Jan
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)
