Carl Thomas – So Much Better

Carl Thomas brings us a slightly different approach & possibly a much better one from his previous in “So Much Better”. This project features some collaborations with Lalah Hathaway, Dave Hollister, E40, Baby Cham, & Brandy. Mike City’s production along with Brian Michael Cox & several other talented producers, including Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, dominate this album with fresh grooves & great melodies.

Stating consistent with his own flow, Carl Thomas dropped 18 tracks of total flavor!

Track Listing
~ If I Could (Interlude)
~ Another You (Steppers Mix)
~ 2 Pieces
~ Thought You Should Know (feat Lalah Hathaway)
~ Somethin Bout You (feat Brandy)
~ If That Aint Love
~ Late Night Rendezvous
~ Get You Back (Interlude)
~ So Much Better
~ Oh No (You Cant Be Serious)
~ Can’t Get Over (feat Dave Hollister)
~ How Can We
~ If You Ever
~ I Miss You (Interlude)
~ Home
~ Late Night Rendezvous (feat E40)
~ Oh No (You Can’t Be Serious) feat Baby Cham

I quickly was diggin’ the track feat Dave Hollister in “Can’t Get Over”. That one was hot on the spot! However, the neo-soul spotlight goes full steam ahead in “Another You (Steppers Mix)”. Its apparent that R, Kelly’s anthem album for the Chicago steppers out there helped to influence this gem! Check it out!; In groove sequenced rythmn comes “2 Pieces”….again, it just flows!; Whenever R&B songbird Lalah Hathaway grabs the mic & sway your minds with her precious voice, it always highlights the accompanying track she touches. Like in “Thought You Shoud Know”, pay close attention to her background vocals as opposed to any solo breakings!

“Late Night Rendezvous” secretly taps into an infectious hookline & carries Carl into the jam!; “How Can We” will head-bop & shake the shoulders while you are cruisin the streets! Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis contributes a track called “Home” & its a sweet serenade, straight from the skills of Mr. Thomas to his family (as suggested in the opening dialogue with his kids). Its another one of my favorites on the CD. Look out for the acoustic guitar solo on it!

The majority of melodies on this album follows in sequence to the rest. No stoppin Carl! He came back to create a better deal than last deck of cards. His progression is something to look for down the road. Check it out when you get a chance…

In check.

T
The Urban Music Scene