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7 DAYS
- Released
24th July 2000
Although Craig
David's forthcoming album dodges the 2 Step / R&B crossover
style that made 'Fill Me In' one of the year's most truly
original releases, this second single maintains something
of the crisp production style of underground garage whilst
being a far more conventional R&B release. Mark Hill of
Artful Dodger is again the man with his hands on the production
boards and his now familiar blend of acoustic guitar and crisp
digital beats is the recipe that he follows.
The infectious
chorus which relates, day-by-day, the tale of one of young
Craig's seductions offers an irresistible hook and a similarly
irresistible temptation to improvise around the lyrical content
for the more imaginative.
Whilst much of
the album seems geared to an American market, assumed to be
incapable of comprehending the sounds of South London's clubs,
this single maintains an edge, not the least because of the
inclusion of a Sunship remix. Guaranteed, you'll be humming
this for at least as long as it tops the chart.
FILL ME
IN
- Released
27th March 2000
The vocalist
responsible for Artful Dodger's massive 'Re-rewind' smash
is going it alone and this is the first taste from his forthcoming
album. And, though you would be forgiven for thinking, "yeah,
yeah, talentless chancer." You'd be very wrong. In fact, David
steps up with a unique hybrid of R&B and the 2 Step sound
which sounds so exciting at the moment. His work with Artful
Dodger sets him in good stead to merge the unique UK underground
sound with the smooth-like-the-leather-interior-of-a-Lexus-coupe
R&B vibe.
Luckily, Mark
from Artful Dodger is on hand to bring the whole thing to
life, which he does, beautifully. The rhythm is expertly propelled
by an acoustic guitar melody that's strikingly similar to
Artful Dodger's remix of BB Mak's 'Still On Your Side'
no bad thing. David's vocals play fluidly over the syncopated
beats and you'd better get that stereo turned up nice and
loud.
ALBUM:
BORN TO DO IT
- Released
14th August 2000
Craig David wasn't
idly boasting when he named his eagerly anticipated debut
album 'Born To Do It'. Indeed, if the majority of this soulful
19-year-old's lyrics are to be believed, this love machine
is either just about to do it, is in the process of doing
it, has just done it or is thinking about doing it again.
Barry White could learn a thing or two from this boy. Lucky
git.
Craig's tremulous,
treacly soul tones, largely backed by delicate acoustic guitar
and strings, provide the perfect summer soundtrack to a little
'getting it on'. True, once you've heard recent singles '7
Days', 'Fill Me In' and UK garage smash 'Rewind', you'll know
exactly what to expect from 'Born To Do It'.
But as the red
wine flows, the jacuzzi bubbles saucily and the album eases
by like a warm summer breeze, you can't help but slip gently
into this silky smooth lurve album and find yourself in the
mood for a little sexual healing. In fact, listen to one of
the album's standout tracks, the lazily seductive 'Once In
A Lifetime' and you'll notice that young Mr David cheerfully
nicks a little from Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing'. Hell,
if you're gonna pilfer from a love god who better than the
master?
On one of the finest debuts
of the year so far, David has gone some way to establishing
himself as one of the most talented young smoothies around.
For verily he is 'The Booty Man' ladies and gentlemen and
he's 'really got it'. Casanova and out.
WALKING
AWAY
- Released
22nd November 2000
Southampton's favourite son is walking away from all the "troubles"
in his life.
Gawd bless
him. It can't be easy. What with the screaming girls, money,
fame and everything. It's a wonder he found time to pen
such an infuriatingly catchy, sublimely soulful slice of
pop. Annoying young git.
And it's good
to know that 'Walking Away' reveals another side to the
MOBO winner's character. David's not continually 'at it'
with the ladies you know. He has his problems. Good luck
to him.
There is no
doubting this man's vocal dexterity. And the way he takes
the Human League hit 'Human' (penned by Jimmy Jam and Terry
Lewis) and makes it his own is endearing. The other extra
track is an incredibly swift, acoustic version of '7 Days'
recorded live in Amsterdam. Oh to have the world at your
feet.
RENDEZVOUS
- Released
19th March 2001
Before he huffs
off to the US to do weights, get tattoos and return in a
couple of years as UK Soul's answer to D'Angelo, the BRIT-free
Craig - still acoustically assisted and referring to himself
in third person - offers out his laydee, with the promise
of 'Tonight' being 'their night'.
Details are scant, but
by now we can assume it will involve a jacuzzi and Moet
somewhere down the line, rather than the backseat of an
Escort with a Fanta that many a 'Rendezvous' consists
of.
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