Customer Reviews

Javier

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Javier's self-titled debut CD is a smoothly executed and immaculately produced old-school R&B gem that is obviously influenced by Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway with a little Brian McKnight thrown in. Although I really love this release and it has received very positive reviews here, I am writing mine to further support Javier as I just read a couple reviews from well known reviewers that not only slammed Javier for sounding like Brian McKnight lite, but also took the opportunity to slam Brian McKnight. Cheap shot on both counts.

In my opinion, this is one of 2003s very best releases from a confident new talent who is following his muse and not jumping on the much too crowded neo-soul bandwagon or relying on hip-hop and collaborations with rappers to sell CDs. Keep in mind that I have no issue with any of the aforementioned genres, but cant a young black man be allowed (and even commended) for sticking to his guns as he is the real thing not the creation of some producer. Some critics may not know that Javier not only did his time in a jam R & B band, is also a multi-instrument virtuoso, and served as co-writer on all the songs on his album, a rarity in the world of contemporary R&B.

What about the record you ask? Some of you may have heard the first single title Crazy, which in my mind is also one of 2003s best. Its got a Stevie Wonder vibe, a chorus from heaven, and some hooks that make it. "Song For Your Tears" is one of my favorites combining wah-wah guitars and classical piano with Philly soul orchestration and some Stevie Ray Vaughn blues to produce a lush masterpiece. Here Javier sounds like a seasoned pro. Hey Little Sister has a contagious Roots-crafter percussion which makes the song move and seasons Javiers infectious falsetto and song runs. Although Biggest Mistake has a boy-band ballad feel to it, its still a great song that makes it an instant classic.

Authentic Latin flourish spices tracks like "Can't Have My Heart" and "She Spoke To Me," are peppered with Latin influences, which is not surprising as Javier's father owned a Spanish-language radio station and Latin music was a constant presence in Javier's family household growing up. The former sounds a little too much like Brian McKnights Back At One, but its still great. The latter is pure Javier which to me sounds a little like a contemporary Stevie. Not a parody or an imitation, just the voice and song selection is definitively more Stevie than Nas or 50 Cent. I love the guitar work and the sexy images that the song evokes. Think of a midnight dance under a full moon in a tropical island and youll get an idea of how great She Spoke To Me is and why its another of my favorites. In Your Hands showcases Javiers voice and songwriting strength. Shell Never Know also hits the spot with his pleading beat and sense of romantic loss.

The most magical song on the CD is saved for last. October Sky takes an entirely new direction with a jazzy late night feel that has Javier sounding like a troubadour from the 1930s (with a detour at Stevie Wonders house) who somehow wound up in a modern day bar. I hope that this song is a window of things to come. Dont turn off your CD after the song ends as it picks up again in an organic feel that could also be the basis for what lies ahead for Javier.

All in all this is an outstanding debut that is solidly based on old school R&B, but spiced by jazz, rock, funk, and Latin grooves. There are only a couple of songs (Beautiful U R, Slow Motion) that are not as strong as the rest and sound a little too much like other crooners who specialize in mid-tempo songs. Even those songs are head and shoulders above the rest of what passes for R & B these days. While at first listen I can see why some may see Javiers debut as a poor mans Brian McKight, if you really listen to the music, there is no doubt that Javier is his own man and easily earns the 4 stars that I am giving it. It would have been 5 stars if the aforementioned mid tempo songs had been replaced by songs in the vein of "October Sky"

You go to the biggest celebrities, their songs rule the radio, #1 hits flying around, A-list producers doing their work for them, and you think it'll at least amount to a decent record. But it doesn't, and the best little suprises are right under your nose. Javier had a meek, low key hit with "Crazy". I really enjoyed it and decided to buy the album. I didn't expect much, but I want to support an artist like Javier. One listen hooked me in real quick.

While most R&B males have smooth voices, most of them have a certain quirk to them, an unpleasent quirk. Javier's as smooth as a whistle. His ballads are smooth, "Beautiful U R" and "October Sky" are sensual. And "Song For Your Tears" is a meloncaly little ditty.

Aware that his softness might get him shoved into overmilked neosoul area, he had sophisicated midtempos driven by his stylings. He plays guardian in "Hey Little Sister", my favorite track and one that can be destined for radio success.

Javier has things going for him, oh how sweet it is

I guess I'll start with a couple of burning questions. First, why is he not on every radio station all the time, yet, J. Lo can manage to top the charts? Second, what is wrong with Capitol records? Hello? Why are you sleepin' on this brother while we're all wide awake asking ourselves, "Where is the next single"? Why is this brother not getting promoted HEAVILY? With his amazing talent, he should be everywhere all the time! The brother has a voice that will make you melt and wonder what took him so long to get noticed! He not only has a smooth, sexy voice, but a range that can bring tears to your eyes and shame to some of these other cats out here fakin' it. AND he's a musician, he plays guitar and piano on the cd, which you will play over and over and over, I promise you. AND he writes, what doesn't he do? He cut a CD FULL of good music from beginning to end. He just doesn't miss on a single track. And if that ain't enough for you, the brotha has the nerve to be so fine that even if you were "Crazy" enough not to like his music (guess this is where the J. Lo fans come in) you should buy the cd just to peep the pictures inside! "Beautiful U R" Javier Colon, no doubt. Can ya say YUM!

