Anthony Hamilton made a debut record for Uptown Records, "XTC", back in 1996 but when Uptown went belly-up, the album went unreleased. By the time MCA released the album a year later, it went unnoticed and unfortunately has become a rare thing, hard to find anywhere.
He signed to Soulife Records and also recorded an album for them, but in 2000 got the call to sing backup on D'Angelo's "Voodoo" tour, to come back and discover that Soulife had also bit the dust, and yet another album went into the vaults.
For fans, his Soulife recorded material, incidentally called "Soulife" is to be released June 27 by Atlantic/Rhino Records. Hamilton cowrote the album, and worked with Grammy award winning producer Mark Sparks and it includes a duet with Macy Gray, "Love And War", originally released on the "Baby Boy" soundtrack.
I had searched for "Comin' From Where I'm From" from early 2004, but it wasn't until the iPod in April that I bought it as a digital download from the iTunes store--my first such purchase might I add. That proved well worth the wait and I expect nothing but stellar work from this "Soulife" album. The deeply impressive "Comin' From Where I'm From", led me to do a little Limewire work and I found his "XTC" album, which is as well made as "Comin' From Where I'm From".
The weirdest thing is that you're listening to Anthony Hamilton across a decade of making music. Despite the time span, there is not a wasted note in either "XTC" or "Comin' From Where I'm From". This is grown up music. His consistency is quite astonishing. From the get go, there is no wishy washy, no album fluff, not a single bland or banal lyric, not a track that the music doesn't come together on. That's a rare acievement for an artist so long ignored. "XTC", still sounds fresh almost nine years later.
Although Hamilton is compared to the likes of Bobby Womack, Bill Withers and Curtis Mayfield, his sound is classic without needing to be attached or compared to any of the old soul greats. It's a pleasure to listen to him with new ears, and allow his immense ability to speak for itself. In short, Hamilton's voice is unique and his talent makes for some the most sublime listening in recent R&B history.
He may have been overlooked for long, but being the sister of an overlooked musician, it gives me great hope that the artists most worthy of attention can receive it. To be lost and obscure, and found... such a marvellous revelation and I for one am glad to have finally settled into this anti-hero of R&B. Do it, buy it... you love soul deep, gut wrenching, baby making music... this is the brother in spades.
My copy of "Soulife" is already on pre-order at Amazon.co.uk, and I understand from scanty information available, that it is well worth the wait, now five or six years overdue. Like I said though, I expect no different. This is no precarious sitting pretty artist, his recordings assure him a place in the history of soul music.
Article comments
1 - Seyi
Is the true soul/essence of music supposed to be rendered in any other way without diminishing the value of the words?
My thoughts anytime I listen to Anthony Hamilton....
There's no doubt that you recognise Anthony Hamilton's voice whenever you hear him after the first time, there's a smouldering, husky way he verbalises his thoughts over an arrangement that leaves you in no doubt of his emotions, which is pain a good part of the time.
The claim is 'Soulife' is one of Hamilton's albums that was supposed to be released before he eventually got success with his multi-platinum selling 'Coming from where I'm from' (I wrote earlier about his struggles before getting that album released). Knowing this would take something away from a lesser compilation of songs, but its not the case on this one. Pre-ordered this album (something I never really do) with so much expectation and, believe me, I'm so glad I did. The songs touch on what is a central theme to Anthony Hamilton ( and his life?); the pursuit, loss of or desire for Love.
No favourite songs yet, its an experience that is impressive in its totality but I'll point out some of the albums highlights.
There's a world weariness in his voice on his admissions of pain on 'I Cry' a stellar song that reminds AH fans of his appeal; he seems to attach a bit of his soul to every song. Even when all he does is hum at the beginning of 'Clearly' you know its about a love that's brought him pain, but he's gratified for feeling it. Sunshine Anderson and Dolo Pichino feature their complementary vocal styles on the beautifully put together 'Last Night' (love the chorus) and he also features the equally gritty voice of Macy Gray on 'Love and War'.
OK, I lied when I said I don't have a favourite, it has to 'Georgie Parker'. There's a lazy reminiscence of a kid 'learning' about life and pain that makes me want to listen to this song again and again.
He's expected to release an album (an official one) before the end of the year but Soulife will keep me AH 'fed' and has whet my appetite for his next release. For fans and new converts alike its a solid compilation of songs
2 - marcell m. johnson 'lucies boi'
whats up and this is maurice lucy's boy , from parker hieghts, you no me. frist thanks for another great album , would love to no if you ever get to victoria b. c. canada , beacause thats where i live now, had to get away from charlotte , and see more of the world, if your the one reading this let me no ant, [Personal contact info deleted]
3 - Jumane
I love the man with the voice of steel. My man, Anthony Hamilton! If you are to be compared (and you are incomparable) I would compare you to Lou Rawls,Prince,Stevie Wonder and others.You have such a large range of voice. Stay strong and continue in the struggle.
4 - shay
Do you have every song on XTC because I am not able to get every one.
thanks.
5 - Osei
I remember first hearing Anthony Hamilton's I will Go. That was in 1997 after I had finished my A' Levels in Ghana. It was sooo good. Just recently, I have been looking for that same song. All I could remember was that the artiste's name started with an A. So I tried Aaron Hall (also one of my favorites), I have been searching till I got the lyrics right. Now I want to buy the album, but I can't find it anywhere. Even if I could get that track, I will be more than pleased. I believe the song still rocks and can equally compete with today's most popular RnB songs. It's a shame it wasn't released. But why can't he release it now??
Well, can someone PLEEEAASSEE show me where I get the song to buy? I was even thinking of going to the US and seeing AH myself if I have to. I just need to listen to it before I die.
6 - Lisa
Anthony is the greatest! There is o one that can even come close to touching his lyrics! Don't sleep on Anthony!