Billy Crawford's new album Groove is a mixture of ear-friendly
and LSS-inducing tunes that aim to do what the title suggests: they will make
you dance, and more.
Groove is Billy's sixth studio album. Released by Universal Records, it contains suave versions of upbeat classics from the '70s and the '80s.
"Well the album is self-explanatory naman. When you say groove, I think this album can hopefully make you groove so it's the first that I've done a revival album. A good album, hopefully," the That's Entertainment alumnus said.
The first track, "Steal Away," which is also the carrier single, is a welcome introduction to what the album's about. I know it ain't right, Billy teases, but let's steal away into the night. He wants you to get up and disco.
Other tracks such as Dr. Hook's "Sexy Eyes," Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" and Earth Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove," add enough spunk to keep you moving non-stop.
Billy also provides enough vanilla tunes to enliven the shy dancer who can only
sway on the dance floor. The Spinner's "Could it be I'm Falling in Love," Andrew
Gold's "Never Let Her Slip Away" and El Debarge's "Someone" adds charm to this record. In particular, "Could it be I'm Falling in Love's"
urban-sounding intro-claps, makeshift tin drums, stomping feet-easily
hypnotizes, and convinces listeners that grooving is just easy.
But the international singer's passion shows most in his favorite tracks "Rock
With You" and "Human Nature." Being a self-confessed Michael Jackson fan, Billy
admits that he had the most fun recording the two songs.
But his versions of the hits are not copycats. "Rock With You," for
instance, was sung in Billy's signature R&B style, complete with ad libs
and a falsetto near the end. "Human Nature," on the other hand, sounds more hiphop,
and is entirely sweet.
Billy also has a duet with his girlfriend Nikki Gil. In the song "You've
Got a Friend," originally recorded by James Taylor, the couple's voices blend easily
like magic, as if they were meant to sing the song together.
Love spells don't end there, however. James Taylor's "How Sweet it is," Marvin
Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" and Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry" are just so romantic,
they make you wish you could dance with your special someone.
Billy Crawford's Groove is now available in record bars.