The Central Georgian

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Is the Current Onslaught of ‘Blue-Eyed Soul’ Performers Overshadowing Black Music Culture?
By: Danielle Kwateng, Howard University News Service

Listening to "Lost Without You" makes fans of Robin Thicke want to sail away to a romantic island. The eclectic sounds of Joss Stone remind many of smoky blues clubs. And when Justin Timberlake fans hear "My Love," they’re instantly infatuated with the passion in his voice.

So what do these three sultry-voiced musicians have in common? They’re part of the new generation of "blue-eyed soul" artists.

"Their sound is different -- like Justin Timberlake’s album is more upbeat than most black R&B artists," 20-year-old Howard University student Brianna Hurt told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "I just like their sound, plus I don’t really like hip-hop anymore. It all sounds the same. Yes, [Robin Thicke] sounds like Marvin Gaye, but I don’t compare him to anyone. I listen to them because they’re good, and there’s no profanity." 

The new generation of R&B lovers seems to embrace the music of today's blue-eyed soul artists, but their sound may also largely have something to do with the production teams behind them.

"Interestingly enough, today's biggest white soul singers have had strong support from black producer/mentors," acclaimed filmmaker and author  Nelson George told BlackAmericaWeb.com.

"Joss Stone has worked with the Roots and Raphael Saadiq, Justin Timberlake has been supported by Timbaland, and Robin Thicke was originally signed by Andre Harrell," George said.

The Central Georgian, 2007,  Disclaimer..