Customer Reviews

Van Hunt

5 star:		(121)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Every couple of weeks I "cruise" the music scene in search of new and different music that isn't bombarding the public on the radio yet. As you can imagine, allot of garbage, but it's gems like this artist that make those hunts (no pun intended) worthwhile.

I found Van Hunt through Dwele (another really talented new neo..whatev. RnB/Funk/Soul artist) and on first listen was compelled by his insanely beautiful voice and unconventional sound.

I could catch some flack for this comparison, but he sounds to me like a blend of Ben Harper, D'Angelo, and Lenny Kravitz. It's funny, I think of it as "modern", but when you listen, it's mostly instrumental with little electronic production to it; guess it's just the unorthodox way the tracks and instruments are combined.

My favorite tracks by far are:

"Dust"....an upbeat funky expose of his vocal talent. very catchy and drenched with a "self-effacing but damn I'm still cool" attitude.

"Highlights"...this makes me think of someone who's name I won't mention. but a love, well, more like "smitten song" about infatuation with "the girl that wants Hollywood Attention". Fast paced, fun, funky.

"Seconds of Pleasure"...BB King meets Kravitz meets Prince. insane. molasses slow, this track had me wanting for white linen, a frosty mojito and sun porch... oh, and someone else.

"Down Here In Hell"...My favorite song on the album. Another Van Hunt style love song; a tribute to the fire of those "break up to make up relationships"...

I gave this CD to my sister (a serious music lover). She called me the next day and was like "oh my god, this CD is insane! blah, blah, yap. yap), and I was like "word".

Then she gave to my 52 year old mom who was at his concert last weekend.

Whoa.

Hope this was a helpful endorsement. I highly recommend.

I've had a prerelease copy of Van Hunt's debut since October 2003 and have been waiting for Capitol to put it on its release schedule so I could sing Mr. Hunt's praises. Well, Van Hunt is finally out, and if you have even a passing interest in neo-soul or a general admiration for the big guns in R&B (Al Green, Marvin Gaye, etc.), get yourself a copy pronto. The difference between Hunt and recent forebears D'Angelo and Maxwell is that Hunt's a better songwriter. Much as I admire his contemporaries, they rarely write a track that embeds itself in memory verse chorus verse. They get by on superior pipes and vibe or, in Maxwell's case, covering a better writer (his cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" is sublime). Maxwell's the better singer; D'Angelo the sexier playa, but Hunt's got chops and broader interests. He can slow burn ("Seconds of Pleasure"), funk it up ("Hello, Goodbye"), sing the blues ("Down Here in Hell (With You)"), add shades of silky jazz ("Who Will Love Me in Winter"), and orchestrate a ballad ("What Can I Say") like the lovechild of Gershwin and Rufus Wainwright.

If you like good music, (and I do stress the word good) please check out the self titled CD by a new artist named Van Hunt.
Unfortunately this brother won't be taking home 5 Grammys, because he isn't shaking his @ss or talking about anyone who is.
I can't explain it, but his music refreshed me in so many ways. His CD isn't vulgar, waisting lyrics on humpin, bumpin and bling-bling, it's just good music.
So if you enjoy artists like Angie Stone, Remy Shand, Anthony Hamilton, India Arie (not just the song Brown Skin), and Me'Shell NdegeOcello, I think you will find Van Hunt enjoyable.
P.S. If you're not up on Remy Shand, please check him out, his 2nd album will be released this summer; and his 1st effort was the bomb.
P.S.S. MeShell NdegeOcello has a new album in stores now titled Comfort Woman, It's good also.

Like many of today's very best R&B's up and coming acts, Van Hunt has been cornered into the "neo-soul" label as it seems to make it easier for the A&R guys to market acts that don't quite fit the R&B model of the moment. Acts like D'Angelo, Rahsaan Patterson, Olu, Maxwell, Donnie, Dwele seem to get the short end of the stick as their respect for their musical heroes (be it Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Bill Whithers, just to name a few) does not mean that their music lacks originality or individual vision. Not to knock down other acts but I don't hear people being as hard on Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Brandy, or acts that may have great/good voices, but are generally accompanied by the most of generic musical accompaniments that are in vogue in a certain period and lyrics that they generally had nothing to do with creating. These acts usually sell many more records than a Van Hunt, but those who like Beyonce may just find that this record may be even catchier than the fast food that they are used to. Also, it should be noted that Van Hunt writes, arranges, produces, and obviously sings his material. The point here is that what he sings has his stamp all over it and unlike many (even more experienced acts) his production is tight and not self-indulgent. That is not to say that all great acts have to write their own music, as many including acts ranging all the way back from Aretha Franklin to Joss Stone (2003's "it" girl) make it clear that there is certainly a place for great interpreters of music.

If I had to put a label on Van Hunt it would be old school soul meets contemporary R&B, which could describe many of the acts that I described above, but all "neo-soul" is not made by equally talented people. For example I am not a huge fan of Thicke, while I think that Raphael Saadiq is the most talented act of the "grouping." Van Hunt's strength lies in he was obviously weaned on the masters, but does not mimic them, and simply uses them as a point of departure. Also, if you listen closely to the lyrics, you may be surprised at what he is saying versus what the music is saying.

