The roots of soul & rock

Recent Manila visitor Craig David checks in with a new CD that salutes Motown and old School R&B; while Switchfoot had staked its reputation on extensive touring, bringing its bluesy, rock-based music to their fans in a big way — reminiscent of such bands as the Allman Brothers Band. The new CDs of these two acts may cover diverse musical genres, but they both “deliver the goods.”

Craig David — Signed Sealed Delivered (MCA Music, Inc.). Still the best selling R&B solo act from the UK, Craig’s new CD is a sweet reminder (and tribute) to the music that helped form the sound Craig has staked his career on. Choice covers of songs associated with the likes of Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Al Green, Otis Redding, the 4 Tops, and Marvin Gaye should make this a ready favorite with soul fans of all ages. With some songs he does outright covers, updating the arrangements; while on others, he samples the songs, incorporating them with a current composition. Either way, the music works; and while it may not stop us dead in our tracks, you can’t fault the enthusiasm and impecccable choice of songs.  

Switchfoot — Hello Hurricane (MCA Music, Inc.). Sonic guitar riffs, a dab of electronic improvisation, and alternating between stadium-friendly rock anthems and smart, alternative mid-tempo ballads — that encapsulates the Switchfoot sound, and it works! Known for their terrific live concerts, this is their first studio album since 2006, and word has it that they had over 80 new songs to choose from before narrowing it to the 12 that made the cut. A bonus DVD has some live footage culled from their concerts, and studio footage as they were laying down the tracks to this CD. My favorites here are Enough to Let Me Go and the title track, while the opener, Needle and Haystack Life, has a U2 feel to it. A solid, consistent CD that exemplifies the mainstream accessibility of today’s rock music.