Now I like many others have often debated the character of musicians that would go on a show like American Idol that seeks to make talented musicians into a mere commodity that could be packaged, put on television …watched every Thursday night, with one winner, and complete with a world tour. But despite my proposed abhorrence I own both Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway and Fantasia Barrino’s Free Yourself albums. So why you might ask would someone that seems so passionate about being anti American idol own albums by two of the shows past winners? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical? Well, it’s because their good artist and I cannot deny that, but they were good before they started jumping through rings of fire for the show’s judges Simon, Randy, and Paula and they’ll be just as good when they leave the show or retire from their many contracts with American Idol.
Donnie Williams was a season three American Idol contestant. His Just Like Magic CD is an example of his smooth and silky Luther Vandross like voice, offering refreshing vocalizations and a reassuring vibe that reminds me of the old style rhythm and blues that I have come to love will live on.
Lately it has seemed that because of hip hop’s strong influence on R&B, the two genres have blended together so much that it is nearly impossible to distinguish between the two. Donnie Williams and Park Place’s album Just Like Magic goes back to the basics, reviving the familiar soul and funk influenced pop of rhythm and blues that I have become accustomed to from listening to old school artist like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Huston, and Jodeci.
Donnie Williams is from Livermore California with some roots in Baton Rouge Louisiana. He is an exceptional vocalist with range and a story to tell which he does expressively and quite well on every track of Just Like Magic.
Lauren Stair–Muzikreviews.com Staff
March 12, 2009
