Album Review for Rockie Charles – Born For You
Released on Orleans Record
With a sweet soulful voice, close to Sam Cooke’s in terms of emotive power, a laid-back funky guitar style, and some classy songs, powered by excellent production, backing singers and musicians, Born For You contains 11 songs that mix elements of blues, soul, gospel and rock into a distinctive style and sound.
From the high-pitched opening title track, with its Hammond organ and saxophones, to the slow bass of Old Black Joel, or the slow drawn minor groove of Something is Wrong with Our Love these are all narrative story songs, with few of the clichés often found in the blues.
I just Called To Wish You A Merry Christmas is another slow song, but with a novel twist, whilst I Like To Make Love When It’s Pouring Down Rain is the most carnal song on the album.
The optimism that powers the lyrics of There Is A Rainbow Hangin’ Over My Shoulder leaves the listener in a positive frame of mind.
Although there are no real new ideas, the result of familiar ingredients is never less than well put together.
Album Review by Ben Macnair
