davidjordan-setthemood music reviews Virgin Media
Unusual pop album, strongly delivered, let down by over-ambitious vocal work
Pop scene newcomer David Jordan is selling himself short. Set The Mood, as a title, calls to mind the kind of slick Keith Sweat-esque R&B that middle-aged bachelors put on when they’re trying to get their workmates into bed. Try and use this album for seduction purposes and you’d be in for a shock.
Musically, Set The Mood is extremely interesting. The excellent marching stomp of Sun Goes Down sits happily next to the funky struts of Move On, Love Song, and Place In My Heart – and while they sometimes meander into slightly embarrassing Lenny Kravitz-esque rawk guitar territory, they’re slick, well-arranged and interestingly written. Sadly, however, Jordan’s voice – strong when he’s given to bellowing or wailing his choruses – has a tendency to set one’s teeth on edge when he’s reaching too far and for too many notes during the verses. Things could go very well for this guy, if he can understand that sometimes less equals more.
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