John Butler - So Real

Sunday 1st June 1997
John Butler - So Real
John Butler - So Real

STYLE: R&B
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 17168-
LABEL: Mylestone 523286
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Dawne B Stewart

International gospel/soul lovers and radio stations are sitting up and taking notice of singer/songwriter minister John Butler and 'So Real'. But why now? - this is his fourth release. Well, John's previous three releases were on the traditional gospel tip. But with this album comes a phenomenal transformation of musical style. Moving into the gospel/jazz//R&B genre, John offers this excellent "you've gotta get it" album (although you may struggle). It's finely crafted, full of inspiration, has wonderfully light yet passionately delivered vocals and oh my gosh, such smooth, jazzy, classy grooves. Lovers of the R&B groove won't be able to get enough of it. The opening is smooth, mixed, anointed vocals which cause you to really believe "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". Remember the tune "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less"? To say reworking would be an understatement, check out "Sinking Sand" - you've gotta hear it to believe it. Then there's the secular DJ favourite "It's Got To Be Real" injected with a little new jack swing. This top quality album deserves major national distribution.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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