Customer Reviews

Simplified

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

 

 

I found "Simplified" to be an excellent debut album. I like the diversity of the songs, one of those albums you can listen to over and over as it doesn't get boring. If you grew up in the 80's, you'll especially appreciate the touch of new wave that is thrown in. Decide for yourself if "Simplified" is soul, new wave, R&B or indie rock. A nice surprise if you purchase the album is that there are hidden songs on the CD, plus code words that let you hit Reggie's website and obtain more recordings. The ones on the website are as cool as the album tracks too. Also, an incredible live show...Reggie can dance, tell jokes, beat box, and of course sing...a true entertainer. I would recommend this album.

Wonderful writing, uncompromising yet radio friendly, tasty production, clean, embracing, subdued tension. But most of all, the voice...what a voice.

A powerful solo debut by a prolific performer, Simplified is another, totally simpatico, side of Maktub's Reggie Watts. Many would argue this is one of Seattle's emerging, many faceted, sounds. But most of all, what a voice.

Forget the comparisons, you'll read them elsewhere. Reggie owns his sound. No denying the influences, but it's all his own. In the not too distant future, critics will compare emerging voices to his.

Neo-soul, sophisticated pop, sit and relax dance, you decide. But if you're looking for the sweet spot between old-school and new school, get Simplified. What a voice.

If you have experienced Maktub, then hold on for another great ride. Vocalist Reggie Watts is what makes Maktub a great band. Fans like me have been waiting a long time for his solo debut, and he out performs on "Simplified"! He calls the style "new wave soul"...and it makes sense...you get his lovely Al Green/Curtis Mayfield soul voice. Almost no one in modern music has this classic, gorgeous sound anymore. Then the tracks are laced with a touch of 80's new wave. Believe it or not...IT WORKS! Not retro or cheesy in anyway. Beautiful songs, a cool hip/hop duet, some classic R&B, a couple songs reminded me of New Order/Depeche Mode/Level 42. Trippy guitars in "Your Name" sound like The Church. Those that appreciate diversity in a single album (like an old Beck album) will really dig this. My favorite CD in the last 3 years! Once the major labels discover this American gem, he'll be all over Rollingstone and MTV...but I found him first, so I dare to let the word out!!!

First heard this cat on a neo-soul compilation and was impressed enough to hunt down & import the album. Unfortunately, track one (same as the soul compilation track) was the only song on the album that could be labeled "neo-soul". The rest of Simplified is filled with the kind of bleaps & buzzes that says "I wanna be the next Loose Endz, but I'm not!" Even the vocals dissapoint after track one. Like I said, promising start... but that's all. If you're looking for truly great nu-soul, check out Eric Roberson, Dwele, Musiq, Rahsaan Patterson, Martin Luther, Anthony Hamilton, Glenn Lewis, or Geno Young. I'm telling you, push play on one of these artists... you'll feel something. Sorry, Reggie.

The lyrics are trite. The music has some moments, but is generally sterile even by electronic standards. This album seems like it was hacked out in a weekend. I'd stick with Reggie's Maktub albums ... much, much better.