MIXTAPE REVIEW: MARK ASARI- Mark My Words

Mark Asari makes his solo debut with the mixtape, Mark My Words. The London singer, formerly of R&B group Encore offers a selection of solid soulful cuts featuring appearances from some of the UK’s freshest emerging artists and producers.  The 8-track collection takes a look at the idea of personal aspirations, ranging from superficial desires, to a more deeply rooted pursuit of one's dreams. Musically, the mixtape has classic R&B flavour; there are obvious nods to the popular R&B sounds of the 80s and 90s.

The Wizzy Wow produced, “Clockwork” is a smooth track with a dense, murky bassline perfect for the club, or the car, (or indeed, the car-ride to the club).The song is a depiction of the relentless pursuit of money, fame, and all the material trappings of success. It features sound vocals from Asari, and an appearance from up-and-coming south London rapper Yungen. With its pretty- girls-and- fast -cars lyrics, “Clockwork” revisits the R&B sounds of the late 90s and early 2000s made famous by artists like 112 and Joe. The song introduces the mixtape’s overall US flavour.

While tracks like “Clockwork” focus on the material rewards of success, other songs on Mark My Words touch upon the complicated web of emotions brought about by the reality of striving to succeed. There is the triumphant, disposition of “Winner”, but also the acute despair of “Circles”. And on the song, “She Said”, Asari looks at the difficulty of chasing dreams without the full support of loved ones. The track stands out as one that’s musically different from the others on the mixtape. The stripped down, guitar driven melody and simple lyrics are instantly engaging, and Asari’s poignant delivery makes “She Said” a particularly refreshing addition.

Of course, no R&B album worth its salt would be complete without an outstanding slow jam. Thankfully, Asari does not disappoint with the immaculate, “Fire”. He once again demonstrates his first-rate vocal talents on this sultry track, which features production from budding, London-based producer, Jay Weathers; plus the soaring, ad-libs from Wiley’s protégé, Ms D. All these elements come together to make “Fire” a brilliantly executed track; it’s a superbly slick, slow jam, with a brooding street edge.

The track, “Never Had Your Love” is another highlight of Mark My Words. Co-written and produced by multitalented south Londoner, Slic Vic, the 80s flavour of this song is just irresistible. Everything, from the lyrical style to the use of the synths, and the keys give this song its gorgeous 80s polish. It almost instantly makes you think of Jheri curls, hi-top fade haircuts, and Alexander O’Neal.  Asari’s voice lends itself so amazingly well to the summery, soulful vibe of the song.  “Never Had Your Love” is a joy to listen to; It’s a song with such understated charm, that it might take one or two listens to fully realise the retro genius of the track.

Mark My Words is a compilation of very listenable songs. The title is a clever play on words, which can be interpreted in two ways: one describes the fact that the self-penned mixtape is Mark Asari’s experiences in his own words; the other, is gentle instruction to listen attentively- to pay attention- to mark the words i.e. music. In terms of style, this mixtape is pays homage to R&B of old; It successfully blends elements from the 80s, 90s, and beyond. With this mixtape Asari offers today’s lovers of classic R&B a rare treat: accessible songs, quality production, and velvety smooth vocals. Mark My Words is a solid debut collection from this rising talent.

Download: Mark Asari- Mark My Words

As written for wepluggoodmusic.com 

MIXTAPE REVIEW: Bluey Robinson- The Late Shift

It’s been a bit quiet on the new music front for Bluey Robinson lately, but the South London singer is back with his new mixtape The Late Shift and it was worth the wait. This is a neat collection of songs that showcase Robinson’s rich-textured voice on well produced Pop-R&B tracks.  

The whole mixtape has a very listenable quality. The first track Good Times is a mid-tempo track with a summery vibe, about just kicking back and enjoying life. The rap by fellow Londoner, Bento adds a nice texture to the laid back groove of this song. There’s nothing too forced over complicated on The Late Shift. Even the relationship dilemma song, Be Cool manages to emulate the title with its easy melody and catchy hook.

That said there are many different genres of music woven into The Late Shift. The Low features a dub-step beat. It’s a song that combines elements of old and new in a number of ways. The old comes in the subject matter (forbidden love) a traditional song theme. Also Robinson’s smooth but emotive vocal is reminiscent of seasoned R&B crooners Trey Songz and J Holiday. This is in stark contrast to the new, quintessentially British, dub- step influenced production.  Some UK R&B singers borrow so heavily from their US counterparts that the results often appear like clumsy parody. But Robinson seems to have the balance just about right. The Late Shift is old school R&B for a new generation and with a modern twist of British, urban cool. The Low exemplifies this. 

There is a classical music interlude which adds an unexpected texture to The Late Shift. It is cleverly featured after the fresh energy and modern vibe of The Low. You get this complete surprise of soaring strings and subtle piano that leads perfectly into the next song the True Blue. This is a great touch and the way in which Robinson has carefully intertwined different genres shows he is not taking his listeners for granted. 

So, every R&B album worth its salt needs a ballad and Fly is the ballad of The Late Shift. It’s a poignant song about loss and grief. The track features a beautiful piano led melody and stirring vocal harmonies. Fly harks back to 90’s R&B ballads with its emotive melody and lyrics reminiscent of Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight and Babyface. The track consciously indulges in that tradition and signals the start of The Late Shift’s wind down.

There is a modern stigma of male R&B singers as purveyors of some of the finest cheesy music around and some singers have struggled to break free from that image often appearing aggressively slick and over stylised. But Bluey Robinson seems to possess effortless cool and natural edge. It’s unusual and refreshing to hear a collection of songs like this in today’s post-David Guetta-era of R&B. 

The Late Shift is a welcome return to everything that was good about the Pop-R&B sound of the late1990’s and early 2000’s: solid vocals, solid melodies and solid production. The late Shift is a well structured, polished body of work with a clear beginning, middle and end. It doesn't try too hard to do too much: the elements of soul, hip-hop and dub-step subtly blend together to create an honest, credible dose of Pop flavoured R&B.