The development of Dwele as an established musical outlet from the productive neo soul empire that Detroit is, unquestionably faces its toughest appraisal yet. The perils associated with that follow up album often prove to be the downfall of many an artist, and the questions roll off the tongue in avid anticipation; will we see progress? Can it be as good as the first? Or will it be samey, uninspiring with little or no trace of musical growth and maturity?

‘Some Kinda’ is the latest produce of Dwele’s creativity since the refreshing ‘Subject’ and ambiguity in the record title remains a favoured ploy in this neo soul kat’s attempt to leave the interpretation of the essence of the theme to the individual, as opposed to dictating a definition on the listener.

It would appear that this invitation to openness symbolically represents the direction and feel of ‘Some Kinda’, since for all its delicate infusion of bold brass, intrinsic referrals to the songs on ‘Subject’ and the dabbling across a number of genres, ‘Some Kinda’ lacks a certain punch of substance.

Clever is the intro that uses the track titles of ‘Subject’ to succinctly depict the events leading up to Dwele’s current point. Hypnotic is the repetitive beat that graces the mildly up-tempo joint ‘Holla’, and effortlessly catchy is the album’s first single ‘I Think I Love You’. However, despite the latter being aesthetically pleasing and typically Dwele, ‘Holla’s lack of adventure makes that bass riff go on for two minutes too long.

The musicality of the man is clearly evident through the skilfully thread brass parts that interweave around both the bass and vocals in ‘A Pimp’s Dream’. The droplet effect of a synthesised brushing of keys to no apparent scale on ‘Lay It Down’ is a special touch also. Further evidence of Dwele’s appreciation of neighbouring genres can be found in the ultra soothing ‘Wake The Baby’, very much reminiscent of the ambience synonymous with Miles Davis’ ‘Kind Of Blue’. And of course, Dwele remains true to form with his buddies Slum Village by including the recommended dosage of hip-hop on ‘Keep On’ – injecting samples from Common.

Throughout the album there are traces of poetic genius. Dwele poignantly poses the rhetorical on the cheeky ‘Flapjacks’: “…Is this a rap song or is it vocal/ Am I hip-hop or neo-soul?” He answers his own interrogative with: “Baby it don’t matter just as long as you loving it/ It gone be the same thing that it was when you discovered it…”

On the title track ‘Some Kinda’, the adopted story-telling narrative is softly sung well within Dwele’s comfort zone as far as his range is concerned. Yet, although seamlessly effective, too many of the familiar ingredients are there. Those spacious sounding chords on the keys, coupled by cymbal-based-finger-clicking percussion and a rhythmical bass line, all too often act as some kinda signature safety blanket in which Dwele hides behind so as not to push his own instrument – his voice.

The same precision with which Dwele wears the symmetrical cornrows upon his very head is evident within his attention to minute musical and lyrical detail, which in part makes this effort a pleasing and interesting listen. However, the sheer spectrum of sounds and moods covered on this album, make ‘Some Kinda’ lose the fluidity and direction that one might of hoped for. It’s a ‘playing it safe’ record that with sporadic highlights faintly whispers growth and maturity, but fails to inspire in self-proclamation in the manner that ‘Subject’ did.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Top 3 Tracks:

A Pimp’s Dream

I Think I Love You

Some Kinda