DANIEL AUSTIN
Confidence In You (Soulspace)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Although they haven't achieved the dominance some of us might wish for, there's a growing faction among contemporary R&B circles that's searching for a modern formulation deserving of the time honored designation 'soul music.' With his debut album, Confidence In You, LA-based artist Daniel Austin takes a giant stride toward the head of that pack.

Mixing 21st century beats with the kind of old school sentiment that represents the best of the updated soul style, Austin displays an appealing grit beneath the first class production values that provides his music a multi-generational appeal. Blending pop and jazz elements into the mix helps lift him above the pack. There's much that's familiar in his sound, but nothing stereotypical.

Austin defers when asked to label his music, but whether the tag is currently fashionable or not, this is soul music, pure and, if not simple, certainly sweet.

Track List:

Let Me In * Undermined * Dreamers Know * Islands * Fire And Ice * Don't Wait 4 Love * Point N Click * Something About You * Haven't You Heard * Confidence In You * Is This For Real * Care For Each Other * Undermined (jellybean instrumental)

© 2004 - Shaun Dale