So what do I think about this CD in particular? In a word: SUBLIME. The CD kicks off with the infectious "Dust". Next comes the bluesy and seductive "Seconds of Pleasure" which has a Stevie Ray Vaughn meets Marvin Gaye vibe that works like magic. "Hello, Goodbye" is an expressive plea that seems very much influenced by Tony! Toni! Tone!, a band that was never as successful as they should have been. The retro flute on "Down Here On Hell With You" reminds me of the song "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)" by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., but Van Hunt's lyrics and other musical artillery takes the song to an entirely new place. "What Can I Say" has a riff that sounds like Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" and Van Hunt's voice takes a great turn and seems influenced by Terence Trent D'Arby. The result sounds like one of the best lullabies EVER. By now you may be thinking that I am contradicting myself by being able to play the "name the influence" game, but my goal here is to try to describe what I hear so that you can make up your mind before taking the risk of spending hard-earned money. Many reviews just say that they like or hate something, without being explicit so I really appreciate when people take the time to try articulate why they felt how they felt about anything. In fact some of my greatest discoveries have come from other great Amazoners who take the time to share the wealth. THANKS TO ALL!!!!!

The rest of the CD is just as good and shows Van Hunt's versatility. It took me two full listenings to realize what a gem this release is. The first time around it did little for me, yet the second time it miraculously grabbed my being and still won't let go. Although it's only May, this release will certainly be high on my list of 2004 very best releases. 5 well-earned stars. Don't fall asleep on this release as I promise you that if you are a fan of great male soul singers and are tired of some of what passes as musical arrangements these days, this release gives much hope that there may be a place for great acts who are not a producer's construct or the latest "find" in televised talent competitions that serve as the greatest marketing tool this side of hypnosis. Enjoy and pass the word.

There is much I can say about this man's music. Two years ago a friend invited me to see Van Hunt perform at some bar/club in Baltimore, I didn't not know what I was in store for He and his band put 200% into their performances that night. Van Hunt sang the entire album and he performed so well, he was humble yet confident. His skill of performance mirrors Prince to me simply because Prince gives you an excellent performance and so did Van Hunt. Something special took place that night, because if you didn't know who he was coming in, you were his #1 fan before leaving. I've been waiting for Van Hunt to come and perform in the Washington, Dc area again, he's a must see. I know people read these reviews because they want insight on the actual music on the particular CD. Well from track 1 to track 12 you will not be disappointed at all. When you hear his music you can relate or at least understand the stories. He's singing some great stories on this CD and on his latest CD. Van Hunt should have won some BET, MTV and many other awards. He is a pioneer with his music and his whole style. Just from his first CD, everyone should know his name and face, but they don't. If I could I would treat everyone to this CD because I know you will be blessed. When I want to relax and reflect on things I pop in a mix CD I made with all the songs from Van Hunt's first CD, about 2 Anthony Hamilton songs, 1 India Aerie, and 2 John Legend, lay back, kick my feet up and listen to some music that soothes my soul. The only people I can imagine not liking this CD are people who are kind of shallow and can't appreciate music that's deep and meaningful

I don't know where to begin in praising this record.....the superlatives of this effort are so many that I could run out of space simply listing them. I'll stick to the impressions.

This is an album that grows stronger after repeated listenings. You notice something new almost each and every time, which is one of the hallmarks of a truly timeless and classic record. Hunt is one of the few R&B songsmiths obviously influenced by Sly & the Family Stone and Prince to actually transcend these influences (pay attention Lenny Kravitz) in some important respects. The compositions are first rate, and Hunt's execution of them in the studio can be summed up in one phrase: attention to detail. Hunt never lets tricks get in the way of the messages he's trying to convey, and he knows when to leave his fingers off of the knobs on the soundboard, as much a production skill as the obvious musicianship he already posesses in spades.

This is a lyrically advanced and sure record as well. "Down Here in Hell With You" is more than a hit, it's a truthful observation about relationships.

Five stars.

Neosoul perpetrators better step aside - Van Hunt has dropped the best neosoul album of 2004. The brother has the lyrics, the production, guitar-playing skills, not to mention his voice that oozes in out of falsetto into too heart-wrenching pain. I absolutely love this cd. Some people might try to compare him to D'Angelo or Bilal, but the reality is he is problem something in between Sly Stone and Curtis Mayfield. The production on here his tight, he avoids corny lyrics, and he successfully mixes old school sounds with new school beats. He might not get that much ready play, but real neosoul heads would do themselves a disservice to pass this one up, along with Amel Larrieux's "Bravebird."

I got this CD and hour ago, and it's already one of my favorites. I am absolutely floored. I didn't think the CD would be that good. There isn't a song that I don't like (that does not happen often). The songs are arranged perfectly, the voice is strong, the lyrics are often thought provoking, and the music is wonderful. An absolutely amazing CD, especially for a debut. Please do not sleep on this young man. He's extremely talented and I'm ALREADY looking forward to hearing more from him. If you're a fan of Neo Soul, Funk, or R&B, you will LOVE this album.

