J Holiday: Back Of My Lac
Monday, 03 Dec 2007 12:44
J Holiday invites you to take a ride with him.
Music Line Group/Capitol Records, out now.
In a nutshell...
Edgy. Silky. Soulful.
What's it all about?
The debut album from 23-year-old singer-songwriter Nahum Grymes other wise known as J Holiday consists of 14 tracks ranging from R 'n' B to hip-hop, and describes growing up in the ghetto and his appreciation and love for women.
Who's it by
Washington native J Holiday started singing, having been encouraged by his cousins, at the age of nine.
During his teenage years he was the lead singer of a group called 295. Holiday, in particular, was influenced by legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye.
After high school the group moved to Atlanta, which led to Holiday deciding to go solo. He was signed by Capitol Records, and his first single Be With Me was released in 2006.
As an example...
"I'm gonna love you till your eyes roll back." -Bed
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
J Holiday undoubtedly has talent; however, I can't see this album getting any Grammy nominations. Stranger things have happened, though.
What the others say
"Overall this album is pretty good. It tells a good story from beginning to end." -Hmblog.wordpress.com
"For a handful of hot tracks Holiday turns out brash, hook-centric R 'n' B that complements silky singing with some fine beats." -RollingStone.com
So is it any good?
Holiday has produced a solid album from start to finish showcasing his musical talent. The LP doesn't conform to stereotypical R 'n' B and has a variety of ballads; up-tempo material and hip-hop influenced songs.
The stand-out tracks are the up-tempo Rodney Jerkins-produced Be With Me and the soulful, top five US hit and potential club banger Bed which is about Holiday being romantic with his woman and reminiscent of the soul singers of the past.
Pimp On Me is one of the weaker tracks of the album and refers to his woman having a body of a call girl. Not very original, but the good outweighs the bad and I'm sure we'll be hearing more of Holiday in the future
7 /10
Gareth Fields
Agree with this review? Have a different opinion? Let us know your thoughts (without being too abusive to our poor reviewers please) and we'll post the best ones on the site.