Javier - Javier (2003)

The 25-year-old R&B newcomer has a shot to stand out among the neo-soul crowd because he incorporates classic jazz, Latin grooves, and even rock into the midtempo funk mix on this impressive debut. He got his start in a band dedicated to the music of R&B legends like Bill Withers and Maceo Parker, and those classic roots are crystal clear on tunes like the smooth and catchy romantic opener, "Crazy," and the lush, orchestrally flavored (by the legendary Larry Gold) lament "Song for Your Tears." The similarly heartrending "Can't Have My Heart" shows a penchant for rich harmonies and easy Latin grooves, a vibe that kicks up more dramatically on the flamenco guitar-driven "She Spoke to Me." All of the intensely commercial beats, choruses, and productions will earn Javier much deserved attention, and he will also no doubt attract some legitimate standing as a potential jazz artist with the closer, "October Sky," a silky late-night jazz ballad featuring jazz icons Roy Hargrove and Mulgrew Miller.

© Jonathan Widran



Tracklist:
1-1. JAVIER - Crazy (04:53)
1-2. JAVIER - Beautiful U R (Radio Edit) (03:46)
1-3. JAVIER - Song For Your Tears (04:37)
1-4. JAVIER - Slow Motion (03:59)
1-5. JAVIER - Hey Little Sister (05:08)
1-6. JAVIER - Biggest Mistake (04:06)
1-7. JAVIER - Interlude #1 (00:28)
1-8. JAVIER - If I Never Get To Heaven (05:01)
1-9. JAVIER - Can't Have My Heart (03:12)
1-10. JAVIER - She Spoke To Me (04:43)
1-11. JAVIER - In Your Hands (03:03)
1-12. JAVIER - She'll Never Know (04:25)
1-13. JAVIER - Interlude #2 (00:19)
1-14. JAVIER - October Sky (07:07)