Russell Taylor: War of Hearts
Details
Genre: R&B, SoulPros:
The combination of Moody urban AC, Alicia Keys drama and a slant of OneRepublic pop presents an interesting course for TaylorCons:
The minimalism in the arrangement leaves more to desire‘Scandal’ inspired track gives indie neo-soul singer something paranoiac to work with
‘Scandal’ inspired track gives indie neo-soul singer something paranoiac to work with
NYC indie soul singer Russell (Rt!) Taylor takes a bit of a detour from his neo-soul background on the Tim Kvasnosky-produced “War of Hearts.” Inspired by the happenings behind the ABC drama Scandal, Taylor pens a song about a complicated relationship enriched with hints of danger, uncertainty and mystery. In an environment saturated with OneRepublic radioness, Taylor drapes himself around a tune blessed with crossover passion. His vocals rise to a place of earnestness, even as if he falls vulnerable to the hallow echoes of the urban AC that reverberates around him. But this is where the song meets its strongest opposition. There’s a minimalist mindset that burdens the track’s quest to soar. No, this isn’t broodier than a Dido exercise, but it’s still a bit paranoiac on Taylor. There’s hardly a background section behind him, just a few vocal overlays to add depth to the sing-a-long chorus. Besides a repetitive piano line and lonely verses that feel as if the Bronx singer is singing to an empty recital, “War of Hearts” is resuscitated by a consistent urban beat that is smitten with John Legend and Alicia Keys charm. “You win some, you lose some” will be the proper assessment of the track, but it’s still a step in a positive direction for a growing singer-songwriter willing to play outside the R&B box.
