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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Some Kinda....Sophomore Delight!, November 1, 2005
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.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dwele's Gonna Help You Do Your Thing, October 4, 2005
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great, November 7, 2005
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
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by Dwele 
