Album Review
Brian McKnight – More Than Words
More Than Words is the fifteenth album from American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and R&B musician Brian McKnight. Seven of his past releases have so far gone platinum, and he has sold an incredible twenty million albums worldwide. Immensely successful, he has received several Grammy nominations, and has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Blockbuster Awards, and a Billboard Songwriter of The Year Award.
Best known for ballads like Love Is, his 1993 top five duet with Vanessa Williams, and 1997’s R&B chart-topping Anytime, Brian McKnight has managed to stay contemporary with hits like You Should Be Mine and The Only One For Me (both from 1997’s three-million-selling Anytime album). McKnight is also a producer, a hard working live artist and award winning radio host. He has collaborated with performers across every genre including Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Puffy, Christina Aguilera and Nelly. Now that’s an impressive CV.
R&B isn’t a genre I know particular much about. But I know good music when I hear it and there is plenty on fine album. McKnight is perhaps best known for his strong falsetto range and he has a smooth voice that he uses to great effect.
The first single to come from the album, Sweeter, is a typically melodic love song with a strong vocal performance that is heartfelt and lovely. 4th Of July is another emotional song, reflecting on a past relationship and wondering what might have been.
Made For Love uses an interesting synth effect to back the typically smooth vocals and works well. And the title track More Than Words has some great guitar work hiding in the background as McKnight once again opens his heart to the one he loves.
This album has sixteen tracks on it – McKnight clearly believes in giving fans their money’s worth. He has a laid back style and many of the songs seem a little similar to me, but there is no doubting the quality of the vocals or the manner in which he imparts so much feeling into everything he sings. I’m sure Brian McKnight’s many fans will love this new release.
Venue: More Than Words
Support Band: Membran