The little kid done grown up!

Sammie “All Grown Up” An Album Review By Nfared
There are those entertainers like Usher and Brandy that grew up in front of
our eyes. Then there are those like Sammie. He released one hit some seven years
ago, then just disappeared. While there is not much noise about why he left
(although he has mentioned school) he is not being at all quiet with his
self-titled album on Rowdy Records. With a hit single at radio, “You Should Be
My Girl”, though it’s obvious he has not been around, it’s almost like he never
left.

Serious about the decision to come back after all these years, Sammie comes
out strong with the Bryan Michael Cox produced “I Can’t”. Childhood feelings are
combined with maturity as Sammie bobs and weaves his seemingly flawless vocals
through lyrics about a love lost, “Can’t nobody love you like I do/I’ll do
anything to get with you.” The oxymoronic chorus paints a clear picture; “It’s
like the a sun without shine baby/It’s like a clock that don’t tell time baby.”
The surprisingly honest “What About Your Friend” is “boy meets girl, boy likes
girl’s friend”. The situation is almost unbelievable as he confesses, “…the way
you walk/the way you talk girl/you’re so fly/but your girl’s got my eye.” They
did say honesty is the best policy. He sticks with this though as he plays hero
on the ballad, “Come With Me”. Wanting to heal a broken soul, he is reassuring;
“You don’t have to wait/I can ease your pain/you don’t have to be left out in
the rain… what ever you need/I got it
come with me”. Truly the adult, he makes his growth unmistakable with “Another
Last Chance”. He displays a vulnerability of a man twice his age; “Girl I was so
trifling/I can’t believe the things I did to you.” The fluid chorus includes an
even smoother apology, “Baby/please forgive me/for not answerin your call when I
was out tryin to ball/baby please forgive me/all I’m askin for is another last
chance.” Showing a vocal talent rare in these days of R&B, “Slow” is falsetto at
it’s best and Sammie at his peak. Ballads are not really created for edge of
your seat energy, but Sammie creates amazing anticipation in his upper range,
particularly with thought provoking writing like, “You may not understand/but in
due time/girl I want your body/but first I need your mind.” Even though Sammie
needs nothing to solidify his skill, this song boosts his talent to an
astronomical level of appreciation.

Needle Meter R&B ain’t what it used to be and it’s not what it should be, but
it is what it is. The industry needs artist like Sammie. Sure he has top-notch
producers from Jazzy Pha to Dre and Vidal, but he does not hide behind them. In
fact, with this album, it is his vocal ability that adds to the quality of the
production. And sure, he will be thrown in the ranks with Trey Songz, Ne-Yo and
Chris Brown. Sammie though, has an urgency about his style that creates
something of a stronger bond with the listener. Hopefully this time, he’ll stick
around a little longer.
Four Needles















---------------------------------
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]