From laid-back to way back

Andy Grammer’s first CD was a fresh burst of music, in the Jason Mraz/Ed Sheeran mode, but with a more urban feel. You could imagine him as some super laid-back figure, even when singing his more up-tempo, syncopated tunes. This is his second CD. As for Smokey Robinson, we can stop counting, as he has been recording and churning out hits since the ’60s — we just sit back and enjoy!

Andy Grammer — Magazines or Novels (Curve Records, available on Amazon.com). It was my middle son Matteo who discovered Andy for me, and that first CD worked like a charm. Simple snappy melodies, earnest voice and lyrics with a street smart feel and vibe. With the second CD, there is more of a studio feel — lots of overdubs, echo effects and layers of instrumentation. And so it made we wonder if in search of that mainstream hit, did Andy succumb to over-production? Because the topnotch song writing is still very much in evidence. Listen to Forever, Holding Out and Remind You to understand what I mean. I especially loved the reggae flourishes on the middle track. Lots of good music still in the “lad,” so keep it simple!

Smokey Robinson — Smokey & Friends (Universal Music). It may not be an original concept, getting a recording star/hitmaker from yesteryear, and having him teamed up with a bunch of more contemporary artists on his playlist of bonafide Golden Oldies. But when you’re talking Smokey and how so many of his Motown hits of the ’60s and ’70s are still revived and used in the soundtrack of current films, there may be something fresh and unique in the concept. John Legend on Quiet Storm would be my favorite track, with Ledisi on Ooh Baby Baby coming in a close second. Elton John, Steven Tyler and James Taylor (the first JT) all make appearances; and I was wondering how far that would go for the younger audience. It’s still a pleasant listening.