In a time where it seems more emphasis is placed on an artist's image rather than their singing ability, Michael McDonald's soul dipped voice continues to impress listeners.
No better album displays his voice more than his 2003 album, Motown.
The album is clean, sharp, clear, with good use of instruments and professional backing vocalists. Motown does not recreate Michael McDonald as an artist, but marks him as a fine soul singer and an exceptional musician.
His Sound Will Make You Love Him
I have never proclaimed to have ever loved another male, but I will admit that I love Michael McDonald. (So what, I said it.)
McDonald is the face of blue-eyed soul and no piece of artwork emphasises this more than the album's cover, where the black and white closeup of his face is eclipsed by the haunting blue pools in his eyes.
The album is a tribute to the soul sound of Berry Gordy's Motown and the songs that soul lovers know by heart. McDonald's work also relies on drums and synthesizers. He uses the original arrangements as a guide and adds his distinctive vocals. His appreciation and love for this sound is evident throughout the album as he spits with passion in his voice.
McDonald delivers Marvin Gaye's "I Want You", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", "You Are Everything", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours", and "Reflections".
He also covers retro gems "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Too High", and "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)".
Taking It Easy
The luster of soul music projects through the barrier when McDonald slows down the pace. The relaxed ballads combine pain, and a willingness to rediscover love. "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", "All in Love Is Fair", and "Distant Lover". When you allow your ears to listen to "Since I Lost My Baby", you must close your eyes as the song plays and listen to the lyrics. Both the lyrics and his husky baritone will stupefy you, leading you to crack a smile as he rolls out an airy vocal run towards the song's conclusion.
Nourish Your Soul
I was 15-years-old when I discovered this album shortly after its release and haven't considered it anything other than a fine listen. McDonald's voice passionately breathes new life into a collection of soul classics. Eight years after its release and I still listen to it with as much adoration as I did back then.
Aden Miles - Aden is a journalist, writer and artist with a passion for music, food and telling people's stories.
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