Search - Javier :: Javier

Exciting debut from a future superstar. Easily 4+ stars!

guillermoj | Washington, DC United States | 03/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Javier's self-titled debut CD is a smoothly executed and immaculately produced old-school R&B gem that is obviously influenced by Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway with a little Brian McKnight thrown in. Although I really love this release and it has received very positive reviews here, I am writing mine to further support Javier as I just read a couple reviews from well known reviewers that not only slammed Javier for sounding like Brian McKnight lite, but also took the opportunity to slam Brian McKnight. Cheap shot on both counts.In my opinion, this is one of 2003?s very best releases from a confident new talent who is following his muse and not jumping on the much too crowded neo-soul bandwagon or relying on hip-hop and collaborations with rappers to sell CDs. Keep in mind that I have no issue with any of the aforementioned genres, but can?t a young black man be allowed (and even commended) for sticking to his guns as he is the real thing not the creation of some producer. Some critics may not know that Javier not only did his time in a jam R & B band, is also a multi-instrument virtuoso, and served as co-writer on all the songs on his album, a rarity in the world of contemporary R&B.What about the record you ask? Some of you may have heard the first single title ?Crazy?, which in my mind is also one of 2003?s best. It?s got a Stevie Wonder vibe, a chorus from heaven, and some hooks that make it. "Song For Your Tears" is one of my favorites combining wah-wah guitars and classical piano with Philly soul orchestration and some Stevie Ray Vaughn blues to produce a lush masterpiece. Here Javier sounds like a seasoned pro. ?Hey Little Sister? has a contagious Roots-crafter percussion which makes the song move and seasons Javier?s infectious falsetto and song runs. Although ?Biggest Mistake? has a boy-band ballad feel to it, it?s still a great song that makes it an instant classic.Authentic Latin flourish spices tracks like "Can't Have My Heart" and "She Spoke To Me," are peppered with Latin influences, which is not surprising as Javier's father owned a Spanish-language radio station and Latin music was a constant presence in Javier's family household growing up. The former sounds a little too much like Brian McKnight?s ?Back At One?, but it?s still great. The latter is pure Javier which to me sounds a little like a contemporary Stevie. Not a parody or an imitation, just the voice and song selection is definitively more Stevie than Nas or 50 Cent. I love the guitar work and the sexy images that the song evokes. Think of a midnight dance under a full moon in a tropical island and you?ll get an idea of how great ?She Spoke To Me? is and why it?s another of my favorites. ?In Your Hands? showcases Javier?s voice and songwriting strength. ?She?ll Never Know? also hits the spot with his pleading beat and sense of romantic loss.The most magical song on the CD is saved for last??. ?October Sky? takes an entirely new direction with a jazzy late night feel that has Javier sounding like a troubadour from the 1930s (with a detour at Stevie Wonder?s house) who somehow wound up in a modern day bar. I hope that this song is a window of things to come. Don?t turn off your CD after the song ?ends? as it picks up again in an organic feel that could also be the basis for what lies ahead for Javier.

All in all this is an outstanding debut that is solidly based on old school R&B, but spiced by jazz, rock, funk, and Latin grooves. There are only a couple of songs (?Beautiful U R?, ?Slow Motion?) that are not as strong as the rest and sound a little too much like other crooners who specialize in mid-tempo songs. Even those songs are head and shoulders above the rest of what passes for R & B these days. While at first listen I can see why some may see Javier?s debut as a poor man?s Brian McKight, if you really listen to the music, there is no doubt that Javier is his own man and easily earns the 4 stars that I am giving it. It would have been 5 stars if the aforementioned mid tempo songs had been replaced by songs in the vein of "October Sky""

Uh.....um....uh...... wow, Can't say I'm not suprised by it

Buddhaful | MI | 10/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You go to the biggest celebrities, their songs rule the radio, #1 hits flying around, A-list producers doing their work for them, and you think it'll at least amount to a decent record. But it doesn't, and the best little suprises are right under your nose. Javier had a meek, low key hit with "Crazy". I really enjoyed it and decided to buy the album. I didn't expect much, but I want to support an artist like Javier. One listen hooked me in real quick.While most R&B males have smooth voices, most of them have a certain quirk to them, an unpleasent quirk. Javier's as smooth as a whistle. His ballads are smooth, "Beautiful U R" and "October Sky" are sensual. And "Song For Your Tears" is a meloncaly little ditty.Aware that his softness might get him shoved into overmilked neosoul area, he had sophisicated midtempos driven by his stylings. He plays guardian in "Hey Little Sister", my favorite track and one that can be destined for radio success.Javier has things going for him, oh how sweet it is"

Aaaaaahhhh...finally!! Real R&B is back in a big way!

VAQT | VA, USA | 12/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I'll start with a couple of burning questions. First, why is he not on every radio station all the time, yet, J. Lo can manage to top the charts? Second, what is wrong with Capitol records? Hello? Why are you sleepin' on this brother while we're all wide awake asking ourselves, "Where is the next single"? Why is this brother not getting promoted HEAVILY? With his amazing talent, he should be everywhere all the time! The brother has a voice that will make you melt and wonder what took him so long to get noticed! He not only has a smooth, sexy voice, but a range that can bring tears to your eyes and shame to some of these other cats out here fakin' it. AND he's a musician, he plays guitar and piano on the cd, which you will play over and over and over, I promise you. AND he writes, what doesn't he do? He cut a CD FULL of good music from beginning to end. He just doesn't miss on a single track. And if that ain't enough for you, the brotha has the nerve to be so fine that even if you were "Crazy" enough not to like his music (guess this is where the J. Lo fans come in) you should buy the cd just to peep the pictures inside! "Beautiful U R" Javier Colon, no doubt. Can ya say YUM! So thank you Javier for bringing real R&B back for the next generation and for those of us in the 25 - 30 age group who are old enough to remember the good old days (think Marvin, Teddy, Curtis, etc.). And thank you even more for not just having a beautiful face and a phenomenal voice but for adding amazing musical talent to the package. All you up and coming R&B singers out there (you too girls), but this CD and take notes...lots of them.To the record label, read my words: WE WANT MORE - NOW!!!"