Chad Neaves: Something In My Soul

It's a tough old world out there for the singer songwriter. There are millions of them plugging away, singing their hearts out, yet only a few will actually receive any recognition. It's not always a level playing field and the public are a fickle lot. Just look at James Blunt. The plastic population could not get enough of his insipid sterile acoustic pop at first, then.... well you know the rest. Blunt has happily been replaced with the likes of Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz and this may prove the making of London lad Chad Neaves. Neaves music has that summer vibe going on and this coupled with his rich voice and good looks may well make a star of him.

Something In My Soul is an album filled with funky acoustic pop that is hugely infectious. Opener Wonderful Day is simple, yet it is lifted by Neaves spirited vocal performance, though it is one of the weaker tracks on offer. Neaves knows how to craft a pop song and demonstrates this on the excellent 7 and This Is War. Both have a whiff of James Morrison about them, though Neaves voice is far more poppy, but no less warm.

It could be said that this is not the most original album you will hear and Neaves certainly plays it safe throughout, but sometimes playing to your strengths is exactly what is required. Take In My Jungle and You Mean More. These songs lodge in your head. Songwriting that is infectious, simple and leaves plenty of room for that voice to do its magic. Playing to his strengths all the way. This album is an assured and confident piece of work that is sure to have the majors sniffing around. Remember the name.... I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Chad Neaves.

Chad Neaves – Something In My Soul

When I review new music, I believe I must give it a fair hearing. So I play the songs for review at least 20 times before I start to write about them. This gives me the chance to get into the music and to be persuaded by the artist to get to know and enjoy their work.

I have an eclectic taste in music, so with the “fair hearing” I give to each new collection of songs; I usually have something good to say about each album. So with this said, I must now tell you about “Something In My Soul” the CD by Chad Neaves, which I must have heard thirty times by now.

Chad Neaves funky album, “Something In My Soul” won me over the first time I heard it! The first song “Wonderful Day” is an upbeat positive and happy song that takes you immediately to a joyful summer place and before it finished the first time, I had already become a Chad Neaves fan!

There are some artists who seem to have the intention of writing songs in different genres of music, to show their versatility. Chad Neaves has found a genre of music that best suits his voice and I am so glad he has enough self belief to stick to it; it is without doubt a winning formula! You can feel Chad’s enjoyment in the performing of his songs!

The album is a collection of catchy, memorable and well constructed songs, lyrically strong, which are sung with soulful passion and clear diction. The three piece band with Chad on vocals and guitar, Joe Lonsdale on bass and Bobby F Davis on drums have created a tight funky syncopated sound which seems effortless and relaxed.

Chad reminds me vocally of Leo Sayer and he is a singer/songwriter to watch out for, his star has already begun to shine brightly!

So if you like acoustic soft rock, a soulful voice, and you’d love to have been the one who told your friends first about the one they love now; what are you waiting for?

At £5.99 including postage and packing this is a must have album! Although all the tracks are seven out of ten or above for me, my personal favourites are “Wonderful Day,” “I’ll Be Yours,” the title track “Something In My Soul” “Changing Everyone” and “You Mean More.” ***** (5 Stars)

Chad Neaves

Something In My Soul

http://www.bluesbunny.com/tabid/122/xmmid/474/xmid/2336/xmview/2/default.aspx

What's in a name? Let's not deny it. We all - intentionally or otherwise - fall foul of judging a book (or perhaps a breathing entity) by its cover. Certainly, a name like Chad Neaves is always going to stand out on a census. So, Chad is a budding North London musician. Does his music stand out? "Something In My Soul" is his debut album, and will stand as a fine release to build on.

It sounds like Chad is singing in the summer on opening track "Wonderful Day". Harnessing a paper-thin voice that neither threatens nor hides, he conveys an undeniably hipster sound complete with reggae-tinged guitar patterning. "All Over", on the other hand, is a terrific soul-searcher on which Chad's voice takes flight.

Title track "Something In My Soul" is breezy, soulful, and ultimately danceable, while "Changing Everyone" is perhaps the most succinctly crafted song on the album - even if he really doesn't have a lyric for the last line.

Unlike many singer-songwriters nowadays, Chad's lyrics don't so much as test the waters of sadness. Complementing his "funky" guitar style, Chad sings happy, cheery songs in an uplifting tone. Even the songs of lost love suggest that hope springs eternal. "In My Jungle" strays into the pop-rock field without ever becoming obnoxious or jerky. A little numb sentiment is allowed on "You Mean More", which is saved only by Chad's soulful chirping. The born-again hand-clapping funkiness of "You Said" drives the album to a relatively frantic conclusion.

"Something In My Soul" is a positive and commendable first step from a  distinctly promising artist.