:: Slicker Than Your Average

Craig David

It’s interesting to think of the mindset behind this release. Craig’s first album “Born To Do It” saw him come fresh into the world music scene and he clocked up millions of sales for it – much deserved to say the least. This second album looks as though the American record company have had a strong say in the path he should follow. He has a strong fan base in Europe, yet this collection of songs is geared towards American ears. The album starts off with something of a US street rap style. He almost lost me then and there. Thankfully, later in the piece, there are some inviting R&B blessings that demonstrate Craig’s real talent and charisma. Check for “You Don’t Miss Your Water” and “Hidden Agenda” as highlights. The real significance is the duo of Craig with Sting on “Rise And Fall”. It’s a strong ballad and the experience of Sting lends a weighty hand to stand this track high. Elsewhere, “What’s Changed” shows out to be a tight slow jam, and “World Filled With Love” features talented guitarist Fraser T Smith. “Spanish” has a beautiful Latin guitar and bumping beat – a real summer hit. I believer the philosophy of changing the style almost makes Craig David languish here. He sounds best as his own person and the album is thereby redeemed in the later tracks.