To succinctly review Curtis Harding’s debut solo album would be to simply reiterate the album title. This album truly is Soul Power. This album uses its long arms to reach out to influences such as soul, gospel, blues, Motown, garage rock and even a smidge of disco/funk. Curtis Harding has appeared in the past as a background singer for Cee Lo Green and in the band Night Sun, a collaboration with Black Lips rhythm guitarist, Cole Alexander. In fact, you’ll notice that the song, “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” appears on both this album and the new Black Lips album. They wrote it together, and it is one fine song.
Sonically, this album hits the sweet spot of fidelity. It’s not too lo and no too hi. Hipster Goldilocks would be pleased. Mr. Harding displays a powerful seasoned voice. You can hear the experience in his vocal chords. He’s obviously been doing this for a while. The guitar work is self-aware that the main attraction here is the vocals. The rhythm section is comfortably solid. The drums sound amazing, in fact. The ride cymbal on “Freedom” takes me back to the dry martinis in jazz bars I never actually had. The bass is great as well, keeping in the pocket and tossing in fills whenever it so feels it to be appropriate. Horns and keys also make their appearance to add to an overall thickness to the sound and make you really feel the message urtis Harding is trying to convey to you. Actions speak louder than words, and music speaks even louder than that.
This is not really a genre I dive into often, so I wouldn’t be reviewing this is I didn’t find it to be spectacular. I really enjoy this man’s voice, but more so his songwriting. Every song is a breath of fresh air without being all over the place or inconsistent. The first track, “Next Time,” is reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival, which really brings you in for the ride to come. You really feel motivated to listen to the whole album, and the songs you decide are the best are a matter of personal taste. I personally enjoy “Surf” and the first single from the album “Keep on Shining.” Honestly, if you’re looking for really accessible soul/gospel rock, this is your golden ticket.
Soul Power is best enjoyed on your feet, because groovin’ on ya rump just ain’t as fun.
