ALBUM REVIEW: Padon Suber - Love Daze

By Jessica Klausing

Padon Suber has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Love Daze. Get ready for a hypnotic soulful journey exploring the quintessential romantic emotions of falling in love. Written and recorded in his home studio, Suber tastefully blends Neo Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Salsa, and electronic synths to create a treasure trove of enjoyable tracks from start to finish.

The spoken word intro, “Daze” sets the mood with Suber asking, “Am I dreaming?”while three synths are simultaneously merged to pull listeners into a trippy hypnotic distortion. Without warning, the following track, “Urges” heats things up with a lively horn section and a thumping bass that pulses like a heartbeat. The trumpet solo adds more spice to the fiery tempo making this a stellar tune to hit the dance floor with a partner. 

The melody slows down with the passionate soul-driven, “Addiction.” Suber’s beautiful emotive vocals take center stage here accompanied by catchy guitar licks and a bluesy bass. While Suber pours his heart out the tempo gradually increases with each romantic profession. His vocal prowess is captivating as he effectively nails each high note. “Thursday” is another perfect example of his impressive vocal delivery showcasing a beautiful falsetto. 

Suber gets back to basics with “Make Things Simple,” proving you don’t need a complex production to make a beautiful love song. With gentle piano keys, organ, and wholesome, heartfelt love lyrics, “One plus one equals two, that’s me and you,” it’ll have listeners bouncing to the beat and singing along with the chorus.

Dripping in more hypnotic synths and infectious grooves is “Love Space,” a stand out track on the album. The lyrics “I think I love you” creates a sultry tone over a euphoric back beat. Each mesmerizing note, synth embellishment and drum beat is irresistible within this arrangement. It’s a gorgeous track that transcends listeners into a dreamy dimension.

Another track worthy of honorable mention is the summertime anthem, “Kinda Love.” This song just exudes confidence and swagger as Suber croons, “Give me that 24/7 kinda love. You seen me 78 times but it aint enough” over the funky guitar riffs and sonic ambiance. 

Love Daze boasts charming songwriting and masterful production skills. Padon Suber’s beautiful soundscapes are a joy to listen to and are effective in capturing the listener’s imagination in such a way that makes each listening experience feel like falling in love for the first time. 

Recommended Tracks: “Urges,” “Addiction,” “Make Things Simple,” “Thursday,” “Love Space,” and “Kinda Love.”

SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Kinda Love"

By Jessica Klausing

Neo Soul artist Padon Suber releases his new single, “Kinda Love.” This is the second single off his highly anticipated album, Love Daze, which is set to release later this month.

Suber says, “Kinda Love is love in the form of infatuation of being so crazed about someone, for no specific reason other than the happiness you feel when you think about the way you function around that person. It’s that blissful feeling that makes you want to be with them all the time.”

“Kinda Love” begins with a funky guitar riff and breezy background harmonies, as Suber reminisces about the joy of just being with his love. As the chorus starts, we learn that he’s not interested in something superficial, but just, the ‘kinda love’ when you and your love just can’t get enough of each other. It’s an upbeat and feel good love song 

Suber’s silky smooth voice croons, “Give me that 24/7 kinda love. You seen me 78 times but it aint enough.” The Neo Soul sonic ambiance and catchy lyrical professions is a perfect listen for long drives or just lounging poolside for the summer.

SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Thursday"

By: Jessica Klausing

As featured on the On the Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: The Antidote: Interview w/ Singer Padon Suber

R&B artist Padon Suber releases his new single “Thursday” from the upcoming album, Love Daze. This soulful track is a celebration of love that is bursting with warm tones and blissful rhythmic grooves that will have you falling in love with Suber’s sultry smooth voice.

At the start we’re treated to heavenly harmonies telling us that “It’s Thursday.” Suber coos on counting down the days until he can finally see his love with, “I can’t wait to see your face. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. I can’t wait til this Thursday. I hope you’re on your way.”

