While many new but similar pop, and neo soul artists scramble their way up the charts, one stands its own ground as a compilation masterpiece of R&B, funk, and smooth jazz. That particular album is the sophomore release of the Detroit native, Kem.The album, titled Album II, dropped on May 17, 2005. His one of a kind soft, whispering but falsetto voice exerts itself over eleven tracks of mellow sounds and jazz bass-lines.
Kem is currently signed to one of the most respected record labels in the world, Motown. He truly resurrects the classic sound of old fashioned love and romance on not only this album, but his debut, Kemistry released in 2002. While his lyrics speak of spiritual love and raw and unselfish emotion, his personal story is one of a struggle in which success followed.
He was once homeless and a drug addict, then he financed his first album waiting tables and singing top 40 wedding songs. In a recent interview, he stated that his career did not take off until he tapped into his spirituality.
He also said that he loved to walk in faith and that most of his songs are about love and the human condition.
The only major collaboration on this album was with icon and label mate Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica on the song “You Might Win.” Other keynote singles include “Heaven” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” which made its debut at No. one on several charts. Album II sold 140,000 copies in its first week. Need a break from the normal sound? Pop in a copy of Kem Album II and smooth it out.