a silky R&B revival record


Craig David’s reputation precedes him: seminal dance hits, a now-successful DJing profile and a largely beloved, if not tolerated, presence: the days of being mercilessly mocked on Bo Selecta feel long-gone, perhaps. His eighth album, ‘22’, is a celebration of the journey so far, and a revival for his R&B credibility.

Opening with the sultry Jon B-inspired ‘Teardrops’, on ‘22’ Craig David isn’t just thinking about making the garage tracks that made him famous. Instead, he heavily focuses on a refreshing R&B sound. Interpolating the well-known R&B classic ‘They Don’t Know’, the mandolin skips around whilst David is regretful for making his love interest upset: “It hurts so bad because I need you / And it hurts ‘cause they don’t know about this here”.

Most intriguing, however, is when he passes the baton to his talented friends, old and new. ‘21’ is a jubilant ‘00s-esque track, interpolating 50 Cent’s ‘21 Questions’ with drill’n’b pioneer Isong; ‘Obvious’ is sees him team-up with budding viral superstar Muni Long as they reflect both sides of a relationship falling to pieces. The flirty guitar’s riff escalates the punchy back and forth, just like how Monica and Brandy’s 1998 smash, ‘The Boy Is Mine’.

‘G Love’, however, starring NME 100 alumni Nippa is the highlight. The duo have been seen together as David seems to have taken Nippa under his wing, and after touring together, there’s clear chemistry. A hazy love track, the pair trade lines about their lovers, and Nippa’s cheeky promiscuous lines are a hit on the track: “And don’t worry if I leave with your cousin / She was in the corner, tryna show me some lovin’”.

Heavily relying on the feel-good nature of classic ‘00s R&B – and the Robin S ‘Show Me Love’ house sample on ‘My Heart’s Been Waiting For You’ – Craig David could have dangerously made a gimmicky throwback album. Yet, in a time when many UK R&B fans are crying out for great music and recognition, Craig David not only feeds that appetite but uses his platform to laud up some stars to watch too.

Details

  • Release date: September 30, 2022
  • Record label: BMG Records

You can view the original article HERE.

Kanye West Avoided Diddy Meetup During Rolling Loud Performance
Marvel’s Blade Delayed Amid Writers Strike
Diddy Seen Talking with Federal Agents at Airport as Associate is Arrested
Alex Ferreira Talks Fatherhood and New Music
Giancarlo Esposito Can’t Keep Overcrowded, Rushed Parish on the Road | TV/Streaming
Femme Review | An Edge-of-Your-Seat Queering of the Neo-Noir Crime Thriller
Gillian Anderson Reveals Why She Almost Gave Up Acting 24 Years Ago
Titus: The Masterpiece that the Cinematic Greatness of 1999 Obscured | MZS
Lzzy Hale to front Skid Row for upcoming tour
Cillian Murphy reveals he’s gone vegan
‘The Bear’ star is favourite to play Bruce Springsteen in new movie
Bruce Springsteen to become a Fellow of The Ivors Academy
Ham thrilled as Lakers rally for ‘top-3’ win of year
Report: Cowboys haven’t made Dak extension offers
The Money Game: How Much Can College Athletes Earn with NIL
Understanding the NIL Process: A Comprehensive Guide from Industry-Leading Lawyers
Chicago PD Season 11 Episode 8 Review: On Paper
Malcolm in the Middle Revival Now the ‘Closest It’s Ever Been,’ Frankie Muniz Reveals
The Good Doctor Season 7 Episode 4 Review: Date Night
Neil Patrick Harris’ Uncoupled Series Axed by Showtime Before Season 2
Swarovski’s Underwater Glamazons, Megahn Markle’s Beauty Line, & More!
Cher’s Closet From Clueless Is Becoming A Reality, Thanks To Vêtir
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson Welcome Their First Baby!
Best JW Pei Bags on Amazon