The Triumph Of A Dual Threat
Posted August 30, 2019
By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know:
We’ve all heard the phrase, “born to do this.” Aaron Cole has been singing and engaged in his passion for music since the age of 4. Therefore, most believe Cole was born to use music to bring glory to God. Even though he independently released two projects as a young teenager in 2012 (13) and 2014 (15) respectively, Cole didn’t gain traction until his 2016 EP release If I Can Be Honest. After signing with the iconic label Gotee Records in 2017, he released an EP the following year titled, Virginia Boy. All of this built up to Cole’s first full-length release with Gotee, Not By Chance. A headliner tour is planned in the not-so-far future.
Born in Bristol, Virginia, but now Cole resides in Nashville; one of the predominant music industry hubs. He lives and breathes music quoted as composing at least one or two songs daily. The move a few years back inspired him to create constantly. He still believes in the album model and desired to create a “fire” full-length project, something brilliantly accomplished as detailed below.
What it Sounds Like:
Precision. Aaron Cole’s debut full-length album accents and builds upon his strengths, both with harmonizing and rapping, then took his skill set to the next level. From start to finish, the project is composed of a polished sound cementing why every single or feature released receives the spotlight.
After a classic soulful gospel introduction, Cole wasted no time with “Flashback” featuring 1K Phew reminding listeners he can master the art of harmonizing and rhyming without hesitation. Speaking of rhyming, he reminds us on “Back In My Bag” and “Cassius Clay” that Cole can still “rap, rap” flowing bar for bar effortlessly. On the other hand, “Photos” featuring Evan Ford showcases the range Cole possesses. Natural melodies, soulful vibes, and peaceful undertones are captured. The same may be said for “Who You Are” featuring Montell Fish. It’s the type of track fans can kick back and relax on a Friday night with the windows down straight finessing.
Even as summer fades, Cole gifts listeners an anthem on “Maybe” featuring Derek Minor and Kaleb Mitchell. There’s no shortage of crafty wordplay, crisp production, and a collective masterpiece.
The overall production remains airtight like Cole’s personal performance. Not an easy feat due to his talented depth switching between rhythms and rhymes. Each track fits seamlessly between the lyrics and beats. You’re not solely smothered in trap like most of the competition. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Spiritual Highlights:
There isn’t any shortage of Cole’s references not only to his personal faith walk but of God and of Jesus consistently. In “FASHO,” he calls out specifically Galatians 6:9. When Cole discusses love and relationships in “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” he states, “help me to never sell out and give them the truth, while I’m looking for love, lead me to You (God).” Basically, “Who You Are” is an R&B version of a worship song exclaiming how amazing God is.
Cole’s admiration for God and his personal faith are stamped on essentially every track from start to finish.
Best Song on the Record:
Saving the best for last, the title track “Not By Chance” stands above all else highlighting Cole’s dual skill set. The content weighs heavily pushing the listener to take time to process everything said. Lyrical mastery at its finest. This track displays Cole’s growth, confidence, and maturity within his own voice and cadence.
One of his lines reminds listeners, “God’s showing me I win even when I lose.” One beautiful aspect of Cole’s music is the hope found within. He always reminds us that God is the answer regardless of the applicable trial or tribulation.
For Fans Of:
Byron Juane | Phil J. | CASS
Final Word:
A track nor feature does not exist which wasn’t intricately chosen to emphasize Cole’s reign in the industry. Even more promising is the fact he’s just getting started at only the age of 20. There is a sense of refinement and completion spilled over regardless of the track. His individual growth is evident since his Gotee debut of Virginia Boy last year. The project contains a suitable mixture of range that may be enjoyed on various platforms. Examples of worship, admiration, triumph, confidence, and happiness are evident throughout. Whether you’re looking for a song to relax to, move every body part to, or bob your head; something for every mood is captured.
The keys solo of sorts during the conclusion of the title track elegantly wraps up the album poised for a standing ovation.
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