Hearts on their sleeves

The two CDs today, while ranging from dance/rock to old school R&B, clearly have their hearts on their sleeves. Both recording artists, the group Walk the Moon and singer R. Kelly have no qualms about citing their influences and the inspiration for their new music. What is impressive is the quality of the output, and the listening pleasure we gain.

Walk the Moon — Walk the Moon (RCA/Sony). The unheralded Ohio band really took me by surprise. Had not heard of the band, but as the tracks unfolded, I found myself grinning, and having to call my boys, to let them in on the lush music. The first five tracks are so different, and yet consistently strong. Think of Foster the People, the Killers and then go back to such party New Wave bands like the B-52’s and Talking Heads, put them all in one blender and you’ll get an idea of what Walk the Moon is all about. Quesadilla is the great opener, while Lisa Baby is very Foster, while Next in Line and Anna Sun, with its sweeping falsetto lines is early Killers and is guaranteed to get you playing air guitar and pogoing in your room. Shiver Shiver had me remembering my favorite Talking Heads tunes. One great party CD!

Write Me Back — R. Kelly (RCA/Sony). Rather than jump on the Usher/Kanye bandwagon, R. Kelly digs back in time and comes up with something fresh and entertaining. The first song, Love Is, could have been written for Barry White; while other songs call to mind such icons as Marvin Gaye (Believe That It’s So), Stevie Wonder (Lazy Sunday), Smokey Robinson (Fool for You) and Babyface (Clipped Wings). What’s surprising to discover is that all the songs are new compositions, penned by Kelly himself. In a rare move, Kelly doesn’t bother with guest performers, but just puts a real tight band that understands his intent and vision — a reverent tribute to the Soul Music of the ’70s and ’80s. It is for those who miss that kind of music, and the young ones who want to discover why it was called “sweet soul music.”