The Hidden Hits compilation was really something of a cornucopia of good things to come. So far we have seen albums by Myron, Rosie Gaines, and now the debut album by Carmen Rodgers entitled Free is with us.
Licensed for a European release by the good folks at Expansion Records this a must-have for everyone into neo soul with a touch of jazz.
Carmen was born in Dallas/Texas and if you listen to her music two other icons of the Texan soul scene will spring to your mind, i.e. N'Dambi and Erykah Badu. Free is another fine example that there are some good things coming out of Texas despite a president, who sometimes doesn't seem to know what he's talking about (aka Bushisms).
All but one of the thirteen songs were written by Carmen, Ernie G and Gero Young, all three also produced the whole affair and the result is a great, coherent album.
Of course Carmen's contribution to the Hidden Hits compilation, Ain't No Time, surfaces on her own album. And following are more good grooves with an organic vibe like the midtempo soul of Dream or the jazzy Fallen with a fine bass played by Braylon Lacy.
Sea Of Lovelessness is an interesting arranged touching ballad with just an acoustic guitar by Pocket and strings by Sara Donaldson.
One of my favourite songs here is Morning that's the same calibre like Alison Crockett's Like Rain from her On Becoming A Woman album, which means a brilliant vocal performance by Carmen, great organic instrumentation and simply a good song.
The Way (I Want To Touch You) is the only cover version here, written by Captain & Tenille, this rather flat pop ditty in its original version is turned into a respectable neo soul gem by Carmen.
There's not a bad song on this album and of course I could mention all the other songs like Hands Of Time, Free or Just Believe and rave about them. But it's better to check out Carmen Rodgers' debut for yourself in your favourite record store. I'm sure you won't be disappointed by this album that certainly will sound great in ten years time.