Anthony David reviewed

Anthony David
The Red Clay Chronicles
(Brash)

Atlanta-based loverman Anthony David digs into the neo-soul crates for his aroused second album.

Despite the title track reaching for “What’s Going On?”/”The Ghetto” poignancy, at the core David is mostly interested in matters of the heart — via the pants. He suggests you “Smoke One” to relax — later reprising it with a jazzier version courtesy of Earl Klugh’s guitar — invokes spoken-intro clichés on “Lady,” and drops in on Marvin Gaye territory again with the “I Want You”-ish cover of Level 42’s “Something About You.” David shines when he invites old friend India.Arie to duet on “Words,” where he surprisingly conjures Seal. But for all its one-world, one-sound flavor, Red Clay Chronicles is stupefyingly inconsistent, and a step back for this promising joe.

– Kevin Keegan

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