So thank you Javier for bringing real R&B back for the next generation and for those of us in the 25 - 30 age group who are old enough to remember the good old days (think Marvin, Teddy, Curtis, etc.). And thank you even more for not just having a beautiful face and a phenomenal voice but for adding amazing musical talent to the package. All you up and coming R&B singers out there (you too girls), but this CD and take notes...lots of them.

To the record label, read my words: WE WANT MORE - NOW!!!

Javier is a new artist that is being slept on right now. His first single might sound a lil typical but trust me when I say it does nto represent the whole album. On this he has hip-hop, R+B, Jazz, Old school, Neo soul and a lil Salsa/Hip-hop to make a good mix. He really shows how versatile he is on this with the mix of songs on the cd. Now to the cd...whats good?

*Crazy
*Beautiful you are
*Hey Little sister
*Slow motion
*Cant have my heart
*She spoke to me
*In your hands
*October Sky

Overall these songs right here are the cream of the crop but you have to check this out. Im sure most who havent heard of him will be suprised at the quality of the cd. Strong singing mixed with good songs always makes for good music in my book

Get it!

Every once in a while, I get lucky when I purchase a CD based on one listen of one song. I stumbled across Javier on BET TV one night. "Crazy" got me into the store. This album is fabulous. One of the best in recent years. Period.

I can't imagine this guy will remain unknown forever, he's too talented. However, as with virtually every genre of the arts, the most talented people always seem to get overlooked. Painters, musicians, writers... you name it... most people tend to like the catchy insipid J-Lo [stuff], lousy simplistic writing with tons of factual errors like "the DaVinci Code", or.. young painters like Alexandra Nikita . I attribute this pervasive general lack of discerning taste to undereducated lazy ignorance.

Luckily, we have unknowns striving to create real art. A few of my recent lucky musical finds include Javier, Josh Rouse (1972), and The Fire Theft.

Keep raising the bar guys, there are a few of us who truly appreciate your talents.

I heard Javier's song Crazy once and rushed out to buy the CD. If you love soul and r&b this is definitely an album for you. Javier's smooth tone and beautiful melodies combine magically in each song. The more I heard it, I started to identify that Javier's voice and talent was similar to that of a young Stevie Wonder.
Excellent CD for a Debut!

I've read the reviews and they speak a lot of truth on this man. He really is overlooked. I believe that a true artist is someone that can express themselves through their lyrics. Sadly we have a pretty low standard for good music these days. Seems like you can just throw a phat beat on a track and the artist can say whatever they want and get away with making millions. It's pretty rare to see real instrumental talent, vocal talent and raw emotion like Javier's. I think he is his own man...he shouldn't be compared to others. We need true artists like him and Alicia Keys to represent our generation.

This cd is a so good. I hope that it doesn't get overlooked due to its poor marketing. From beginning to end, the cd has good songs. It has a lot of beautiful, soft, and slow love ballads, which makes it easy to listen to. The cd also has a few mid tempo songs that will have you singing along and feeling the best and lyribs of the song. My favorites are Crazy, Slow Motion, Biggest Mistake, If I never get to Heaven, In your Hands, and She'll Never Know. I am not even sure if I would categorize Javiers' music as neosoul. I would probably just call it good soul music. Its music that takes you to another place. This cd is a must get for those real R&B/Soul music lovers that are tired of the stuff that is played on the radio nowadays and who are ready to listen to some good, soft, slow, and romantic music that touches the soul.

I consider myself an avid fan of music, particularly R&B and hip hop. Though I often read the reviews, I have NEVER written one myself; NEVER even felt inclined to, until now, of course.
This album is a absolute masterpiece. In a day and age where a hit album is comprised of one or two "hits" and the rest a combination of interludes, random collabo's and album filler, this album stands out. I bought this CD almost 2 years ago, and I am annoyed that there is not one CD that I have purchased since that comes close to the quality of Javier's debut. The instrumentation, vocals, production, range...all off the charts. Black/Urban Contemporary Radio should be ashamed of itself. The fact that I have heard only one song ("Crazy") on the radio in semi-regular rotation from this CD in 2 years is a travesty. I can't keep it out of my CD changer. Favorites: "She'll Never Know", "Beautiful U R", "Slow Motion" "October Sky." Its a leave-it-on-don't-skip-a-song CD. My only hope is that he finds his way to a record company that will market and promote his talents like he deserves. And contrary to other reviews, try not to even think of Brian McKnight when listening to Javier. Just listen. You won't be disappointed. Javier, keep doing your thing and hurry up with the follow up LP.

This was the best CD of the year for me. I love every single. When I saw the video for Krazy, I knew I had to buy the CD. Unlike the other R&B artists of today, Javier first CD took a flavor of old-school R&B, smooth jazz and little Latin influence. I have had several friends (of different races) listen to this CD and they instantly became hooked and love it as much as me! I feel sad for him that his record label (Captiol Records) didn't promote and treat him as very talented young new artist with. I am sure if the had been the case, he would have been up for several Grammy's as Alicia Keys.