Imagine pre-afro/booty permed Lenny Kravitz, Curtis Mayfield and Ben Harper moving within one body, as one voice. If you can, then you can get with Van Hunt. In an age where most artists once dubbed "neo-soul" would pull off their blazers and vintage hats and beat you senseless for calling them that, Van Hunt's debut invites the term in a whole new light. Van Hunt dabbles so deeply into the aural seventies retro scene, he flirts with it being taken as a novelty. What saves him is, quite honestly, talent and a sense of focus that alternative rocker Cody Chestnutt could have used.

The intelligence of Van Hunt's lyrics will catch you immediately. Such lyricism shines best on "Down Here In Hell (With You)", where he opines that the madness of the fussing and fighting is a balm to a mundane existence. Ah, a man who understands a woman's need to complain! He presents his case with enough wit and introspection that even other men may be tempted to believe him:

"What would I do if we were perfect?
Where would I go for disappointment?
Love without pain
Would leave me wondering why I stay"

Like Kravitz, Van Hunt goes beyond typical R&B sensibilities, but without you feeling that he's abandoning that part of his instincts altogether as "Dust" can attest. It challenges brothers and sisters from the jump with its metaphorical lyrics that have nothing to do with street life or hood versions of love gone amuck. "Dust"'s upbeat mood rivals the California sun. "Hold My Hand" is more mellow but just as unapologetically quirky. P.M. Dawn would have been somewhere in Van Hunt's stratosphere with these songs, if they learned how to play instruments by now.

"What Can I Say (For Millicent)" moves beautifully in a more somber vein. Here, his songwriting is proven to have a range of melancholy that is unique and beyond classification. You almost crave a cold, rainy overcast day, blanket, green tea and a window with the piano's opening chords. Nostalgia comes from the strings like that thick Indian incense you get from the flea market.

The bass in Van Hunt's outing could have been turned up a notch though. "Anything (To Get Your Attention)" is a solid candidate in this regard; the groove is tight enough to want to push your ride slow to. Be it bass guitar or keyboard, turning it up would have definitely amped the funk to the next level, but then that too may be Van Hunt's insisting on not playing too much to the standard format of today's urban radio. On another song that also seems to make you want to play with the levels on your EQ, "Hello, Goodbye", Van Hunt makes up for it when he channels Curtis Mayfield's phrasings and sound to the point that it's downright eerie.

"Highlights" has an oily-pimp groove and feels like the soundtrack to an ambitious woman getting dressed to go out on the town when someone from the past's name coming up on the caller ID. The lyrics here again are stunning:

"Did I mean anything to you
did I just play the fool
In my heart, guess I always knew
I'll never be more than one among a few"

You best believe he is vying for Maxwell's crown as Mr. Thoughtful. "Her December" feels like a formidable Stevie Wonder arrangement during his "Hotter than July" phase and gives you taste of Caribbean rhythms and showcases Van Hunt at his smoothest. To further compliment this is the flute-sprinkled, Hammond-organ accompanied "Out Of The Sky." This one is nocturnal by nature, best spent while driving through the city at night or with edgy, laid back friends and a martini.

Van Hunt is one of the most self-effacing artists on the scene, but understand that there is an undeniable confidence here (and rightfully so). His ironic, thoughtful lyrics make him stand out like a black Billy Joel. His musicianship is unquestionable and he obviously strives in his craft like a D'Angelo or Alicia Keyes. He knows he's unusual enough to be beneath your radar and smart enough to take it as a compliment.

There's no way he can not know he'll be getting his props soon enough. Mainly because he's just so unique as opposed to being ahead of his time, for, as Edgard Varese, father of electronic music once said, it is not that an artist is ahead of his time, but it's just that the rest of us are usually so far behind theirs. Makes sense; Van Hunt's CD came out in June. It took me up until September to be up on it and this long to articulate it.

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I find myself stuck in the commercial mainstream music section whenever I venture into a music store. However, it wasn't Van Hunt's music that made me drift into the "Neo-soul" section, it was his adorable features on the cover of the CD that made me think, "Give this guy a try." I placed the headphones on my ear and "tried" to listen to the first track "Dust". Tried meaning 15 seconds then skipping to the next track. "Seconds of Pleasure" took me to a place I rarely get to go when listening to music this genuine. His voice just soothe and calmed my nerves. It wasn't until a friend of mine tap me on the shoulder to release me from the stupor. This CD, this debut CD from an artist who sadly we won't hear on the radio is amazing. He does remind me of Marvin, Prince, Lenny etc. But comparing him to other artists doesn't do him any justice. Other tracks such as "Highlights, Down Here in Hell With You (This song pratically describes what I look for in a relationship) Hold My Hand (My favorite!) Out of the Sky, and among others. Lyrics beautifully written, production is not over the top. I bought this album three months ago and I'm still hooked on it.
Don't sleep on this playa. Cop that!