Legends Lounge

By Chris Washington

9/14/11

Edited by Amikka Smith

 

Rahsaan Patterson – Bleuphoria

So, I will admit, I’m late on this review but, better late than never. And, in this case as long as you listen to Rahsaan’s Bleuphoria you can never be late on good music.  Now, I have not always been a fan of Rahsaan, but he did a remake of “I Only Have Eyes For You,” (originally done by the Flamingos, which is one of my all time favorites) and he killed it. So good, I even put it in the mix. And, I’ve had the CD since its’ release.

 

Bleuphoria is a musical ride over soulful beats that I didn’t think he was capable of… I stand corrected.  More importantly, songs like “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “Crazy (Baby),” and “Easier Said Than Done,” flows perfectly in the Lounge.  The album is loaded with up-tempo tracks, which, I think also draws you into the CD.

 

The down-tempo ballads that play through the middle of “Bleu,” create a unique flow for the album which, rolls just like a good party night.  The stand-out track is the gospel infused “Mountain Top,” I actually played it twice…yep, that good!  “Miss You,” could become a potential sleeping track for the holiday season and Valentine’s Day. Equally impressive behind the lyrics is the simple church organ orchestration in the background.

 

The back end picks up the tempo and serves as more grooves to groove to- with “6AM” the perfect song to play if your night is still going on at 6am, and trust me… that’s a good night!   “6AM” is soon followed by “Insomnia,” which is a mellow song perfect for the next morning.

 

As far as tracks, I wasn’t impressed with “Ghosts,” featuring Jody Watley- who I adore. The title track Bleuphoria is also sort of eh… not so great… but, the overall CD ends up with a pretty good score.

 

Final Grade you won’t be blue over Bleuphoria, but you will enjoy some quality music. Rahsaan has arrived…not late, but, right on time. – 4 spins

 

Want to hear the songs reviewed inside Legend’s Lounge. Check out the Legend’s Lounge radio show every Monday – Thursday 12-1pm on Rhythm and Soul Radio.com. http://www.rhythmandsoulradio.com