Melinda Doolittle is one of the few truly talented singers to have graced the oft mediocre American Idol stage. The former backup singer’s debut album Coming Back To You will be released by HiFi Recordings on February 3, 2009. Melinda once again proves that she is no ordinary Idol alum by recording an album that blends retro soul, jazz, and modern pop into a style perfectly suited for her larger than life voice.
Melinda’s voice possess the kind of depth and integrity of classic soul singers like Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle. Soul tunes like the funky and brassy “Fundamentally” allow her to croon, growl, and wail her best. “It’s Your Love” is a smoother, stirring doo-wop number in which her velvet voice soars.
The title track is one of album’s few weaknesses, with a lifeless melody weighing Melinda’s voice down. But the song is the exception, as the rest of the album is bombastically gorgeous and brimming with soul.
Doolittle quickly gets back on track with a howling rendition of “Declaration of Love”, the kind of peppy tune that best shows off her energetic vocal style. Melinda barely restrains her guttural roar on a lively cover of Robert Johnson’s “Dust My Broom”. The song is very good as it is, but could’ve been truly stunning with a bluesier arrangement like that of Cassandra Wilson‘s recent rendition or the other Johnson tune Doolittle tackles: “Walkin’ Blues”.
The serene ballad “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” and the finale “Wonder Why” reveal the softer, warmer facet of her voice. But it’s the gospel-tinged “We Will Find A Way” that unleashes the Aretha hiding within Melinda Doolittle.
I think losing the American Idol competition and retaining her creative freedom was the best thing that could have happened to Melinda. I can’t imagine that the producers of the show would have allowed her to release such a wonderful throwback album. I really hope Coming Back To You receives the attention it deserves, because Doolittle has the vocal power to become an enduring star if given the chance.
I was not granted permission to include an mp3, but you can hear samples at the links below.
Melinda Doolittle – It’s Your Love (audio stream)
2 Responses to “Melinda Doolittle: Coming Back To You”
First i want to thank you! for let us post about our’s favorites singer. Without website nothing will be possible to share the love that we have for Melinda Doolittle. She is a amazing singer with big heart of Gold! Thanks.
FREE SONG FROM AMERICAN IDOL’S MELINDA DOOLITTLE! GO TO http://www.melindadoolittle.com and get it NOW – FREE! New album released on February 3, 2009! Don’t miss it!
Melinda Doolittle in her first-ever Nightclub engagement
November 17-21, New York City
FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine, will debut MELINDA DOOLITTLE in her first-ever nightclub engagement from November 17 – 21. The “American Idol” finalist will perform an intimate evening of jazz standards, pop hits and Broadway classics, in addition to selections from her CD, Coming Back To You. All shows are at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street). For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit feinsteinsatloewsregency(dot) com and TicketWeb(dot)com