Lidell excels when exploring his funk and soul side, and two Jim tracks best showcase this talent. “Little Bit of Feel Good” features a thumping, bass-driven beat, horns, and his gritty voice front-and-center. “Please don't make my feel good go away,” he practically snarls, the guitar's wah-wah pedal in full force. Its retro sound and effectively sparse production makes this track a slice of old-fashioned R&B. The song nodding most to his techno roots is “Figured Me Out,” a slice of funk that stays with the listener. Lidell's growls and rasp-tinged voice perfectly accompany the subtle electronically enhanced tempo. Fans of Multiply will probably favor this track most.
From the honky-tonk piano on “Where d'You Go?” to the beautifully vocally and instrumentally-stark “Rope of Sad,” Lidell defies musical labels by showing his diverse interests. Just when people pegged him as a techno artist, he defied expectations by releasing Jim, his homage to 60s and 70s soul. Amazingly, Lidell proves completely credible as an R&B artist, sincerely demonstrating his obvious love for the genre. Perhaps Multiply fans were disappointed by the lack of overt electronica on this album, but Jim should not be overlooked. Neo-soul fans who enjoyed Saadiq's album will appreciate this CD, while those who liked Lidell's previous work will be impressed by his musical range. Not a fan of electronica? Jim should convince even the most resistant listeners that the form can transcend genres and musical boundaries.
For more information on Jamie Lidell, visit his official page and YouTube channel. View the “A Little Bit of Feel Good” and "Another Day" videos below:
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