Customer Reviews

Some Kinda

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There seems to be a little bit of overcrowding in the R&B realm lately. With all these artists and more coming on the scene, everybody is trying to fight for that consumer dollar that ultimately determines the longevity of their musical careers. Whether you are a long-time veteran or the newest discovery, the bottom line is album sales for the most part. Nobody wishes this was the case, but that's the harsh reality of living in a capitalist society. Whether it's movies, music, sitcoms, or novelists, there is a certain level of success that you must maintain to keep the higher-ups happy. Dwele must have mustered enough buzz and sales from his first major release Subject in 2003 that Virgin gave him another go with his latest album Some Kinda.
You'll find a perfect blend of soul, jazz, funk, and blues on Some Kinda, a change that probably comes with most follow-up albums by artists trying to find their sound. Dwele dives right into the melting pot of genres with the song "Holla," a cut that's smooth enough to be played in those ultra swank lounges that us 'Grown And Sexy' people like to frequent. "A Pimp's Dream" is rich in jazz, with horns resonating ever so eloquently and Dwele lacing some of his own bravado in the lyrics. "Know Your Name" and "Lay It Down" are probably two songs that most would say sound a lot like music from his Subject disc, but they're certified bangers regardless of what album they're on. "My Lova/Movement," "Weekend Love," and the title track "Some Kinda" are all good examples of standard Dwele songs.

The first single "I Think I Love You" is probably the only song that would somewhat fit with today's urban radio market, sounding a lot like something Musiq Soulchild would do. The melodic yet humorous "Flapjacks" and the heartfelt "Old Lovas" are both decent album tracks, but nothing you'd probably ever hear on the airwaves. Besides a few guest appearances by Slum Village on the mid-tempo groove "Keep On" and jazz musician Boney James on the intimate song "Wake The Baby," Dwele makes the rounds by himself on this album. Most artists would probably solicit the help of anyone and everyone for some kind of mainstream buzz to make sure their album is a commercial success. Dwele goes against the norm prevalently found in the music industry, basically relying on his words, his vision, and his talents. This is very admirable considering that a lot of artists don't have those qualities or just simply push them to the side when it comes to trying to climb the charts. Hopefully everyone will have Some Kinda love for Dwele and pick up yet another one of his exceptional ensembles.

2003's "Subject" was a neo-soul classic. Dwele's ability to sing smoothe R&B over hip-hop beats is unmatched in today's music. While the songwriting on "Some Kinda" is not as strong as his first major label cd, the production is just as strong if not stronger. Some of the grooviest tracks are "Holla" and "Lay it Down."

The song "Weekend" is in the same light as "Kick out of you" from the first record.

However, the best song on the cd is "Some Kinda.." the title track. If you know Dwele's life story you will get emotional. His father was murdered when he was 10 years old and this track is about how beautiful his legacy is. The mood is more optomistic and the instrumentation is GORGEOUS.

Please pick up this cd. Dwele is an underappreciated artist.

I didn't have the first album...but i heard this album on Vh1 soul channel and i had to get it...its great soulful and loving the lyrics
My favorites:
Pimp's Dream~Love the horns, beat...a sing along
Gotta know ur name~makes u want to move a little..nice lyrics
Be my lova~like the smooth sound
Weekend Love**~my favorite..sounds like a song u would slow dance to
I think I love you~radios will like this one..catchy
Lay it Down~like the melody...lyrics
Wake the baby~love the instruments...sounds like a jazz song
Old Lovas~really love the lyrics...melody
Some Kinda~ didn't understand the title until i listened to this one..
Get this album if u are into neo soul/ soul music u will apprecite this...something u will liten to for years to come

Right off the bat, I must say that listening to Dwele's new CD, "Some Kinda", feels precisely like listening to the classic Marvin Gaye album, "I Want You". Dwele sounds smooth and sexy like Marvin, strong but sensitive. Like fine wine. The music is jazzy soul with a chilled out hip-hop beat. If you're not in the mood for making love when you put this CD on, you will be over-ready by the time the 2nd track begins.

Dwele's new CD is just that intimate. Every track gives poignant insight into his soul. There's honesty and pure emotion that goes deeper than Maxwell. The lyrics reflect his appreciation for his woman, but again, the honesty is there: he also gets caught cheating in a comical -- but real -- interlude.

There are no "club bangers" here, and that's just fine by me. This CD is a refreshing change of pace. It's well-produced and the epitome of the sound of soul. And it's consistent; there's not one track here that bores me and makes me skip it.

