October London October Nights Review: A Soulful Throwback with Modern Flair
Album Title: October Nights Release Date: October 10, 2024 Genre: R&B/Soul Length: 16 songs / 53 minutes 31 seconds Label: Death Row Records Producers: Soopafly, October London, Jarius Mozee, Boney James, Ian Roller, Jeff Gitelman, Babyface, Brandon "B.A.M." Hodge, Karl Rubin, Mike & Keys, Michael Letter Introduction of Work / Significance A year after releasing The Rebirth of Marvin, October London returns with October Nights under Death Row Records, an album that has been highly anticipated by his fans. The project seeks to continue his homage to classic soul music while offering a modern twist with a wide range of production and collaborations. Track by Track Breakdown - "Slander My Name": Soopafly provides open chords for October London's Marvin Gaye-esque falsetto delivery. A solid intro. - "Touch on Me": Bongo rhythms and a smooth horn section add to this sensual, love-making soundtrack. Its simple lyrics are all about physical affection. - "A Beautiful Woman": October London brings an emotional delivery reminiscent of R. Kelly while celebrating the beauty of women. - "3rd Shift": Clearly inspired by Lenny Williams, this track showcases October's impressive falsetto. - "Don't Go": An ‘80s style song about loneliness, blending soft, nostalgic melodies. - "She Keeps Calling": A funky groove with synth horns and a memorable bassline, this track stands out for its infectious energy. - "All I Want is You" (feat. Boney James): The smooth sax performance by Boney James gives this track a jazzy flair. October’s delivery channels a vibe similar to Kem. - "Don't Waste Your Time": Vocal harmonies stand out on this track, reminiscent of classic R&B. - "Kill Shot": A storytelling piece with an R. Kelly-style narrative delivery. - "Missing You": Produced by Babyface, this song offers a different, more unique vocal performance from October. - "Bedroom Bully" (feat. Tyrese): A modern yet nostalgic ballad, where Tyrese’s upper register harmonizes well with October’s voice. - "The Best Problem": Karl Rubin provides a contemporary production, moving away from the old-school feel and embracing a melodic rap style. - "Momma": A touching tribute to mothers, again showing R. Kelly influences. - "Put You On" (feat. Snoop Dogg): This track brings a G-Funk style bassline and synth, with Snoop’s smooth flow and October’s D’Angelo-esque vocal. - "The Reception" (feat. Ledisi): A chopped and screwed sample, with Ledisi’s phenomenal vocals adding depth. - "Time": A pseudo-classical production with strings, allowing October to display his vocal prowess without excessive imitation. https://open.spotify.com/album/0y7LN7tEQW36PYKwTHzt2H?si=nu_evxddTl2mQrvBa_stRQ Overall Sound and Production The production on October Nights highlights a variety of styles, thanks to contributions from multiple producers, most notably Soopafly. The diverse production styles allow October London to showcase his vocal range while paying homage to his soul influences. However, the reliance on familiar sounds and styles sometimes makes the project feel like a throwback rather than something entirely original. Lyrical Content and Themes October London solidifies himself as a modern-day crooner, crafting songs centered around themes of love, intimacy, and admiration for women. The lyrics are straightforward, often romantic, with a focus on connection and sensuality. The standout lyricism is often more about delivery and emotion than complex wordplay. Vocal Performance/Delivery Vocally, October London impresses throughout the album. He channels iconic soul singers like Marvin Gaye, R. Kelly, and D’Angelo, but at times, it feels like he is relying too much on their inflections and delivery styles. While his technical vocal ability is undeniable, the challenge for October seems to lie in carving out a sound that is distinctly his own. Standout Moments - "Touch On Me" evokes Marvin Gaye’s classic sound, which feels just right for the sensual mood. - "She Keeps Calling" and "All I Want Is You" are memorable highlights. - Ledisi’s contribution on "The Reception" adds a powerful female touch to the album, standing out as one of the top collaborations. Conclusion October Nights solidifies October London as a rising star in the R&B/soul genre. His vocal talent and ability to blend various influences are clear strengths. However, while the album succeeds in paying homage to classic soul, October still needs to develop a more distinct sound of his own. As much as the project is a showcase of his incredible range, it occasionally leans too heavily on familiar sounds and influences. Nonetheless, October Nights is a strong release and a testament to the resurgence of soul music under Death Row Records. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Read the full article
