When the soulful, golden voice of Don Bryant returned to the music scene with 'You Make Me Feel,' it was like the sound of liberty ringing loud and clear through the smoke of modern pop culture. Who is Don Bryant? A powerhouse singer-songwriter who first made waves in the 1960s and 70s, contributing his immense talent to Hi Records in Memphis, Tennessee. He made a stunning comeback in 2017 with this album, proving why classic soul music triumphs with its genuine emotion and peerless storytelling. 'You Make Me Feel' is an album that embraces traditional values and the beauty of simplicity, recalling a time when music was an art and not just a commercial product.
The album dropped in Memphis, not just any city, but the home of Stax and Hi Records, steeped in music history and proud of American ideals like hard work and authenticity. It’s a powerful symbol for anyone who appreciates the hard-won legacy of quality music. Bryant captures this essence perfectly, with songs that resonate in the heart, songs that speak to conservative ideals: the celebration of love, faith, and authenticity. Each track pulsates with a sense of raw emotion and unflinching honesty, familiar to those not easily swayed by the fleeting trends in modern pop.
'You Make Me Feel' transports us back to a time when music was more than just a commodity. This album wasn't crafted in an echo chamber of mainstream noise. Instead, it was built on foundations that respect roots and heritage. The outbreak of vibrant horns, stirring keyboards, and driving rhythms all forge a sense of nostalgia for a period when music had meaning. Don Bryant sings with the sincerity of a man who has seen and endured life’s ups and downs. He's not some flashy pop star here today, gone tomorrow. He embodies perseverance, a testament to aging gracefully while remaining true to one’s ideology, and that's something the world could use a little more of.
Bryant's title track, 'You Make Me Feel,' is a dazzling serenade of love, true affection that lasts beyond fleeting attraction. Bryant purveys the depth of connection that stands the test of time, something all too lacking in today’s fast-paced world. Real life isn’t instant gratification; it’s the steady build of trust and devotion.
His voice commands attention in tracks like 'Something About You,' proving that powerful vocals tied to equally strong narratives eclipses the auto-tuned layers of indistinguishable sounds cluttering the charts. While others rely on machines to polish their imperfections, Bryant’s soulful voice stands unfiltered, a refreshing testament to authenticity and craft that resonates with those who value hard-earned integrity.
The track 'Don’t Turn Your Back on Me' is particularly resounding, a plea for steadfastness and unity amidst trying times. Isn’t that the message we need to hear in today’s fractured society? Real music, like Bryant’s, has an uncanny way of embedding timeless lessons that surpass the superficialities of tangled modern anxieties.
With 'Your Love is to Blame,' the album highlights the complexities of love that come alongside freedom and personal responsibility. It's a deft reminder that relationships, much like ideals, require effort to maintain. Bryant showcases the paradox of liberty: the necessity of personal accountability to preserve it.
The cohesive production on 'You Make Me Feel' lets us revisit a world where gifted musicians sat down to craft their instruments into captivating melodies, rather than rely on computers to create passable tunes. You won’t find any over-saturated EDM chains here, just a pure rush of perfectly blended soul instruments, a triumph of traditional harmonization and real talent.
Let’s speak frankly: everything about this album challenges contemporary trends that prefer style over substance. 'You Make Me Feel' isn't about political agendas or angry sentiments. It’s about real life woven into song, a tuneful anthology of human experiences that hopefully encourages listeners to remember the value of earnest living. The infection of superficiality and the tendency to pander to fads have no place in Don Bryant’s musical offering.
Conservative listeners, raise your glasses to this seasoned musician who, despite being in the latter stages of his career, presents us with a collection of tracks that reinforce the ideas of enduring love and powerful storytelling. Bryant is a beacon, reminding us that good music, like steadfast values, must remain unblemished by time or societal shifts. 'You Make Me Feel’ is a wake-up call for those willing to heed its message embedded within heartfelt melodies. It reassures us that while the world spirals in its chaos, there are indeed treasures among us founded on sincerity, tradition, and soul.