Darien "If These Walls Could Talk" - 2009 Righteous Music Records

Every so often a singer will emerge from the independent ranks and take the music industry by storm. Whether the major labels will take notice and carry that artist to the levels they deserve, well, that's to be determined. One such artist I was recently turned on to by their manager, industry veteran Miles Anthony, is an extremely talented singer/songwriter/keyboardist hailing from "Money Earning" Mt. Vernon, NY. His name is"Darien". This brother carries on the tradition of modern day soul men such as Maxwell, Musiq, John Legend, Dwele, and Anthony Hamilton, and delivers an outstanding piece of work via his 16 song CD aptly titled, "If These Walls Could Talk". Released on the up and coming indie label, Righteous Music Records, Darien's music range from the Neo Soul stylings made famous by the aforementioned artists, sultry ballads, mid tempo'd dance tracks, blues, to a beautiful, what I call, an "AcoustiFolk" song in the album's title track {At least that's what it sounds like in the intro}. There's something for everyone here. Let's check out some of the highlights of an album I hope will spread throughout the world like a cure for all the world's problems ..... and listening to this brilliant album, it may do exactly just that.

Opening track, "Just Can't Wait", magnificently produced by Jeremy Mage, is a song that will set the party off in the direction. It's a fun, soulful melodic, hand clapping tune that'll have you dancing and singing up a storm. Darien's lead vocal performance permeates the brain with his yearning to show that lucky lady what she's been waiting for. "Gone", falls in line with "Just Can't Wait" in that it's an up tempo and festive sounding song. Even with the "Arrested Development-esque" samples sprinkled throughout, it still percolates. Darien delivers another stellar vocal performance here, in both the lead and background vocal. On "Composure", the tempo is slowed down a tad with it's Fender Rhodes filled chords, acoustic piano fills and runs, as well as the steady groove held down by the electric guitar and bass. Darien convincingly sings a lyric of loving a lady he simply cannot resist. On"Showya", the slight funky bounciness of this song is what will get your attention right away. The synthesizer fills and performance are some of the elements that surely have your head moving from side to side. The echoed delayed processing in Darien's lead vocal, in some parts of the song, gives this track a mysterious, haunting feel to it.

"Sail Thru", breezes through the mind like a trip on the open sea cruising on a yacht. The Fender Rhodes, once again, steadily holds the groove in place, with a sleeky and funky bass supplementing the bottom end, as well as the back beat of the subtly played hi hat/snare combination and kick drum. Darien's lead and doubled background vocal parts are sung in tune and "in the pocket". "The Road", is a mid tempo'd feel good song with spirit filled, optimistic fueled lyrics that'll have one reflect on their past, and where they'd like to be in the future. The track itself is genuinely honest and original in terms of the melody. Consisting of a bass guitar, electric piano, programmed drums, synth strings, and the strong vocal performance of Darien, certainly made this a shining highlight of this album. On "Saturday", we're back in the party mode, and that you will surely do ! Light turntable scratching effects, synthesizer fills, a bumping kick drum, and saxophone fills, adds that flavor a song should taste like, and that's savory and delicious !

On the album's title track, the aforementioned, "If These Walls Could Talk", starts in that "AcoustiFolk" mode I previously mentioned, then delves right into a "Stevie Wonder-esque" groove, one that will make Mr. Wonder himself wish he'd written, ...... that's how good this is ! This time around, the acoustic guitar strums holds center stage here, as they interwine with the tambourine, the melodically charged bass guitar performance, and the oh so funky drummer. Darien's, once again, lead and background performance is nothing short of spectacular. On "Seasons", Darien takes it down lover's lane with this "cuddling up with your significant other by the fireplace" number. The acoustic piano DEMANDS your utmost attention here, as it's chords are entrenched in the beauty of a great song! The chimes, the gently played drums, the ear pleasing synth strings, and those heavenly sounding Flugelhorn fills, has HIT written all over it !

Ladies and gentlemen, do yourself a favor, and pick up this CD ! It's a MUST HAVE for your collection and it's reasonably priced at $10, a more than fair bargain in these recessionary times. We often complain about buying CD's to only get one or two songs that are worth while, after spending so much money. But this CD folks, EVERY CUT is a "non skipper" !! I GUARANTEE YOU THAT !!

Kudos goes out to ALL contributing producers, recording and mastering engineers, additional background vocal support, and the "THE CATS", a.k.a. "The Musicians", as well as to the photographer and CD Cover Design expert ......You all did a WONDERFUL job on a talent that will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, and his name is Darien ........ and to Darien, .... A JOB WELL DONE !!! CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER !!!

To learn more about this incredible artist : Please visit the following websites :

www.RighteousMusicMedia.Com
www.RighteousMusicRecords.Com
www.MySpace.Com/DarienOnline
www.ThisIsDarien.Com