sam sparro - sam sparro (island)
June 19, 2008
Having recently fallen for the magnificent 'Black And Gold', there were high expectations for Sam Sparro's debut album. And like any debut album, whilst mostly impressing, it can come across as feeling very 'debut album'. What Sam Sparro does do well is a beautiful mix of soul and R&B style vocals over a contemporary electronic and dance beat. 'Too Many Questions', the album opener, is a perfect example of this. It wouldn't have sounded out of place being recorded by Marvin Gaye in the 60's however, here it is, opening an album for a 26 year old white guy who was originally born in Sydney. '21st Century Life' is pure pop funk while 'Sick' has a somewhat 80's Depeche Mode feeling to it. 'Hot Mess' and 'Cut Me Loose' are the best Prince song that Prince has never done himself, even sounding like Prince vocally. For those obscure local retro music fans, think Max Q for 'Pocket'. In all, it is an album that needs repeated listens in order to unearth it's true charm however it is work well rewarded.
