WK20 - Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement (8)

Released - 9/1/09

Label - Stones Throw Records

BLURB - A very nice debut here from the previously unknown Mayer Hawthorne. This soulful crooner showcases his voice and swagger over twelve tracks of rich R&B and motown grooves. Consider this record to be fusion of Robin Thicke and Amy Winehouse, minus the crack. 'A Strange Arrangement' is definitely a feel good record and very easy to listen to. The production of this album is complete with horns, strings, pianos and filled with 60's Detroit style songwriting. The one knock on him would have to be his voice. When Hawthorne attempts to reach his higher registers through falsetto it comes off a bit nasally, as evident on, 'Just Not Gonna Work Out.' But other than that, this record is very well done, and a pleasant surprise for music listeners everywhere.

Rating - 8 out of 10

FULL STORY - This record opens with numerous, layered vocal tracks preluding the title track, 'A Strange Arrangement.' The flow and the rhythm of this song screams eighth grade slow dance music, but with lyrics suggesting anything but puppy love. The slow pace of the opening tracks may discourage listeners from giving Hawthorne a fair shake, but excellence is just around the corner.

'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out' shows us a solid drum beat and some muted piano chords can go a long way. The potential for this song to be amazing is slightly diminished as the verses find themselves locked in Hawthorne's falsetto, which sounds unnatural and forced. Everything is there for the track to be a success: a solid chorus, some catchy hooks and subtle piano work, but again his voicing over the verses detracts a bit from the song.

After a mediocre opening three tracks, this record really hits its stride and becomes amazing. On 'Maybe So, Maybe No' Hawthorne lets loose and nails the vocals. A collection of big band horns and jazz guitar send this song back to the 60's. 'Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' is not only the longest title on the album, but it's also the musical standout. After hearing this you'll want to dig out your long poodle skirt, go dancing and buy a malt. Everything on this track is on point. In addition to great songwriting, an incredible bass line and an upbeat tempo, the track also throws in a powerful saxophone solo. You'll definitely want to clap along to this one.

'Make Her Mine' is another great track. Hawthorne uses some clever wordplay that stays relevant in today's music but sounds classic at the same time.

"I may not drive a new mercedes, but I'll chauffeur my girl to the edge of the world. I may not wear a golden watch, but I'll be right on time for a woman so fine."

These lyrics have a very simplified cheesiness to them, but Hawthorne's delivery makes them sound inarguably, cool.

With an opening comparable to Diana Ross' 'Baby Love,' 'One Track Mind' again reaches into the vintage motown vault. While the music is great, the lyrics are sub par. The whole track revolves around a girl that spends all of Hawthorne's money. Real original. But yet again, his delivery and the 'feel' of the song makes it not only listenable, but enjoyable.

As a whole this album is pretty good. Nothing more. But there are about five tracks that are absolute home runs, and have a timeless quality to them, which is very rare. It's a very nice debut, but I'd a like to see some better vocals and some songs that are longer than three minutes. That said, this is still worthy of purchasing.

Tracks

1.) Prelude

2.) A Strange Arrangement

3.) Just Ain't Gonna Work Out

4.) Maybe So, Maybe No

5.) Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'

6.) I Wish It Would Rain

7.) Maker Her Mine

8.) One Track Mind

9.) The Ills

10.) Shiny & New

11.) Let Me Know

12.) Green Eyed Love