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Getting Down To The Soul Of Things

© Paula Chase-Hyman

Soul music is so named because of its ability to evoke emotion from deep within - sometimes so stirring it can give you goosebumps or so funky that you involuntarily dance in your seat. In the true tradition of soul, Lathun, Motown's newest sensation, sought to touch people spiritually and make them feel his music. With "Fortunate" he hits his mark easily, offering us 13 tracks of a very personal nature.

Often based on the artist's own experiences, the tracks on Lathun's debut project have a way of making you think you've heard him before. "I wanted to give people insight into some of the things I've lived through," Lathun says. And it's that ability to tell his story over just the right track, which has the effect of familiarizing you with his work from the very first song.

There are some style mixtures contained on "Fortunate" - I heard a teeny bit of Joe in "Find Somebody Else," Dave Hollister in "Official," and even a little Rashaan Patterson. But even these tracks manage to remain unique in a way that I was unable to put my finger on, exactly. Possibly its that he penned all but two of the songs himself and plays instruments on each track.

So don't get it twisted, Lathun's style is still very much his own. Reflecting on the development process for this CD, he says, "I wanted to be creative and try something a little different, with a little twist on it."

The twist, lyrics without cursing or overt mentions of sex. A strategic move that is refreshing, but risky in a music environment where the more misogynistic and vulger the better, seems to be the mantra. Still, true music lovers will embrace the effort.

Each time I've attempted to choose a favorite track, I change my mind - the CD just offers too many choices. Lathun's first release, the title track "Fortunate," does stand out though. The ultra romantic track is sweet without being syrupy and is bound to be listed among soul's all-time, top love songs.

But since a woman has the prerogative to change her mind - "Would I Lie" is also tied for first, as my jam. This soulful tale of a man lying his way out of cheating is testament that Lathun's writing and production skills play a large part in a song's success. The song has a unique composition and a catchy hook that was made up on the fly while on a break during a recording bull session with his boys.

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