"Know Your Name" is one of my favorites, reminding me of Maxwell's very funky tune "Welcome." This song gets inside my head: I want a man to say these things to me!!!

Also hot are "I Think I Love You" and the title track, "Some Kinda." And "Flapjacks" is another stand-out groovy cut, which hovers somewhere in that D'Angelo-to-Musiq category. Except Dwele's vocal styling is smoother, more sophisticated. Grown man's Soul, not Urban, if you get my drift. And dang, is "Wake the Baby" a sexy tune, with jazz man Boney James playing sax.

But all of the above is from from my female's perspective. Guys know this: "Some Kinda" is the CD you put on when you're trying to make that move, or if you've already fallen and don't have the right words. Believe me, Dwele will do all the talking you need. Powerful lyrics are Dwele's trademark, indeed, his "other" gift.

This is the sexiest CD since Marvin Gaye's classic "I Want You." Dwele creates a unique sense of intimacy with every track on this one. This is a 100% love-maker, folks.

Dwele, Dwele, Dwele. He is definitely an underrated artist. His music took my mind on a relaxing journey. Don't get me started on "Weekend Love." The words were taken from my memories of an old lova. This is a must have. I came across Dwele by accident while looking for something different. Best mistake ever. After listen to Some Kinda, I went and brought Subject.

All I can say is music in my world was missing something until I found Dwele. I absolutely love his music, love his songwriting skills, and he definitely is on his own path musically and that's what makes him who he is. That is what makes him great IMO. Another person who wrote a review wanted to know what can you call his music: You can call it SOUL because that's exactly what it is. His music is who he is and it definitely comes from his soul. I can listen to his music from track to track and that is something I can say is definitely rare today. I hope that Mr Dwele G doesnt change because what he has is something special, unique, and truly is a gift.
If you don't know who Dwele is take the time to find out because he is definitely worth it!!!

Dwele's 2nd release is pretty solid, ya'll. It kinda sounds like his 1st CD though and sometimes it's a good thing and sometimes it's not. In this case it's a mixed bag. He coolfully employs more jazz, so that's all good. A few gems are the humorous "Flap Jack", the meloodious "Some Kinda", the R. Kelly-on-smooth-esque "Wake The Baby", and the infectious single "I Think I Love U." Again, not an overpowering CD but a very easy-listening CD good for that Get-together where you invite those bourgie-ass friends of yours. (wink!)

The man is back! I am sooo in love with this cd. When I first got it, I was excited because I'd heard good things. I'm happy to say that the reports were not exaggerated. No sophomore slump here. Lyrics got tighter, vocals got smoother, beats got hotter, groove got funkier. The horns in particular stand out on tracks like Pimps Dream, Flap Jacks and Weekend Love, injecting the album with a dose of jazz. Even the intro and interludes are thoughtful. I read another review here where someone said they thought this album was too commercial. I have to disagree. Improvement and growth should never be misconstrued as commercialism. He stays true to his originality, however he polished it very nicely before presenting it this time around. Right on, soul brotha.

Best Tracks:

-Intro + Holla (Excellent opener)
-Know Your Name (Nice grown folks dance groove)
-My Lova (Word play pulls you into this song. This one got stuck on repeat)
-Weekend Love (This track has a "sit back, have a glass of wine and mellow out" vibe. Very smooth)
-Lay It Down (By far my favorite track on the album. Beautiful!)
-Some Kinda (Title track for good reason. Gives you a look into Dwele's past and explains his present.)

The other tracks are all wonderful too so just because I didn't list them doesn't take away from their appeal. If you were a fan before, this album should please you and then some. If you're a Dwele virgin and you're looking for some good neo-soul music, look no further.

If you enjoyed Dwele's last album and you don't get this one you are fooling yourself or you just went deaf. This album is one of those you can just pop in and play from beginning to end. I can't see how some of the other people who review this didn't like it. I bet after listening to it a few more times they'll want to rewrite their reviews. Personally I like "Old Lovas" the song speaks to you. This kid is Some Kinda writer too! If he were a rapper he would be an ill lyricist. You really have to listen to what he says in his songs, not only from this album, but from his last one as well. It makes you think that if you actually came up with some of the words yourself you could steal a womans heart. I'm no promoter and have never met Dwele or seen him in concert, but I'm telling whoever reads this to BUY THIS ALBUM!

I love the jazz influence, the horns are just great. I really like the whole vibe of this CD it is "grown and sexy" I am so glad he did not try to cross over and take his clothes off :-) I highly recommend it! It is unfortunate that he will get the attention he deserves!!!!