Kenny Thomas - Crazy World

Published Thursday 3rd August 2006
Kenny Thomas - Crazy World
Kenny Thomas - Crazy World

STYLE: R&B
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19228-10252
LABEL: Curb CURCD216
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £15.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Kenny Thomas has never been what you would call a "cool" artist. At the time of his big chart hits in the early '90s Q magazine regularly sneered at his music suggesting it was "bland" and "anonymous white soul". In fact, as this release shows, Kenny is an excellent soul man with a gritty voice which can handle both funky shuffles and heartfelt ballads equally convincingly. 'Crazy World' features songs mainly co-written by the London-based singer who here composes with such impressive talents as prolific hitmaker Eliot Kenedy, South African-born writer/artist Jonathan Butler and producer Simon Law (Soul II Soul, Chante Moore). There is some excellent stuff here. Listen to the way that Kenny takes an old hit instrumental, originally cut by Icelandic jazz funk band Mezzofortes as "Garden Party" and gives it a new vocal lease of life as "I Will". Even more impressive is the seriously soulful "He", a lost love song penned by Thomas and Butler and which some Brit soul devotees are already acknowledging as one of the best UK soul tracks ever made. If you don't care about the opinions of prejudiced hipper-than-hip journalists but just want honest soul music without the sexually explicit overkill of much modern R&B, this is a delight on the ears.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by cheryl mooer in londone14 @ 21:39 on Mar 8 2009

Kenny performed last night at East Ham:just had me mesmerized.The sound was clear you were able to enjoy ever minute:his jopyful songs, enthusiasm character,all came shining through.I'm of the older generation although I have been brought up with great music have lost inter-rest. I came away asking who was this man, the door man told me. I shall look forward to bying a C.D



Posted by kevin bellamy in essex @ 12:47 on Oct 26 2008

Saw Kenny recently in Romford, what a great night. Everybody dancing to the sounds that make Kenny a great live act, with his blue eyed soul voice and personality, I have got all of his music but Crazy World for me is up there with the best of them, songs like Him and Let it Rain as well as the dance tune Keep the Fire Burning. Great sounds, voice, singer and live act. If you get the chance go and watch Kenny Live, I will be at Brentwood in November for sure.. KB



Posted by PAUL LEWIS in GLAMORGAN @ 02:10 on Jul 10 2008

SEEN KENNY THOMAS AT CARDIFF SUPPORTING LEVEL 42 THIS MAN AS ONE OF THE BEST VOICES I HAVE HEARD, MAY HE LONG CONTINUE TO TOUR ,I WOULD REALLY LIKE FOR HIM TO DO A SOLO TOUR AND COME TO WALES,COS THE FRIENDS I WENT WITH WHO HAD NEVER LISTENED TO HIM BEFORE WERE BLOWN AWAY BY HIM.AND I MUST SAY THIS. HIS ALBUM CRAZY WORLD "OUTSTANDING" EXCUSE THE PUN.



Posted by lynne meredith in west midlands @ 11:35 on Feb 11 2007

when and were is there a concent



Posted by Ian Blackshaw in Stafford @ 17:42 on Jan 12 2007

Bought the album Craxy World think its brilliant have 2 other albums of Kenny's and he is still as good today, never had the chance to see him in concert but would love to. You can hear what he is singing out instead of bangy bangy. Look forward to the next album. Cheers



Posted by Joanne Shannon in Manchester @ 00:08 on Nov 5 2006

I have been praying for years that Kenny would record another album! What an incredible voice and songwriter. This guy needs support to ensure he continues- lets not lose him. Thank you



Posted by emily moffatt in bristol, uk @ 18:20 on Oct 29 2006

Just like his previous albums, genius! There are very few albums where you can listen to every single song and not skip through a couple of them. But if i had to choose a favorite, it would have to be 'him', it will always remind me of when i heard him sing it live when he supported level 42. He is amazing!!!!



Posted by Jilly in Essex @ 18:19 on Oct 22 2006

I saw Kenny Thomas as the support for Level 42 in Southend and also thought he was better than Level 42! Got a signed CD and a kiss! This album is fantastic. I've been a fan of his since his early days and he just gets better and better. What a great guy.



Posted by Jo-Anne in Greater Manchester @ 19:19 on Oct 8 2006

Hello, purchased a c.d. at the Lowry, Kenny Thomas .
As level 42 playing in concert. May I just say The live performance of Kenny Thomas was fantastic ! A natural voice This may sound rude but I didnt Know of him until I remembered some of his songs.
"Sorry". I got a signed c.d. Crazy world, what good music and you could hear the words!!
Any concert dates?

Thankyou
King regards Jo-Anne.


Reply by sharon in west sussex @ 19:59 on Nov 1 2006

saw kennyat the level 42 concert too, wasnt he good! do you know o any concert dates?

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Reply by Irene in Manchester @ 19:35 on Oct 10 2006

I also saw Kenny Thomas at the Lowry. He was absolutely fantastic, what a fabulous voice. It was a brilliant performance and I much preferred Kenny to Level 42. I much preferred his version of "Don't Know Why" to the original. I came home and ordered 3 of his CDs off Amazon which have arrived today. (Crazy World, Voices The Best of).Will definitely go to see him again. Please, please, please give us some concert dates. A newly devoted fan!!

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Posted by Souldreamer in http://almasoul.net @ 16:37 on Aug 22 2006

Great album! One of the best R&B cds of this year.

Regards.



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