Anthony Hamilton: The Point of It all

anthony hamitlon/The Point of It All/ So So Def/ Zombra Label Group

The six-time Grammy-nominated R&B-soul balladeer croons a melodic picture of life using straightforward lyrics as his mellifluous paintbrush on his junior effort The Point of It All: “Talking about relationships again… everything from making love to building love; having arguments, just life!”

The Neo-soul North Carolinian’s roots in traditional R&B, soulful vocals, charming melodies, and influences ranging from Bill Withers, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Johnny Guitar Watson and Marvin Gaye, were combined with the modern rapper David Banner on “Cool.” The Mark Batson-produced, “I Feel Like Falling In Love,” is a feel-good up-tempo track that juxtaposes husky vocals with smooth, impressive piano stylings. “Praying For You” is a true lady-swagger tribute with a skilled Gospel-style breakdown. The title track, a baby-making ballad with Hallmark card-lyrics, “no matter what the storm will bring/I’m fine with you/ the point of it all is I love you,” was produced by the Avila Brothers.  “Her Heart,” like the album overall, combines romantic R&B sounds with modern flair over soulful instrumentation and affectionate lyrics: “Cause her heart, her heart won’t let me lose her.” The moving “Please Stay,” features a somber chorus of horns, Jack Splash’s production, and the attempts to regain his lady’s trust with his distinctive voice. Impressive, poignant and euphonic, this is a remarkable must-own for the true, quintessential R&B connoisseur. –Leigh Silbernagel