“COP DIS JAM”.
PROFYOUSION’S VIDEO REVIEW Cry
do it right
Chris Ballin’s vocals are often compared to Luther Vandross, although I don’t think so. Although Luther could sing, I never particularly cared for him. I think if a big cat can sing, they automatically say “Luther”, because it’s easy.
I like Chris. Think of a lower pitched Frankie Beverly, a smoother Bobby Womack, or more…a Christopher Williams. He’s got a slightly raspy quality to his voice lending that “special something” that makes anything he sings enjoyable.
Born in Nottingham, England,he began playing drums at the age of 8, joined his first band at 10, and has been a session musician singing background for a number of high profile acts over the years, including Incognito,ZZ TOP, Belinda Carlisle and Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd, Mark Morrison, M-People, Brand New Heavies, Desiree, Mica Paris and Tina Turner.
Combining the above chops with his ability to not only write, but phrase lyrics in unexpected ways, you can expect to be inwardly moved.
The track “Cry” off the “Do It Right” album is aural affirmation that a man CAN love the right woman. Produced by Errol Henry and Stephen Carmichael on the Intimate Music Group label, released in ‘96. Balliin co-wrote most of the tunes with Carmichael. Background vocals by Beverly Skeete and Hazel Fernandes.
From the delicate tones on the vibraphone at the beginning, the tone is set. He’s found a way of expressing his appreciation for what she has brought to his life, to the point of tears.
The first verse starts:
You ask me how I feel
Is my love for real
Don’t you know…I adore
Yoouu!
Stun my soul
Lose control
Of my mind…Then I find
No matter how I try, to hold it down
I remember life before, Your love I found
Girl you make me cry, cry, cry
This ain’t no sappy tune though, it’s got some heat, and an undeniable groove happening.
This is one of those tunes you play to set the mood when you have a lady at the crib for a little one on one time. I wonder if cats still do that, or am I just old?
“COP DIS JAM”.
PROFYOUSION’S VIDEO REVIEW Cry
Tracks:
Full-Time Lover 4:57
Living Life Alone 4:48
Wanna Be Loved 5:12
Could You Be Mine 5:06
Cry 5:37
Sunshine 4:47
Do It Right 5:30
Made Up My Mind 4:48
Part of Me 5:40
Make It Up 4:42
