From the jump, Mo Brandis knows the assignment, and from the first listen, one can tell he is a graduate of the music game. The first track, “Here For Love,” is a midtempo shimmering track that evokes uplifting and positive affirmations reminiscent of many of the King of Pop’s aspirational tracks while fusing in a touch of Prince’s off-kilter falsettos and funk. From the bright top end to the subtle bass-driven grooves, layered melodic runs, ethereal harmonies and rich mantra-like hooks, Brandis delivers the perfect uplifting record to set the tone for the rest of the project. The next track, “Welcome To My World,” continues in a similar vein and takes it up a notch with a future-funk-pop-inspired backdrop. The slow build-up from the prevalent funky guitar licks to the deep bassline and anthemic textures is too grand to describe in words, and it’s much better when you feel it. The result is a brilliant introductory track (feels to me that it should have been the first record on the project) that really gives the audience of what MJ and Prince could have sounded like on a record together. The grooves, bassline and pads, and overall vocal arrangement take elements from both artists with a unique twist from Brandis himself, who is proficient enough to carry the track. The spirit of Prince comes into full glare on “2+2+2=7,” and “Slice Of Me”. The former is a boisterous, hypnotic funk jam ripe with a gripping guitar backline, synthesized pads and a sultry vocal performance that evokes the spirit of The Artist. “Slice Of Me”  taps into The Time and New Power Generation-style vibes that Prince helped pioneer. One thing to note is that this is far from an imitation but rather a crossover of tradition, as Brandis brings the old with the new.

The project closes out with the synth-driven “Celebrate,” an uplifting party jam that reminds us to put our hair down and enjoy the moment before it melts away. Once again, Brandis knows his stuff, and his versatility knows no bounds as he delivers a pitch-perfect performance that rises to a crescendo that tugs at our souls. It is more than right to end the project on a high note with a bang.