Album Review: Soul Over The Race Vol. 2
Intro: Soul Over The Race Vol. 2 by various artists in Japan showcases
the amazing talents of Kaori Sawada, Sayumi, Emi Hinouchi and fasun.
Sweet Soul Records is a record
company based in Tokyo, Japan. The company releases music of several genres
including soul, neo-soul, jazz, R&B, funk and hip hop. According to Sweet
Soul Records, Soul Over The Race Vol. 2 is the "third cover album in the
"SOUL OVER THE RACE" series recorded in Tokyo with all Japanese
singers and musicians. January 25, 2012 marked the release date for this new
volume of music.
Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 Original Covers & Singers
The music
was inspired by several R&B/Soul greats including The Isley Brothers, The
Jackson 5 and Chic. These classic soul pieces were performed by four talented
artists - Kaori Sawada, Emi Hinouchi, the veteran performer, fasun and the
newcomer to the airwaves, Sayumi. These singers were chosen as the best out of
the many who auditioned for a chance to lend their voices to such a noteworthy
project. Sweet Soul Records shared that Kaori recently released a debut album
titled "Affectionately Yours" with lifesound Records and Emi Hinouchi
performs with the Japanese hip hop group M-Flo.
Songs of Soul Over the Race Vol. 2
- "I Believe in
Miracles": Originally performed by the Jackson Sisters, "I Believe in
Miracles" is a musical testimony to true love. Emi Hinouchi carries this
song well while showcasing her vocals.
- "Don't You Care":
"Don't You Care" was first performed by Alice Clark. Kaori Sawada
gives a rousing performance of this classic which asks a very important
question in any relationship.
- "I Can't Let Him
Down": Sayumi slowed down this version of "I Can't Let Him Down".
The original song sung by Love Unlimited had a more up-tempo beat. However,
Sayumi's version is mellow and her voice blends well with the softer rhythm.
- "I Wouldn't Change a
Thing": The original song by Coke Escovedo had a funk styled flow. On this
remake, Kaori Sawada gave a rousing rendition but with a jazzy essence.
Although Kaori did not 'change a thing' in the lyrics, this singer put some
good energy into this song.
- "I Wanna Be Where You
Are": It is not many who attempt to remake songs by any Motown legend.
Definitely to take on the task of remaking a Jackson Five hit is quite a feat.
Emi Hinouchi took the challenge to remake "I Wanna Be Where You Are"
and met with approval.
- "Funkin' for
Jamaica": Tom Brown was definitely pumping some funk in "Funkin for
Jamaica" although Jamaica is associated with reggae. The singer, fasun,
gave a stellar performance on a slower rhythm while keeping the pace of the
original track.
- "Bad Weather": The
title of the track should not in any way make the listener think that the song
is not a great song. The performer, fasun, was able to bring across a similar
vocal performance and energy as the original artist, Melissa Manchester.
- "Changin'":
"Changin" is the longest track on the album and was a Sharon Ridely
original. Kaori Sawada was challenged to keep the lyrical message on pace with
the original song and she met the challenge with her soothing voice.
- "Work It Out":
Performer, fasun, surely was able to 'work it out' musically with the remake of
Breakwater's "Work It Out". In another softer and more mellow
performance of a classic, fasun was able to bring strong emotion in combination
with the amazing instrumental on this track.
- "Thinking of You":
Chic was a sensation during their time in music and there is no doubt that
"Thinking of You" was a hit. In this Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 remix,
Sayumi was able to evoke the same passion and soul/r&b appeal in a softer
version of the song.
- "Lucky Fellow":
Emi Hinouchi was Sweet Soul Records' choice to give the rendition of Leroy
Hutson's "Lucky Fellow." Emi rocked the track with her relaxing and
easy-spirited voice in classic song.
- "Harvest for the
World": The Isley Brothers are another group that other singers seldom
attempt to remake their songs because of the caliber of performance and the
essential style the Isleys evoke. Sayumi was able to bring across "Harvest
for the World" in her tone, style and range while keeping the flow of the
original track.
Sweet Soul Records should be recognized for harnessing the talented
Japanese artists who are willing to give their voices to the R&B genre.
Sayumi, fasun, Emi Hinouchi and Kaori Sawada all gave rousing performances on
Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 as they accepted to challenge to perform classic
R&B hits.