Joe | Doubleback: Evolution of R&B
Joe | DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B
Massenburg Media
By Brent Faulkner
Like many of his colleagues, Joe Thomas (simply known as Joe) moved from a major to an independent label. Although Joe released four albums via Kedar between 2008 and 2011, the musician’s best known work resides during his Jive Records days, where hits like “Stutter” and “I Wanna Know” took radio by storm and propelled the singer’s career. On DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B, Joe looks back to his brilliant musical past, assembling an album that truly reignites his artistry and firmly locks itself into genuine R&B. Writing, producing, and arranging a great portion of DoubleBack himself, Joe also collaborates with Stargate and DOA. ‘DoubleBack’ arrives via Massenburg Media, helmed by Kedar Massenburg.
DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B certainly doesn’t disappoint, delivering material that is reminiscent yet not anachronistic. Opener “Something For You” establishes both tone and vibe, featuring cool, sensual vocals from Joe. Hearkening back to R&B’s glorious past in numerous respects, Joe’s compelling lead vocals are supported and accentuated by prominently featured background vocals. The proceeding “Easy” finds Joe supported by a lush, soulful backdrop, suiting his adult contemporary R&B endeavors. Mature and seasoned, Joe acknowledges on the chorus that “Sometimes you gotta put in work…sometimes you gotta go all out” but assures his lady that “…this ain’t one of them nights / you make love easy…” Then there’s triumphant single “I’d Rather Have A Love”, which takes a ‘classic’ approach to love, with the male protagonist committing to his love (“…Can’t stay in this place forever / even though I want to, I just see us together / and I’d rather have a love, than have a life alone…”).
“Something For You”, “Easy” and “I’d Rather Have A Love” aren’t the only triumphs from DoubleBack. “Baby” finds Joe in quite the conundrum (“I’m in love with two different ladies / I know it’s wrong but they both so amazing…”) while on “Compromise”, he shifts gears to ensuring positivity and success in relationships, led by ideas of ‘resolution’ and ‘solution’. He electrifies alongside a gritty Fantasia on duet “Love & Sex” where both come to understanding the difference between love and sex, but desire both. Joe retains a sensual focus on “More” in which he’s “…gonna be right there to give you more”. Similarly on the more contemporary penultimate cut “1 to 1 ratio”, Joe’s paints an atmosphere of lovemaking at home without the frills of “V.I.P.”, evidenced by recurrent lyrics “sex, music, smoke, liquor…” West Coast MC
Too $hort’s appearance bridges classic and contemporary.
All in all, DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B is Joe’s best offering in years. If fans invested less into Joe during his stint at Kedar, DoubleBack provides the perfect opportunity to reinvest. Vocally, Joe sounds magnificent, easily out-singing those nearly half his age. In an age in which R&B struggles with identity issues, Joe crafts an effort that leaves no question where it stands or what a once proud, flourishing genre should sound like.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene