The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Doolittle revisits soul roots

By Michael Devine, News correspondent

Melinda Doolittle could have been a megastar if her career began half a century earlier. Fortunately, for contemporary R&B fans, Doolittle still relishes in the underappreciated art of throwback soul on her Hi Fi Recordings debut, Coming Back to You.

If Doolittle’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she was an American Idol front-runner in 2007, ultimately finishing second to to Jordin Sparks. Her signature, shy, ‘Oh gosh, you really liked it?’ demeanor, juxtaposed with powerhouse vocals, defined her as a contestant. Those vocals are loud and clear on Coming, a covers album.

Mixing classic cuts by the likes of Sammy Cahn with more recent releases by Celine Dion and Bonnie Raitt, she effectively reimagines both, sending contemporary hits back in time so they are barely recognizable amidst jazz instrumentation and sounds of the ’60s.

Doolittle kicks off the disc with Raitt’s ‘Fundamental Things,’ highlighting her personality through lyrical suggestions of dancing barefoot on broken glass and running through the streets:’ These lyrics also remind listeners of the importance of getting back to the simple things in life. The dissipation of Doolittle’s timid American Idol days is more and more noticeable as the album progresses. Her feisty spirit emerges especially on ‘Dust My Broom’ and ‘Walkin’ Blues.’

But the album is not driven solely by personality and upbeat offerings, as evidenced by tender, sometimes even sappy ballads, like ‘If I’m Not In Love’ and ‘I’ll Never Stop Loving You.’ These tracks are pleasing to the ear, but ultimately leave the listener feeling a bit empty.

On the album’s first single, ‘It’s Your Love,’ Doolittle uses throwback soul to its fullest potential, combining ’60s-era strings with jazz arrangements in an almost magical union with her vocals. Throughout the record, Doolittle ends up making unlikely songs fit her style; in some cases, she outdoes the original. On her interpretation of the title track, for instance, Doolittle’s smooth vocals effectively transport listeners to the beach in the summer of ’73, watching waves crash against the sunset-stained sand.

From a commercial standpoint, Doolittle’s take on Wynonna Judd’s ‘I Will Be’ is a definite highlight, as she combines throwback soul with a pop-oriented hook and inspirational sentiment drawn from lyrics like, ‘I will be brave / I will be bold / follow my faith to a higher road / and I’m not there yet, but I will be.’

Artistically, ‘We Will Find a Way’ surpasses Doolittle’s other interpretations. The track blends her vocal dynamics with a gospel undertone for the perfect balance of showmanship and creativity.

While these tracks are enjoyable individually, they bleed together in one uninterrupted listen, due to a general lack of diversity. One might think he or she is stuck in an episode of NBC’s canceled series ‘American Dreams.’

Doolittle may be a long way from achieving monumental success, but Coming Back to You is proof she has the character, and more importantly, the pipes, to stick around for a while. With the exception of a few minor potholes, it appears Doolittle will face minimal resistance as she continues down the road of yesteryear’s soul. Maybe next time she can try her hand at a few originals rather than just covering the works of others.

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