like them
by
Ariel H
The world of R&B is full to the brim with singers that equate riffs with emotion. As a result, vocalists run lines as if they're running a marathon, fulfilling the necessary attitude quota with mandatory head rolls, prerequisite finger wags and, should the need arise, just a hint of side eye. Within the first five minutes of listening to Jennifer Lang's latest album, 3 O'Clock Saturday, you'll notice something significant: no riffing and running, just straight singing. It also helps to know something about what you're singing about and it's clear that sister Lang knows a thing or two about having loved and lost.
There have been many crossover artists that hae come out of the church and been able to make a big splash as pop, rock, soul, or R&B singers (Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston being immediated examples). Jennifer Lang could be another one of those artists, but as beautiful in tone as her voice is, it conveys more sweetness than grit. Considering that a majority of the album's songs deal with losing the game of love, the pain and sorrow that comes part and parcel with such experiences is not always convincing.
Take "I Don't Understand" as exhibit A, where she cofronts her significant other on their past discretions. Even while she's singing "Say goodbye, 'cause this is the last time," you can't help but get the feeling that this scenario will reoccur. The fact that "I Don't Understand" is followed up with "You Said" (as in "You said you'd always love me") only reinforces that belief. This is not to say that she absolutely has to sound like she's about to slash some man's tires, but evidence of a breaking point is slow in revealing itself.
Nevertheless, Ms. Lang is capable of becoming one with the words on the page. Credit is due in part to producer and multi-instrumentalist Cloyd Willis Jr. for crafting effective musical beds for Jennifer's voice to rest upon. "Hi" taps into the sweetness of her vocals, revealing her playful side. "Falling In Love" is the best of these themed selections, as she dusts herself off over a shuffling drum beat accented with acoustic guitar and occasional horns. "Betcha Thought" is one of the strongest offerings overall, set up beautifully with a warbling bass line from Willis and punchy flute and sax riffs that bounce under Jennifer's strong delivery on the chorus "Hey Love" gets hypnotic with an airy, spcacey instrumental and vocals that elude to the butterflies in your stomach when love is brand new.
However, love is far from the only subject out there, so it's good to hear her take the motivational route on "Keep Your Head Up," which brings the album to its logical conclusion and steps into the spiritual realm. "I Don't Know When It's Coming" is faith that you can feel. In time, Jennifer Lang's ability to express real pain and anger through her music may not be as strong as the promises of God she stands upon, but it will increase in conviction.
Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith
