Aaron Frazer, Introducing… | Album Review 💿

Aaron Frazer does a marvelous job recapturing the magic of soul music on his sensational debut album, Introducing…

Aaron Frazer, the ‘man of the hour,’ is a member of 🎙 Durand Jones & The Indications.  Interestingly he was NOT the lead vocalist of the retro-soul collective, but rather the drummer, serving in a co-lead capacity to 🎙 Durand Jones.  That said, if you’re only familiar with Aaron Frazer, you wouldn’t believe that he was NOT the front man listening to his sensational, 2021 solo debut, 💿 Introducing…. Throughout the retro-soul album, Frazer definitely makes the best of a soulful backdrop and his ability to croon like an absolute boss.

“You Don’t Wanna Be My Baby” 

✅ 🎵 “You Don’t Wanna Be My Baby” commences Introducing… incredibly soulful – understatement! From the start, before Aaron Frazer sings one note, the vibe is established with a That awesome backdrop includes upright piano, keyboards, an active, robust bass line, and lush, emotional strings. You can thank 🎙 Dan Auerbach, who always serves up epic production work, and does so consistently throughout Introducing...  As for the star of the show, Frazer, he introduces the world to his ripe, beautiful falsetto.  He’s fully in command yet does so in crooning fashion.  The record is laid back, but not too slow – definitely a great way to kick things off.

Following an opening statement like “You Don’t Wanna Be My Baby” is a tall task.  Thankfully, Frazer serves up more excellence via ✅ 🎵 “If I Got It (Your Love Brought It).”  From the start, the single is infectious, thanks to its groove and continuing a soulful aesthetic.  Aaron continues to wow with his pipes, singing with ease, serving up more ear candy with a deadly falsetto.  Like the opener, the songwriting is solid, particularly chorus.  On ✅ 🎵 “Can’t Leave it Alone,” we get a slight change of pace.  No, not regarding the soul factor, but rather, opting for a minor key as opposed to major.  Arguably, “Can’t Leave it Alone” delivers the groove of all grooves, not to mention one of (if not) the best hooks of the album (“Can’t leave it alone / You do it every time /… You’re always on my mind”).

“Bad News”

Despite its title, there’s no ‘bad news’ regarding the quality of 🎵 “Bad News.”  Clearly, this is a record that seeks to emulate 70s soul – think Marvin Gaye.  Frazer continues to impress with his smooth, effortless, never sounding as if he dares to break a sweat.  Equally awesome as the vocals is the instrumental, which really solidifies this retro sensibility.  The songwriting continues to be solid, keeping things relatively simple, particularly on the chorus.

On 🎵 “Have Mercy,” there’s a slight contrast, with the sound becoming a bit lighter and more stripped; more chilled out you might say.  There’s a bit more space within the instrumental, putting more emphasis on various riffs, as well as Aaron’s ever refined vocals.  Again, “Have Mercy” supports throwback vibes, as many a soul musician also ‘pulled back’ allowing the tone of their voice to shine through sans gospel histrionics.  Thematically, Frazer tackles something universal – love and matters of the heart.

With five songs under his belt, Aaron Frazer ensures ‘the beat goes on’ with the sixth track, another standout, ✅ 🎵 “Done Lyin’.” “Done Lyin’” maintains the sense of chill clearly expressed on “Have Mercy,” though adds a slightly more assertive, punchier backdrop.  There’s rhythmic guitar, the continual presence of the bass, and horns, all sweetening the listening experience.  It’s the perfect fuel for Aaron to paint his hypnotic pipes upon without doing any heavy lifting.  To be fair, I can’t speak to the fact that Frazer works out or doesn’t 😜.

“Lover Girl”

After being “Done Lyin’,” he informs us he’s “Never gonna fine me another love girl like you” on 🎵 “Lover Girl.” Basically, this lady has totally got Aaron ‘feelin’ some type of way’ and nobody else will make him feel the same.  Throughout, he asks how this all went down, such as “What kind of potion did you give me, slip me when you kissed me on my lips.” Fair question, right?  “Lover Girl” shines because it’s a good, innocent, fun love track – no need to be graphic or overwrought in the least. 🎵 “Ride with Me” continues the groove-heavy, driving nature of Introducing… in all its glory.  It’s busy, mind you, but there’s still a laid-back vibe, which Frazer continues to totally lockdown. 

“Woo, ooh / Girl on the phone.” ✅ 🎵 “Girl on the Phone” commences ‘in your face’ with its heavy-handed sound. The intro is dramatic and slower in pace, definitely grabbing your attention.  Following the ‘wall of sound’ that is the intro, “Girl” settles down into another enjoyable, retro-soul record checking off all the boxes of the music of the past.  The pace picks up (more moderate), while the overall sound is colorful yet balanced.  The intro section returns once more during the course of the song, providing a welcome contrast.  Once more, Frazer ‘puts in work’ in the vocal department, even if it doesn’t sound like he does!

“Love Is” 

Ah, we approach the homestretch of Introducing…! First – rather tenth – Aaron informs us that “Love is, anything you make it.” Yep, he definitely has a point on 🎵 “Love Is,” another nice moment for singer.  “Love Is” doesn’t overwhelm you or supplant the top of the album – particularly those first three songs – but it’s another consistent, well-rounded number overall.  The penultimate joint 🎵 “Over You” definitely incites both head and foot movement.  The tempo is quick, the groove hella electrifying, and Aaron’s falsetto continues to be dirty AF.  Among the best moments of the song is the bridge section, where he recollects a love once divine, ruined by “The day you left me, and it wrecked my mind.” Say that, say that!

“Have I been dreaming? / Am I a fool? / To be believing that I could have someone like you?” Aaron Frazer concludes Introducing… with arguably its most triumphant moment, the gospel/blues-infused ballad, ✅ 🎵 “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love.”  While he continues to deliver a calm, cool, and collected vocal, it feels as if he brings more oomph and punch.  Maybe it’s the passion, coupled with one of the best production jobs Dan Auerbach serves up the entire album.  If you can’t feel the passion on this one, well, you must truly have a heart of stone! 

Final Thoughts 💭

Soul enthusiasts everywhere will be jumping for joy after listening to Introducing…. Aaron Frazer delivers a compelling debut album that preserves the sanctity of the genre while also managing to sound refreshing in 2021.  He doesn’t need to over-sing to pack a punch, selling the aesthetic perfectly with his ability to croon and spoil us with heaping doses of falsetto.  What further makes Introducing… the triumph that it is is the production work of Dan Auerbach, who definitely assists Frazer in constructing those vintage vibes. Introducing… = Winner!

✅ Gems 💎: “You Don’t Wanna Be My Baby,” “If I Got It (Your Love Brought It),” “Can’t Leave it Alone,” “Done Lyin’” & “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love”

🎙 Aaron Frazer • 💿 Introducing… • 🏷 Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound • 🗓 1.8.21

[📷: Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound]