Customer Reviews

Time to Share

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

 

 

Toshi Kubota's new album is another phat example of soul with a lil' bitto jazz in the mix and a dash of hip-hop. I've always loved his work and one of my all time faves from Toshi would definitely be the Black Thought (Roots) produced jam, Masquerade. Its sublimely smooth with some of that sweet brown-sugar burning in the grooves...My fave on this album (Time 2 Share) would definitely be Living for today feat. Mos Def...Im lovin it and u should definitely cop this CD to funkify whatcha' got goin' on...
Peace & Soul..

Toshi Kubota's third album delivers more of the same -- solid, breezy loverman ballads -- and if you're a Toshi Kubota fan, that's a good thing. Toshi's style and vocal delivery hasn't changed much since his American debut about nine years ago. And the album delivers what's now expected of Kubota -- funky, finger-snapping, at times head nodding beats and keyboards, over which he delivers his breezy, almost thin vocals. Fans don't go to Kubota CDs expecting the deep baritones of a Jaheim, but rather, the higher, lighter tones as that of Babyface or Maxwell. And that may be where the only quibble lies with Kubota -- his voice is somewhat thin, but he makes up for his somewhat flat voice with style, light wails and coos. And you can tell he's trying. Apologies for making qualifications for his style, but as an R&B singer of Japanese descent, Kubota delivers the goods. No, he won't be threatening the hold that a Maxwell, Babyface or R. Kelly have on their fans, but for a man of Japanese descent recording R&B, he delivers solid CD after CD that easily rivals that of the singers on the middle tier of R&B. And if you want a nice, breezy walk of a CD, "Time to Share" is your bag. It may not pass heavy scrutiny, but its mellow, jazzy feel will have you tapping or humming along in short time. It's like a cool, nighttime ride on a Japanese subway along the electro lights of the Tokyo, or perhaps a cool walk in the blue of night on the jazzy side of town in your nightlife cities in Anycity, America. Think nightlife, club soul, and not deep, down, gritty R&B, and you'll be playing it repeatedly. And let your friends listen, as well, because it's "time to share" Kubota's name with them.

This CD is fabulous. Being African American I had my doubts when someone first told me about Toshi. I bought his CD "Sunshine Moonlight" and I was very impressed. This CD delivers the same soulful mix and a distinctive style that Toshi is known for. Don't pass up this great CD!

Got a tip from a friend (in Canada) who heard this album, showing her apparent appreciation, and I looked at her in contempt because all of the R&B singers that I know of are either African-American, or occasionally, White. So seeing this Japanese guy singing...I had my doubts.

I had to hear this album more than once, and found that I can step to it--a plus. Another one is that he's worked with Mos Def and Angie Stone. My fave tracks are: "Breaking Through", "Beating of My Heart"--almost this whole album! I also heard that he's got other albums out there. I can't wait to hear them!

Toshi is underestimated in the US. This hidden secret is an international delight I stumbled upon while visiting in Japan and Australia. His vocals remind me of a mixture of John Legend, Eric Benet, and Babyface. The beats nice and his vocals are smooth. I gave this CD 4 stars because 10 songs is not enough.

This guy was under-rated but he is worth given a chance... I have 'bout five songs that i like from this album and they make real mood soulful song....

Mokgabudi J

I had never heard of Toshi until he came up on my Pandora Station and thank goodness for that.

He has a refreshing, soulful R&B flavor with a few great duets. It's a must have!!!!!