Neo Soul. A phrase coined by a record company executive in the late 90’s as a way to market artists like Eryka Badu and Maxwell. Artists like Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Amy Winehouse, and most of Motown Records have graced the universe with their timeless sounds and poured their souls into music. You can hear it in the sound. The expression. It touches you in a place deep within your soul when artists reach deep within themselves and pour their hearts on in sound. It’s timeless.

Which brings us to the album, “The Way I Feel”. Released in 2001, the artist known as Remy Shand dropped an instant classic then disappeared from the music scene forever (almost). There are levels to this classic, as deep as the human soul itself. Originally released with 11 tracks clocking in at 45 minutes, “The Way I Feel” recently received a deluxe edition with 3 new tracks and 3 instrumentals from the original release and it’s as easy a listen as ever. Soul really is timeless and this album is another reminder of that.

Recorded over the course of 4 years “The Way I Feel” plays like an homage to classic Motown, Smokie Robinson, Aretha Franklin, and Prince. The album gets kicked off with the title track “The Way I Feel” and an upbeat and funky sound. There really is no need to describe what’s going on in the song. Lyrics like,

“So good that I can’t defy it.

So true that I want to try it

All without making a sound.

I hooked up in a situation.

I’m down with the invitation.

A new love and a revelation”.

Are sung with passion that can sometimes be missing in modern music. And really, that’s what most of the album’s songs are about. Love, loss, and desire are the topics at hand. “Everlasting” asks the question of what’s worth saving if everyone isn’t on board. “Take A Message” is Remy giving his side of a breakup. As I may have mentioned to a friend, don’t listen to “I Met Your Mercy” if you’re feeling shy. And it’s all done in a way that doesn’t drive home romance. Even on “Liberate”, a song about leaving a relationship, Remy’s lyrics read almost like a beautiful little self-help guide.

“I’m gonna liberate my soul. Don’t pacify my role….I’ve got to take control…and take flight”.

But where the album and Remy shine are in the music production. It’s rare that an album encapsulates the sounds of an entire genre so effortlessly, on a debut album no less. The bass shines on “Everlasting” and “The Mind’s Eye”, which also has a unique guitar use. We’re not at Prince's level of guitar work, though it is featured throughout the album. Same with synthesizers. Not sure what kind and how many different types, but the sounds are incredible. And on the note of production whether it’s the guitar, synthesizer, piano, saxophone, etc. All credits belong to Remy Shand. No one else had a hand in the production of this album. He composed, arranged, played and recorded the album by himself. It’s a one man show throughout, and that’s part of what makes this album a classic. One human being's talents, gifts, and soul laid bare over the course of 4 years for us to enjoy anytime. A highly recommended album with so much to offer. Give this album a listen, get blessed, and go for a ride filled with soul.