Brian McKnight, considered by some to be the number one R&B artist in America, has struck another chord with his newest album, Ten. The artist in him felt the need to be more revealing. Brian says on brian-mcknight.com, “For me, it was all about being honest and exploring who I am right now. Like everyone else, I am a much different man than I was ten years ago.”
It opens with the sarcastic hit “She Was My Girl.”
“So go head, playboy, do your thing. Don’t be mad if she calls my name/Walkin’ around, supportin’ her, holdin’ her hand. Doin’ it big like you’re the man, but she was my girl.”
McKnight makes a bold statement in his work, while still delivering his trademark; soothing voice and smooth beats. The romance king, who has designed such hits as “Back At One,” “Everytime You Go Away,” and “Every Beat of My Heart,” has brought another element to his truthful lyrics: struggles within the greater society. The politically under toned “Red, White, and Blue,” featuring the sentimental country stars Rascal Flatts, offers the perspective of love American troops face. It was inspired by footage of actual phone conversations of soldiers overseas.
“Baby, I can hear you tryin’ not to cry/I’m afraid and I ain’t gonna lie/I gotta do what I’ve been trained to do,/I’m a little tired, but I’m doin’ fine/I got my brothers back and he’s watching mine. Just keep praying that we’ll all make it through.”‘ The honesty and emotion McKnight invested in this song makes it a worthwhile listen.
Each track on Ten holds its own on the CD. “I Do” and “Find Myself In You” are definitely the tone-down-and-relax-with-a-lover, tracks of this album. This CD works best as an after work or before bed wind-down. It also works as a mood stabilizer in the midst of crazy commuter traffic.
For those familiar with his previous work, this album does not fail to provide the McKnight fix. Those looking for a song to play at weddings, try out, “The Rest of My Life,” it might provide a useful lead. Sit back and prepare to relax with 15 songs of Brian McKnight.