When asked about his new song, Suber recalls, “I wrote this song as an ode to one of my band member’s relationship with his girlfriend. Before they moved in together they shared a long distance relationship, he was in Houston and she was in Louisiana. They had a system where she would come stay with him at least once a month for a full week starting on a Thursday. I was so moved by the consistency of his response toward those symbolic Thursdays that I wanted to capture that moment in a song. I think everyone can relate to that feeling of bliss when thinking about seeing the person who makes them smile.”

Filled with the soft strum of an acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, a spirited organ, and a powerful falsetto, this song is a beautiful addition to any romantic playlist or just to share with that special someone.

ALBUM REVIEW: Desmond Parson - Like a November

By Jessica Klausing

Desmond Parson’s Like a November is a smooth nod to classic R&B with a delightful modern twist. The gorgeous album art (created by Artist Seam L Ess) catches the eye with a sharp contrast of fiery reds and cool blue tones which serves as the perfect visual representation of what to expect from Parson’s newest release. This charming album flows beautifully with mellow melodies and warm harmonies to create a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in.

The opener “Come Through November” is a sultry spoken word jazzy concoction that will warm your soul like sipping a hot cup of coffee on a cool autumn morning. Erika Floyd waxes the poetic of the seasonal changes while Lee Flowers drops a smooth lofi beat in the background. The overall theme of the entire album is summed up with this verse:

“As the leaves of trees change, we change

Concealing ourselves, less transparency

Since more layers are necessary, but in contrast there’s opportunity

To get in closer proximity of one another.”

Next Parson sensually leads us into “Blue Nile,” a groovy R&B track that exudes a sexy persona while maintaining a cool tone that is as hypnotic and alluring as the fragrance itself. When asked about the inspiration behind this song, Parson recalls smelling the cologne in his youth while listening to music. His song is an ode to the fragrance and its cool vibes which he still proudly wears today.

“Let’s Pretend” glows with Parson’s warm vocals that are both comforting and uplifting. With an infectious soulful chorus and smooth love swagger this song gives strong Luther Vandross and Boyz II Men vibes. The trickling piano intro adds grace and eloquence to this beautiful track like autumn leaves falling from the tree.

Continuing on with more heartfelt storytelling is “I’ll Be Around,” in which Parson professes that he’ll “be around when you wake up in the morning.” In “Something Kind Of Sweet,” Parson and Anna Surv croon sweet harmonies about the innocence of falling in love with “you’re what sugar is supposed to be.”

Another standout on the album is the remix to “Possibly.” Parson released “Possibly” on his Resoulation EP in April 2022. The track was a success and a streaming favorite among fans, such as UK DJ personality, DJ Silver Hawk, who suggested to Parson to consider remixing the original. It’s such a fun remix bursting with upbeat drumming and a flute that will have you singing along with Parson, Kojo Snowden and Ashley Watkins asking, “Can I be your cup of tea?”

The album closes with a jazz instrumental reprise of “Come Through November,” featuring Lee Flowers strumming a gentle reflective melody on guitar with a cheerful saxophone wailing in the background.

Like a November is a beautiful demonstration of Desmond Parson’s musical prowess as a solo artist. Parson takes the softer moments within the album and builds on the self reflection through the use of his soulful vocals and instrumentals. Each song is a delicate ear worm from start to finish that leaves listeners feeling cozy. 

Recommended Tracks: “Come Through November,” “Let’s Pretend,” “Something Kind of Sweet,” and “Possibly(Remix).”

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SONG REVIEW: Desmond Parson - "I Pledge"

By Jessica Klausing

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As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Encased in lush neo soul, “I Pledge” is an alluring and emotive newly released single from Desmond Parson. Portraying a message of being in love and a “pledge of allegiance” declaration from new couples and longtime couples alike, this track is the perfect choice for weddings and anniversaries. Parson coos sweetly over a mellow melody while trickling piano keys, warm horns and a heavenly choir of background harmonies bring out the retro R&B aspect into this delightful musical soundscape.

Desmond Parson is one artist not to sleep on. You can hear the Stevie Wonder influences in his music, and I for one cannot wait to see what else he brings to the soul table.