Dietrick Haddon - Revealed

I was really looking forward to the Deitrick Haddon 'Revealed' album, I put it on, ready to write but found myself skipping not a normal habit for me?? I must admit the first impression of the front cover was; let me lean in, looks like the style council were going for an 80's boy band group – ‘The Pasadena’s’ - remember them and their high kicks, splits, quiffs and Harringtons!!

Upon my habitual, new album 10 minute taster; I felt an underlining burning passion to satisfy a rock genre coming through. I had to do a quick internet search, to see just where this album had been categorized and true to form, I see a few ROCK / POP references!

Produced alongside, Zomba president James ‘Jazzy’ Jordan, he who brought you 'Kirks' Fight of my life (take a bow!!) Multi Platinum songwriter Eric Dawkins, brother of Anson and thus one half of the very talented Dawkins and Dawkins, with a team like this, I was looking forward to tantalizing my cochlea!

‘GO WITH ME’ the first real, SOUL influenced track I heard, It’s got a real feel good factor, reminiscent of 80's soul, funk influences. Ok so who remembers that 80’s wonder by Yarbrough & Peoples – ‘DON'T STOP THE MUSIC’ let me see a show of hands then!

‘I NEED YOUR HELP’ whilst not my usual beats and bass lines, I found it refreshing, in fact appears quite naked. I personally liked the strings, and the very illustrative cry for Gods help, this being the root of gospel music for me, if I had to pick a track, a cry for help, an emotional crescendo. I always find the use of this musical term in gospel music, quite ironic, as it means to increase or grow, and naturally we do this in our journey... as Haddon nicely demonstrates with this track.

‘DONT TAKE YOUR SPIRIT AWAY’, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, again a soft metal sensation that the likes of Bryan Adams would be happy with. ‘UNGRATEFUL’ Well as far as my rock pop knowledge lies (in the middle of the deep deep blue sea ; a la - nowhere) I actually like this track. It’s easy to listen to, reminds me of the days when I used to have a penchant for the like of Guns and Roses and Aerosmith, you know the happy ballad type soft rock, that us ‘Soul Heads’ would sing along to....well WE did! I like the AIR GUITAR opportunity at the end of the track....don’t put it down just yet there are PLENTY more chances to play a long on the album.

‘ONE BLOOD’ Just as I thought I was going to feed my soulful hunger..... nice track, simple, passionate, great message...but alas we revert to that desire of rock, ok Mr. Haddon, I get it now, THIS IS your heart...

‘LET ME GO’ a heavily synthesized track, would I be wrong in drawing parallels to a Timberland genius production? To be honest it loses me a bit.

‘SOUL SURVIVOR’ So in keeping with the pattern thus far, I was prepared for a track echoing the illustrious Tina Turner, after all the title ‘Soul Survivor’ and the progression of the album. I was WRONG! Hold On, the prerequisite syncopated drum beats, loops - check, bass - check, harmonies - check....and select melodious backing vocals.... YES I think I found it a SOULFUL offering to my EAR!!!! I guess the title gave it away, but good for my interests. One for my Show!! PHEW - THANKS DH! I like IT! Ok got to be real, ‘RUNNING TO YOU’ too.

‘JESUS FOR PRESIDENT’ Ok I’m on a roll, two in succession, so I am really a TRUE soul head, I am sorry! I like the old skool feel, so perhaps a little unoriginal, in production and ok yes a little samey same-ish, but I was just happy to HEAR SOUL! Lyrics were rather interesting...hmmm
‘THE WORD’ Now this is for me,! I love it! I love it, it’s just honest, simple, and most of all for me GOSPEL!

‘REVEALED’; not what I would categorise as an exemplary soulful gospel performance, but that’s MY music taste buds.

Pleasant to listen to none the less, I feel Haddon is tippey toeing the fence a little with this album, I do agree POP, SOFT Rock is a very fair interpretation of where this achievement lies, I guess the title makes sense now. This album does ring with honesty and unconformity, for which I have the upmost respect. Feel something in your spirit and work with it - who can argue! DH is an artist, and a very talented one, so I salute his efforts and His ministry.

Go out and buy it, its diverse, its real, it’s not the Dee Dee we know but worth a purchase after all 'God didn’t Give up on Him'! ...... Now where are my ‘7 Days’ and ‘Crossroads’ albums!

DJ Yours Truly - November 2008

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