It has been 4 long years since Carl Thomas has released an album.  So his fans were certainly pleased of the news that he would be releasing his fourth album Conquer. This album is a refreshing addition to the R&B genre. The project starts off on a pop inspired up beat tempo that is sure to grab your attention.  In a time of music where everyone is tweaking their original sound to keep up with the competition, Thomas is no different. But personally I feel this is a good fit for him, the material doesn’t seem forced.  It comes across more as growth and creative range from the artist.  More often than not when an artist does something outside of what we are used to hearing from them it can come across unnatural.  But Carl Thomas does a great job blending his distinct R&B style with the more rhythmic up beat tracks.

The first track of the album “The Night Is Yours” is an energetic track sure to make you move.  Something you may listen to while getting ready to go out for a night on the town. The following track “Long Distance Love Affair” a personal favorite, is pretty self explanatory.  A smooth track where Thomas questions if his love interest can make the obstacle of distance between them work “would you still tell him you’re all mine, if your hands couldn’t touch me?” Moving to the single of the album “Don’t Kiss Me” Carl Thomas is an all or nothing type of man, “Don’t you kiss me, unless those lips that you kiss me with will say I love you, love you for life” This track has a certain old-school sound to it, with the horns and the way it’s arranged. Getting into the more sensual side of the album Carl Thomas introduces a track “Round Two” an enticing portrayal of a sexual rendezvous. And if that isn’t sexy enough for you “Sweet Love” is sure to suffice.  This is a definite classic 90’s R&B sounding track.  Light the candles, let the record play, and let Carl Thomas do all of the talking.  Another track I liked from the album was the inspirational track “Running” it’s a very up lifting, motivational song with superb vocals that compliment the message. “Don’t start to fast, pace yourself… Endure the pain, believe, breathe and let your feet keep on running.  Running for your life, running until you get it right… win the race to live, ready set begin”

Overall Conquer is a solid contemporary R&B album.  Nice to see that even with the time gap between albums, Carl Thomas is able to come back and produce quality work. There wasn’t too much that I disliked about this album.  If I had to choose one thing, it would be having Snoop Dogg featured on the “Don’t Kiss Me” Remix.  That’s a track I feel he could have done without. It just seemed a bit extra to me.

Recommendations: The Night Is Yours, Long Distance Love Affair, Running & Sweet Love

by Katrina Moss (@iRepTrina)