CD OF THE WEEK: Redd-Angel: Fabulous Volume 1
Fabulous Volume 1 is not just the debut full-album release from Jerome Martin. It is also the effort Martin has put into saving the Redd-Angel name. And it makes a valiant attempt at doing so.
Once upon a time, Redd-Angel were a duo, and the departure of Martin’s partner, Redd, caused its fair share of controversy. The name Redd-Angel has been dragged through the mud as rumours about the duo’s demise spread. Rather than create a whole new identity, Martin fought to keep the name and push on as a solo act.
It is within this background that Fabulous is released. Many of the songs were written by the two together, but it is only Angel who sings them.
So, we are presented with Redd-Angel, minus Redd’s rapping. As a solo act, Redd-Angel says he is able to create the sound he wants. This translates into mellow R&B and slow jams, with a sprinkling of pop songs about phly chicks.
Fabulous Day, the track that is deservedly played at full volume out of car stereos across the country, is there, as is the hit ballad asking for forgiveness, I’m Sorry.
This Angel can sing, as sweetly as any of his celestial friends. And when he does, one thinks of Usher and Craig David, even a little bit of R Kelly. That may just be the problem, though.
As he continues to do exceptionally well overseas, the question is whether he’ll be able to stand out as unique — and uniquely South African, at that.
If Martin keeps at his efforts to incorporate his African identity into the songs, like he does a little on I’m Sorry, he might be able to stand out indeed.
His cover of Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror has earned him a number-one spot in France and continues to do well. And it seems he has the star quality and voice to make more of these hits in the future.