An Album For the People| Posted July 27, 2016
V. George Smith is a name that has that certain ring to it. This Connecticut-residing family man has been involved in online radio, having linked up with Kev On Stage and Bonnerfide Radio to co-host The Remix. He is also a part-time comedian with his crazy antics on social media outlets, but music is his main gift. He usually begins any day on social media with "Hello beautiful people," which is what his sophomore is aptly titled. George wrote every song on the album, and he allowed various singers to interpret the songs in their own way. Overall, the tone of the album is chill and melodic with George really making sure that songwriting was not cliche.
The intro is noteworthy because the Playmakers Kevonstage and his brother Jason Fredericks are featured, and it is pure comedy. It starts off as if they were going to worship, however, it quickly goes into hilarity. They begin to rap as if they were truly some gangsters for Christ, saying things like, "Judas, you a snitch / You don' wind up in a ditch."
The jazzy and skillful Paula Champion duets with the multitalented singer and producer Doobie Powell to weave their melodic voices throughout "There will Be Peace." Don't overlook this song! "Purchased by God" has a funky yet soulful vibe to it. Ashley Merrell adds a nice touch vocally while Pastor YPJ exhorts at the beginning and towards the end of the song. "For Always" is so smooth, but it is all about the way R&B artist Micki Miller (who just released Summertime Chi) nails it. Her phrasing and intonation is on point; George picked the right person to interpret this one.
Smooth baritone Josiah Martin leads "You Hold My Heart" with conviction. With all that he has experienced, this song is personal: many are praying for him as he goes through dialysis and waits for a kidney transplant. Sister group Jckson Ave. (signed to PJ Morton's label) sing over the reggae-tinged "God is Right Here" while Darien Yancey-Mackey paints a vivid vocal picture on "Just Believe."
Closing Thoughts:
V. George Smith has put together a compilation album that encompasses what music should be about. He wrote and arranged quality songs, picked the right singers (none with a huge name, but artists who are all doing great things in mainstream and Gospel), and he continues to carve out a place in the industry. Radio, music lovers, record executives: everyone should take notice of Hello Beautiful People.
Song to Download Now:
"There Will Be Peace" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
