Keke Wyatt | Unbelievable!
Album Review: Keke Wyatt – Unbelievable!
Shanchie Entertainment
By Peggy Oliver
It seems Keke Wyatt is finally making up for lost time. Since being first introduced to the public in 2001 with Soul Sista,
personal matters and record label issues consumed Wyatt’s path towards
more radio exposure for radio and notoriety as a solo recording artist.
Sure; she made her presence known as a duet partner to Avant and a few
post Soul Sista’ singles in “Ghetto Rose” and “Put Your Hands on Me,”
which kept the underappreciated R&B vocalist afloat. But her loyal
fans are more than aware of the many frustrations Wyatt suffered that
tripped up her career for a season, including the highly publicized
abuse in her marriage. Fully moving forward at this point, Wyatt is
opening a new musical chapter while raising her children and has been
extremely busy in the past two years.
Now residing
in Atlanta, Georgia, she recently flexed her acting skills in the
regional musical play, “When Love Ain’t Enough.” When we last heard from
Wyatt as a recording artist, it was just over a year ago for Who Knew?
On her Shenachie Entertainment debut, I had the absolute pleasure of
reviewing a pure flowing voice delivering throwback eighties R&B.
Though there were some formulaic traps including a few sub par
arrangements, Who Knew? was a healthy reminder
that old school still could rule the day and that Wyatt refused to let
the past overrule her future. As she continues her transition period
personally and professionally, her latest project and Shenachie
sophomore effort – Unbelievable - covers even more personal ground, especially in her passion of encouraging those who suffered abusive relationships.
There are several must hears throughout Unbelievable,
starting with “Light Me Up,” a guitar driven mid tempo R&B piece of
sweetness about the pleasures of being in love. With a soundtrack
emphasizing a clanging bell, the title track and first single declares
an ecstatic feeling when one finds that special love for life. “Mirror”
features the dynamic and perfectly matched trio of Wyatt, Tweet and
Kelly Price. The ladies transform this riveting piece into sort of a
mini opera about the frustrations of surviving domestic abuse. “Enough”
also tackles the subject of abuse in the style of a raw sixties soul
ballad (think Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings). Wyatt serves full justice
on the electrifying ballad that put Miki Howard on the urban music map
in the eighties, “Love Under New Management.” From her impeccable
phrasing to pure soprano, her vocal range can not be touched by many of
her counterparts in the current R&B market. The songstress shows off
her subtle humorous side on “Miss Your Plane” where she fears her lover
is leaving for good: “Baby I hope you miss your plane; pray that
there’s traffic when you are on your way.” The Eric Clapton
inspirational tribute (and monster hit in 1991) to his four year old son
at the time, “Tears in Heaven,” is given the full soulful makeover
while keeping the original melody intact. Then there’s the crème de la
crème: a stunning five minute a cappella masterpiece, “His Eye Is on the
Sparrow.” In her earlier years, Wyatt sang demos for the gospel market,
and sometimes I wonder after hearing this classic spiritual if she
could have committed to this genre. But that said; she is more than
content to serve in the R&B community for now.
Between Who Knew? and Unbelievable,
Wyatt continues to impress with her vocal presence. On the latter, more
appropriate steps were taken to showcase her strengths, especially
incorporating additional covers. The major exception was the very
disappointing “Saturday Love,” featuring Ruben Studdard, which is
drowned in auto tunes and lacks the vocal chemistry compared to the 1985
version by Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle. With that small misstep, the
work on Unbelievable comes highly
recommended. Hopefully, Wyatt will keep passing on that durable
instrument and gutsy spirit on a more frequent basis.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 6/1/2011 8:04 AM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Video
Tags: Music Videos Rhythm And Blues
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Video
Tags: Music Videos Rhythm And Blues
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