It's commendable for a pre-teen, void of familial industry connections and armed with a great voice and charisma to put out a platinum album, and then decide to go back to school. Whether it was Sammie's decision, his mom, management or some other reason altogether, it seems to be playing out well. Now old enough to vote, R&B singer Sammie is putting his touch on new school soul that shows actual maturity, not just over the top "I'm a grown man lyrics."
Following the lead of the album, and in the spirit of getting the bad out of the way first, "Feeling It," the album's first track was clearly a Jazze Pha production without looking at the linear notes. While Jazze Pha is a renowned mega-producer that can probably make hot tracks in his sleep, his sound can often be a gift and a curse. Simply put, it sounded way too Ciara-ish, and since she wasn't featured on the song, it was a bit too much déjà vu (flashback to "Goodies") for an artist that is trying re-establish his own sound. However beyond that, the album was nearly flawless from the up-tempo tracks to emotion-filled ballads. Sammie is definitely showing off his range, both vocally and stylistically.
He impressively co-wrote 14 out 15 songs on the album. With song subjects generally falling into the categories of: you should be with me, I want to be with you, and you're cool but, "What About Your Friend" -- where Sammie boldly sings, "shorty you're so fine, but what about friend" -- it would be easy to dismiss it as a strictly teenie-bopper experience. But nostalgic fans of New Edition, Shai, Hi-Five, etc, should definitely take a listen. Although the album isn't dated or even consciously old school, it definitely has a mellow, somewhat innocent but mischievous flavor reminiscent of the early 90s.
The first single, "You Should Be My Girl," featuring Sean Paul of the YoungBloodz, is catchy and does a good job of embodying the more hip-hop/pop side of the album. But, it doesn't begin to prepare the listener for songs such as "Slow," a darker, sexier song, done mostly in Sammi's falsetto voice. Despite the sultry feel of the song, it's about taking a relationship slow. On the track he sings, "Girl I want your body, but first I need your mind... baby take it slow, we don't have to rush, good things come to those who wait."
The second single, "Come with Me," is a beautifully produced song by Brian Michael Cox, who seems to take the lead in beyond quality producing on this album. The song starts with a soft piano melody, adding a captivating yet simple drum beat that goes perfectly with the song's sentiment -- leave your neglectful boyfriend and be my girl. Other stand-out tracks include "Back 2 Love," and especially for its lyrical content, "My Own Way", where Sammie sings to his mother, sincere and heartfelt words, "and I pray dear God, please let it come a day I can support my family and everything will be okay."
Overall, the entire album shows the beginnings and the growth of a talented singer/songwriter. And though it's hard for any artist to make a comeback, especially when attempting to refresh the memories of young, often fickle fans, while growing a more mature fan base simultaneously, Sammie is evidence that it can be done. Sammie isn't just any other young artist with a cute face and pop appeal, he is focused, super-talented and once again to be commended for bridging the generation gap of his fans catering too heavily on either side. Matter of fact, his transition is looking pretty smooth, and confident, much like his sound.
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