Customer Reviews

Presents: The Vault, Vol. 1.5

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Last summer, a record store owner recommended this album to me, but with Omar and Van Hunt in constant rotation, I slept. Besides, I hadn't heard too much buzz about Eric Roberson. But, after hearing "Past Paradise" and reading so many rave reviews here on Amazon, I made the purchase and it's all I've been playing ever since. While the production is organic and soulful, the real treasures of the album are Roberson's lyrics and unique voice. Evident in the subject matter of the album's songs, Roberson has his own vibe and it would be unjust to compare him to anyone else in the industry. Heed my advice as well as that of other Amazon reviewers and purchase the album!

My favorites:

Couldn't Hear Me
Past Paradise
She Ought To Know
Obstacles
Find The Way
I Have A Song

Soul man Eric Roberson serves up another flawless set of modern soul songs on this CD from 2004. There are 12 tacks, if you include the bonus, largely written by Roberson and co-written by a host of others too many to mention. Production is by people like Redhead Kingpin, Andre Harris & Vidal Davis, Osunlade and Roberson himself, again, just to name a few, and the set provides exactly what I look for when I buy a CD: good music, good production, deep lyrics and the odd emotional ballad. Roberson doesn't stray very far from matters of the heart in terms of subject matter but this is definitely for the more mature audience (and I'm talking maturity in terms of taste, not age). It could be a lot worse and all you need to do these days to confirm that is turn on the radio or watch music television. Anyway, vocally, the man is one of my favourites at the moment so I forgive him the slight lack of breadth.

This is one of those albums that entertains me from start to finish but personal highlights include the album opener "Couldn't Hear Me", "Lil' Money", "Def Ears" (a lovely ballad), "She Ought To Know" featuring Marsha from Floetry (another brilliant slow-groover), the smoothed out mid-tempo "Find The Way" and the acoustic guitar-driven kicker album closer, "Change For Me". The bonus track, "I Have A Song", is a contemplative ballad that reminds me of Anthony Hamilton, with a nice instrumental outro. It's also definitely up there.

Roberson remains one of my unsung heroes of modern soul and I remain a huge fan. I recommend him unreservedly.

Also recommended: Esoteric (2001) and Left (2007).

A friend came to my house and loaded this onto my computer....they know my taste in music an hit the nail on the head with this one. I personally feel that black music is at risk of losing its soul, but Eric is restoring my faith in the possibilities. For people who value vocal ability and lyrical quality they will love this album. I have favorite songs but cannot think of one that I do not like. Many artists that are known for ballads, make the mistake of trying to add faster more upbeat songs that usually die the similar death of every fast Boyz II Men song, but "Wait for Me" is a jam in the tradition of club songs that had us in rayon club shirts and patent leather shoes (don't act like you didnt own them too!). So, yes lets get out and support this man...you won't be disappointed.

Followed my gut on this one. Based on the reviews here and elsewhere, I decided to give this one a chance and I must say...I'm glad I did.

From track 1 to Track 12. He reminds me of some of those that came before him. Smooth, soulful, clear, concise, on-point, hip, subtle and cool! Many of the songs and melodies remind me of a late night in a smoke-filled lounge and the brother's up on stage doing his thing! Everybody's bobbing their heads' and snappin' their fingers to the music..and wondering..dang where'd this Cat come from!

Track 1: Couldn't Hear Me: Talks of meeting, greeting, gaining and losing love because of his dedication to his music...Nice hip tune! His words: She couldn't hear me over the music, she didn't hear me over the music, she never really knew my song..but the show must go on, unfortunately.

I love track 2, sassy and catchy: Right Back to Me: With lines like: Back in the day, I would have just ran, but now here I stand, I'm making these plans...and...So baby, won't you lay back, my lady, won't you relax, I got you, take care of that, your front to your back, your sides and all that..Phew! He sings all this to a hypnotic, sassy, head-bobbing beat! I dare you not to feel it!

Track 3: Please Don't Leave Me: He's pleading and begging and it sound oh so good!

