Multi-talented singer/songwriter Kendra Morris has finally unveiled her fourth and newest album, Next. The 10-track project comes after months of musical promotions, which include multiple singles with engaging time-encapsulated visuals that showcase Morris’ retro-fitted, genre-bending style. The body of work sees the singer and her band made up of a host of talented musicians, from guitarist Supremo “Premo” Massiv, bassist Monti Miramonti, and drummer Chauncey Yearwood, who all bring their A-game to the project. The project is a conceptual body of work that captures different musical eras, Morris’ influences, her vast musical knowledge and progressive approach to musical world building and of course her wide vocal range and exquisite songwriting style.
The first track, “In My House” is a pop/soul tune that explores loneliness, mental clutter and the process of clearing out one’s closet before the situation gets out of hand. The track sets the tone for the rest of the project with its Northern Soul/Motown era musical arrangement style, garnished with a modern contemporary twist. Ripe with soul-stirring vocal runs, heartfelt songwriting and a permeating hook, the record is an inviting piece into the expansive world of the album. The track was one of the early singles Morris released, and it also came with a visual that fuses retro, grainy aesthetics with a modern touch and stop motion to create a somewhat chaotic atmosphere that slowly clears out. The next set of tracks, “Dear Buddy” and “After Midnight,” continue in the same vein with their intimate and heartfelt lyrics, soothing vocal runs and nostalgia-inducing vibe. The former is a solemn, bittersweet love ballad about what could be, while the latter is a reflective look at the emotional tug and pull of yearning for that special someone who completes one’s world. The track is particularly striking as it’s a stripped-down ballad with soft percussion, rich guitar licks and layered vocal harmonies that add depth and space to the main vocals. The overall live recording feel is exemplified on that record. The next track, “If I Called You,” is a bubbly summertime pop number that explores fantasy and the what-if moment with that special crush. For this, Morris and her band craft a brilliant nostalgia-driven piece that captures the fun moments we often invent in our heads about that special someone who doesn’t even know we exist. From the plucky guitar licks, rumbling grooves, lustful strings and a prevalent bassline, Morris cascades the backdrop with her soothing vocal runs and heartfelt, vivid lyrics that detail how wonderful life would be with her crush. Another musical milestone is attained on “Back With Me,” a retrofitted 1960s doo-wop inspired tune with modern pop aesthetics that evokes nostalgia with a touch of uplifting soulfulness. Here, Kendra sings about the power of love and yearning for that special someone till they return to her arms. The production is rich, layered and groovy and most importantly, captures the 60s Motown vibe with its lush guitar licks, warm keys and punchy grooves. On the vocal tip, Kendra Morris delivers another stunning performance, showcasing her vocal range, knack for gripping melodies, and hypnotic hooks that keep listeners coming back for more. Watch the music video below.
The project thus far keeps raising the ante with the timeless and classical musical inspiration/influences but more importantly how Morris and her band are able to revamp those sounds into their own without sounding too hackneyed or on the nose. It’s easy to tell that Morris is not only a fan but a true student of music and doesn’t shy away from letting that show in her music which makes for not only an entertaining product but also diverse and highly addictive. On “Flat Tire,” she delivers a reggae/pop/doo wop-infused jam that explores her unique creative process and the ups and downs of how her mind works. From the crunchy reggae drum grooves, lush guitar stabs and scenic pads that emulate classic Jamaican dub from the 80s, the track evokes feelings of the past with a modern twist as Morris takes listeners deep into the crevices of her mind. The verses are powerful, and how they build up into the chorus needs to be studied, as Morris explodes into a crescendo with her mantra-like hook. “Don’t Wanna Be Happy” starts with a punchy drum break which rises into a thick bassline underpinned by Morri’s parallel-effects drenched vocals reminiscent of the early 45 recordings. The subtle echoes and reverberated vocal style punctuates the vintage soul style and instantly transports lovers of retro soul to a familiar space. The final track is a profound and thought provoking social commentary that closes the project on a solid note. Here, Morris takes an insightful look at humanity as a whole and how the never-ending infighting leads nowhere. The track’s gloomy soundscape is brimming with solemn guitar licks, moody strings and soft drum patterns underpinned by Morris’ plea to the world to reconsider and look at what makes us the same. From senseless wars that lead to nothing but loss to social strife stemming from racial tensions and the elitist mentality that continues to divide humans, Morris reminds us that there are no real winners in this game, and it’s better we get our act together before it’s too late. Other notable tracks include the guitar driven soft pop “Bill” and the cinematic “Go Nowhere,” where both sounds like soundtracks for 70s suspense thrillers.
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