I just wanted to start off by saying thank you to Anthony Rhyne for hitting me up to collaborate on this project. As a person who has been writing reviews for over a year, I am constantly looking for new songs to add to the collection and this one was nothing short of fire. I’m not going to lie I was nervous about how exactly I was going to write this because I have never been requested to review an album before, it was simply out of love for the music. As I have stated before it is officially R&B season with fall being in full effect now. This album just adds more fuel to the nighttime fires and late-night drives that take place during this season especially. Now let’s get into the man behind the music.
I have never been to Memphis a day in my life but this is the second artist from there who I am writing about when it comes to R&B. If the new trend is for southern artists to take over this genre like they did rap, then I’m all for it. Anthony grew up in a household full of R&B so it’s only natural that he let his talents show as well. Being brought up in the Church aided him as well as music was all around during this time period. This is what instilled his hard work ethic and drive to become the best version of himself and sing professionally.
One thing about artists today is that touring is a major part of their act. Since everything is done by streaming many hit the road constantly and are on the grind state to state. After speaking with Anthony for weeks leading up to this article it’s safe to say he himself is hustling. As he has been touring constantly, one of his biggest accomplishments is opening up for Lyfe Jennings in his hometown in 2018. It’s safe to say that Mr. Rhyne is serious about his craft and he is doing what he is passionate about and this is the recipe for success.
Although Anthony has known about his talents for a long time he decided to double down and get serious last year. All the teachings and inspiration from family members has lead to this moment and he was ready for it. In 7 tracks we get real R&B, not half rap or trap or anything just straight Rythm and Blues.
Track 1 immediately gets you into the song and Anthony wastes no time letting us hear his voice as he immediately comes in after the first note. This track is the fastest one on the project bpm wise but it’s still subtle and smooth. “Come party” has a series of flows and different styles simply within the song itself which doesn’t happen too much, especially with R&B but this was done very well and only added to the track.
You know whenever you get the snaps in a song, the artist is about to kill it and do his thing. This might be my favorite song on the album because it’s simple, but it's done well. Sometimes it’s easy to easy or miscalculate what should be done on a beat that’s not complex. To fill the void many artists like to add multiple variations of what they believe will work or make the record better. However, in doing so it creates more problems than solutions. Simplicity + simplicity can = a great record. Will it stand out as much probably not, but when you’re putting together a project you need solid pieces to keep the audience engaged. Throw a wild card in there and that can all be undone. This is why Track 2 deserves to be appreciated in its simplistic nature.
“Vibin” is what the title is. When you’re cleaning up at home or going on a drive you can throw this on. You will automatically at some point move to the beat as well. One thing I love is that the beat just rocks at the end too, it’s a nice touch that many do not implement. This beat sounds like an older style of beat and Track 3 has you moving like it too.
Lyrically Track 4 is the best. It is very sexy, seductive, and again simple. It is an R&B style of beat that just works. This is a great transition in the middle of the album to a raunchier side. It’s for those who are seasoned in the bedroom and know what to do with that experience. The beat gives a nostalgic feel to a 2019 sound. It is a combination of the old and the new and mixed well to cater to more people.
“Sex” is on everyone’s mind and something that everyone loves. Although it is the title to Track 5, the song sounds more like a lovemaking track. It is a delicate sounding record that will take things to the next level. Many things were added to the beat, effects and such but they were controlled very well. It was not overbearing or too strong. For a project that was created and cultivated in a matter of days, it sounds like a lot of thought was still put into it. This is where the talent and gifts come in. One could only do such a record if they know what they are doing down to a T.
The next two tracks seem like variations of the previous song which is actually a dope concept. It adds layers and complexity to a once singular piece of music that was amazing. My favorite part of Track 6 is around the 2:30 mark with a different effect on the voice that keeps listeners interested throughout the song even through the ending.
The last track is one of those instances that the verses are actually better than the hook. Similar to Track 4 this is lyrically stimulating. It’s the words that tie you into the music and make you invested in the song. For a debut project, this album showed a lot of promise and talent and showcases his ability. It’s a great step in the right direction for an R&B artist sticking to a natural sound. It’s not easy being a pure singer in this era where you need to be able to have 75 other aspects to worry about other than singing. We need to highlight those who are doing so and support artists such as Anthony Rhyne.
ALBUM SCORE & RATING
OFFICIAL RATING: 7.0/10
STANDOUT TRACKS
- “I CAN (TREAT HER RIGHT)”
- “REALLY WANT (FOREPLAY)”
- ★ “SEX”
- “ELEVATED (HIGH SEX)”
Thank you so much to Anthony Rhyne for messaging me about collaborating on this article and sharing his great music. I’m excited to share it with all of you as well.