Track 4, Lil Money. Brother man brings it! Sounds like he graduated from the school of Curtis Mayfield talking about the game, the hustle and slangin' and bangin'.. check his lyrics: Grew up without a father, at least one that wouldn't bother, another day, another dollar, so tired of being poor..and..lines like: One night he makes a drop, something's strange it makes him stop, it seems somebody popped his lock, stole all his cash and all his rock, to stay alive he's gotta get it, doesn't know who could have did it, only his boys know where he hid it....to many of us dying..too many mother's crying! That's sho nuff old school stuff there!

I could sit here and lay out the whole CD for you but you are not going to truly appreciate it until you pick it up and listen to his grooves and more importantly his lyrics. His lyrics are absolutely awesome! They have depth and meaning. It ain't just bout the beat...though..he does lay that down too! The entire CD is off the hook! Other stellar songs:"Deaf Ears" and "Pasttime Paradise," oh and Find the Way..which in my opinion is the smoothest, richest cut on the whole darn CD...! I dare you not to hit the repeat button on that groove.

Standing ovation for Mr. Roberson for not compromising! Pick up Esoteric Movement by him too...you won't be sorry.

This CD is a must buy for anyone who misses Authentic Soul and R & B music. There is NOT one single filler on this disc. Solid throughout! Almost flawless.

Track One: Hot mid-tempo track about love quickly established and gone awry equally as quick.

Track Two: Nostalgic sound. Put me in mind of Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name."

Track Three: Deep message. Not often you hear a dude pleading for a sistah not to leave him. And after hearing and seeing Eric, how could she?

Track Four: Tight syncopated beat with good story line. Words kinda remind me of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

Track Five: Smooth sound with silky background vocals.

Track Six: My Favorite cut. I think of cruising around on a rainy night with that special someone and this song in the background. I'm guaranteed to get lucky.

Track Seven: This cut feautures Marsha from Floetry. Enuff said!

Track Eight: Is this Music Soulchild? Sure does sound like a song of his. Love it!

Track Nine: Second favorite cut. Love the percussion section here. Mmm...mmm...mmm. What a delight.

Track Ten: Nice rare uptempo cut for Eric. Would like to hear Miguel Migs do a remix.

Track Eleven: Nice acoustic guitar. Sounds like a live cut performed on the street corner.

Track Twelve: I hear this song on a movie soundtrack.

Wow! Great album and thoughtful lyrics! This is neosoul at its best. I sure hope that Eric Roberson gets more airplay in the future. The tracks on this album are very creative and I would describe them as a fusion of soul with an acid jazz feel to it.

Note: All you people that are stuck on mainstream radio bullsh*t are going to miss out on real music! Become more critical and sophisticated listeners of music!

this is the 3rd album released by eric roberson. i would describe him as a more thorough musiq. almost all of the songs on this release have a good vibe. he has a perfection to his sound that most r&b artists these days lack. i highly recommend this album. and in case you are wondering, "I have a song" is the track from the end of the movie Prison Song that many people have been trying to find.

I've owned this CD for a couple of years and have been meaning to write a glowing review of it for ages. Eric Roberson's voice is a true joy to hear and the way he writes his lyrics sends chills up my spine. There is a honesty in his music that travels across boundaries to a place where your true feelings reside. My favorite song is "Past Paradise" in which he opens with the words, "I lay here at night trying to shake the taste of marathon kisses." Words are truly powerful things and Eric is truly a master of them. Men can appreciate him because he speaks of things men don't talk about and women will enjoy him because, well...just listen and you'll see.

Eric's music caught my attention in my search for something new and refreshing. So, after my purchase of The soul lounge volume 1 and listening to track 2, I was inspired to research more. So, I purchased this CD. I love every song on this master piece. I have been trying to put people down with this CD as much as I can. He makes you want to fall in love. His words are clever and stimulating. His voice is soft, sexy, and silky. I feel like I am writing a love novel but it is nothing but the truth. I'd give it 10 stars it I could. This is the type of CD you would play on a warm summer day. Makes you wanna close your eyes and exhale (AHHHHHH).

I was in Ameoba in LA with a freind looking for Anthony Hamilton when a guy who worked there said you have to listen to this and handed us Eric. He said his favorite singer was Anthony until he started listening to this guy and he's had it in his CD player since. An unbeleivable CD, incredible songwriting and storytelling skills, well worth the buy, and an important artist to support. Peace and enjoy.