I-Light Media

Randevyn

Raydevyn, R&B is still breathing

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  • Jason McDonald

Raydevyn: The PKs Got Soul

By Jason McDonald, I-Light Media

There’s no questioning hip hop has been the preferred genre for new artists breaking into the music industry. In his debut effort, SolTrain, Randevyn seeks to change the industry paradigm. The soulful singer is experienced beyond his years having performed with gospel heavyweight Joe Pace and the Colorado Mass Choir. His training comes through on the first single “Dear Farrah”. When he first heard the track he admitted “That’s me”. Listening to Randevyn’s smooth vocals on the finished product it’s not hard to see what caught his ear. The infectious beat beckons you to close your eyes, tilt back that head and submit to a transient state of groove.

With so many pre-packaged, longer on looks than talent artist hitting the music scene, Randevyn’s effortless delivery is almost embarrassingly perfect. His vocal strength is readily apparent on SupaNatural. A mid-tempo cut that’s perfect for couples to get their groove on. Where gratification from SupaNatural is almost instantaneous, Missing You takes a little warming up to. Stretched over a quirky folksy beat reminiscent of Prince’s Raspberry Beret, most will either play it once or a thousand times.

Laugh and Cry picks up the energy as it transports you to the family reunion and the gabardine pants wearing uncle that won’t sit down. Old school aficionados will feel a Sly and the Family Stone influence in the melody. Intended or not, it works. Kids can rest assured their parents will call them away from the BBQ ribs for yet another embarrassing dance off.

Randevyn revisits his search for love on True Love. Accompanied only by a piano, the balladeer promotes the importance of loving one’s self before engaging another. The selection comes across more like a appetizer than a main course. It’s pleasant enough but his youth is the limiting factor here. Just as Randevyn gets ready to really open up he stops short.

Why, Oh Why and the title song SolTrain feature excursions that take showcase his willingness to try different approaches. As filler songs go, you won’t be tempted to step through to the next track.

For a debut album, Randdevyn’s SolTrain is more than enough to renew your faith that R&B is still breathing.