Love Behind The Melody :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
If you're new to Raheem DeVaughn but have caught wind that he calls himself an R&B-hippie-neosoul-rock star, you've got a right to be skeptical. It's hard enough to hold down an advanced degree of R&B cred these days without ratcheting up the pressure by insisting on being a hippie and a rock star, too. And despite the best efforts of Jill Scott and Angie Stone, neo-soul seems to have sputtered out somewhere among the back rooms of Maxwell's '90s-era urban hang suite. But DeVaughn's sophomore disc will hang your skepticism by its ankles and make it squirm. The D.C. singer and contemporary of Erykah Badu and Common is a gifted guy who knows how to work a lyric and never met a melody he couldn't set swiftly into motion. The best evidence comes by way of the radio-ready "Woman," a sweet-natured thumper as relatable as a crooked smile, but it's backed by pop-scraping tracks including the Gnarls Barkley-like "Energy," featuring Outkast's Big Boi, and the daydreamy and fully irresistible "Butterflies." DeVaughan simultaneously sounds like every soul singer who has raised bumps on your arms and none of them at all, which is to say he's an artist no matter what banner he flies. His mission is to move you, not just fill the space around the speakers. And in song after song here, he makes it happen. --Tammy La Gorce
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Customer Reviews

Collector's Item - A Definite

2008-10-06
One word describes the entire CD ... "EXCELLENTE." I love every track on the CD. Very few artists/CDs contains quality tracks like this one.

Mr. Raheem is the Bomb

2008-09-22
I love this Cd its hot and Fresh full of Real Deepness, He know how to Perform on Stage and Gives you your Money worth at his Concerts. I Love him and his showmanship! I can't wait for his New Cd to hit. He is Something Special. Women dont sleep on this Taurus Man he is very Passionate about his Music.

Some good songs, but waste

2008-09-09
There are some good songs like: Woman, Love Drug, Customer, Try again. There are things that should be taken off like: Desire and Friday.

Refreshing

2008-09-08
Good but not as good as hearing him live at the Macy's Festival in Cinti, OH. Plus, it helped that my sister and I got to see him up close when he was taking snapshots with other concertgoers. He's a cutie! Oh, and his music isn't bad either.

Love this Neo Soul artist!

2008-08-18
This CD is excellent. This artist is truly diverse and gifted in his interpretations. I look forward to additional work from RD.

3 1/2 stars

2008-08-11
If you're new to Raheem DeVaughn but have caught wind that he calls himself an R&B-hippie-neosoul-rock star, you've got a right to be skeptical. It's hard enough to hold down an advanced degree of R&B cred these days without ratcheting up the pressure by insisting on being a hippie and a rock star, too. And despite the best efforts of Jill Scott and Angie Stone, neo-soul seems to have sputtered out somewhere among the back rooms of Maxwell's '90s-era urban hang suite. But DeVaughn's sophomore disc will hang your skepticism by its ankles and make it squirm. The D.C. singer and contemporary of Erykah Badu and Common is a gifted guy who knows how to work a lyric and never met a melody he couldn't set swiftly into motion. The best evidence comes by way of the radio-ready "Woman," a sweet-natured thumper as relatable as a crooked smile, but it's backed by pop-scraping tracks including the Gnarls Barkley-like "Energy," featuring Outkast's Big Boi, and the daydreamy and fully irresistible "Butterflies." DeVaughan simultaneously sounds like every soul singer who has raised bumps on your arms and none of them at all, which is to say he's an artist no matter what banner he flies. His mission is to move you, not just fill the space around the speakers. And in song after song here, he makes it happen. --Tammy La Gorce

Pure Talent

2008-07-17
I won't go into detail on every single on this album but I will tell you this - it is definitley worth buying. The lyrics...the voice...the music will leave you refreshed, revitalized and you will definitely get plenty of head-bobbing. Raheem's lyrics are those that we all can relate to. And my favorite - Woman. Maybe because I feel as if this is my anthem this year but this is a clear example of how everyone can relate to his lyrics no matter what ethnic or culture you may come from. And if you ever get an opportunity to see him LIVE...OMG...do it. He is awesome! Raheem is definately an entertainer and his voice is powerful. He even has a bit of a comedic flare. So if you are tired of listening to the norm that is on radio now - the cookie cutter music being forced down our throats, get his CD and listen to some REAL grown, sexy, yet thought provoking music.

Hands down album of the year

2008-07-14
This album was long over due. Icould'nt wait to buy it. I fell in love with Raheem back in 04 with the love Experience. From the day I bought that cd until now, the cd has never left my car. It's a cd that you can just put in and let it play. Now this Love behind the melody, I bought without hearing one track because I knew raheem was going to bring it.And I wasn't disappointed. I LOVE THIS CD. Oh my GOD........This is hands down the cd of the year. Raheem is like a breath of fresh air. it's because of Raheem I listen to the radio again. I get tired of all the hip hop and so called R&B songs about sexing you up and all that mess. Raheem sings about love and actually being in love. This cd is in my car as well. My favorite songs on this cd are the interlude Midnite, Marathon, Woman, Customer, Not you, Empty, Desire, Love Drug, hell just say the whole cd. It's a shame that Raheem isnt getting the recognition he so deserves. Its a shame that if you not singing or rapping about pimps and hoes, cash and bling you get no air play.........Raheem keep doing your thang sweetie and dont change!!!! Your #1 fan!!!!

Lovely sounds

2008-07-10
I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! He is da man and anyone who has heard any music from this artist before will not be disappointed with his latest album.

DJ COA loves Raheem Devaughn: 2008 Soul Album of the Year

2008-07-04
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1HCQYEJDVB1T6