my favorite song on the cd, but in reality there are no favorites this is vintage Kem it doesn't get any better than this. This cd is so great i just had to put my 2 cents in Peace and Love to all, i hope this was helpful to u.

Did you really even have to question whether this musical genious would deliver for the third time!!! I'd decsribe this latest piece as smooth jazz meets soulfull R&B... But you already knew that. It's evident Kem is a perfectionist and you will thank him for that.

Its feel good music. I absolutely love this cd. It will be in heavy rotation for a long time. Just in time for the fall season..

I don't really have a favorite. I love every song on this cd.... Go Get It!!!

Trust me: I love music...I buy a LOT of music...and I listen to music ALL the time. So for those reasons alone, I don't like to waste my money or time.So, I read a lot of the reviews and I listen to the mini clips of the album before I buy it. But, this is my first time writing a review of an album. Intimacy made me stop, get online and WRITE a review on an album that touches the soul, heart and mind. This album is a welcoming sound of sweet, smooth melodies thats needed in the music world. If you are having a bad day, if you need to relax from a world of chaos and confusion, and if you need a change from the same ole tunes and sounds on the radio; you need to purchase this album. Thank you Kem...its hard to believe that you can top this.....

I've been a KEM fan since first hearing When Love Calls back in 2003. The track was a must for the grown & sexy slow jam mix albums. On his thrid album, Kem continues to show he's one of the best R&B singers in the game right now. Unlike R.Kelly, Dru Hill & Keith Sweat, Kem doesn't try to cater to the mainstream by using a voice box, instead like Usher, he lets his voice shine through out. From the lead single Why Would You Stay to the ballads Love Never Fails & Share My Life this is grown man R&B at it's finest.