Shuffling through my iTunes playlist, I came across the 2003 hit LP SoulStar. Known more for his melodic voice over a chill beat and distinct style of never removing his shades even though he isn't blind, the philly artist Musiq Soulchild has been making hits since 2000. I first heard of the soul singer from his debut single "Just friends(Sunny)" and have been a fan ever since. Mixing sounds of neo-soul, R&B, jazz, blues, and funk, each of his albums maintain the tradition of 70's era sound and intimate lyrics that speak to the music lover in all of us. Continuing this Stevie Wonder/Ray Charles meets Sly& The Family Stone coupled with Roots esque sound, Soulchild released one of my favorite albums from him; Soulstar. Although this Orthodox&Ransum, 88 Keys, Junius Bervine, and Da Gutta Fam produced LP was not his most commercially successful, it was classic Musiq with a little more funk and R&B that brought hits "FortheNight" and "WhoKnows" (which most likely can be heard at any black wedding circa 2004 to now). This album is a bit on the lengthy side but has a great amount of depth and is a smooth laid-back listen from beginning to end. To me, one of the most standout tracks on the Soulstar was the cover of the Rolling Stone's "Miss you." No matter how many times I listen to it, I always sing along and ware-out the repeat button. However the album was released in times where the music industry was not as interested in neo-soul artists, but more on dancing and going to the club. Many slept on this album and if giving another listen, people would find that this is a classic effort from Musiq Soulchild.
"For the Night"
"Who Knows"
***"Missyou"***
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