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Kent Jones, Alright © Epic

4 out of 5 stars

After scoring a top-10 hit with “Don’t Mind,” rap/R&B newcomer Kent Jones returns with new single, “Alright.” The question is, is “Alright” really alright? The answer is an emphatic yes.  While it’s difficult to follow-up a successful hit, Jones does a respectable job with “Alright.” This single also appears on Epic playlist, EPIC LIT.

“Alright” makes excellent use of sampling at the beginning.  If the sample sounds familiar to soul enthusiasts, it should – it’s Earth Wind & Fire, “Let’s Groove.”

The record is anchored by an exceptional beat. This sounds particularly great given Jones’ mean, soulful falsetto. Since “Let’s Groove” is the sample used here, it makes perfect sense why Jones relies on his falsetto – the original is dominated by falsetto as well. The production is superb, thanks to Illa & Kent Jones (according to Genius).

Jones raps the first verse.  The first lines are particularly catchy:

“She said I’m a freak / but I’m not promiscuous / I like shit discreet / she ain’t know what the difference was”

As enjoyable as Jones’ rhymes are, the catchy chorus, featuring his singing, is the selling point:

“She’ll make the news, in Giuseppe shoes / it’s alright, all right / win or lose, take her for jewels / it’s alright, all right / I said don’t lose yourself / in that mud, cause it get rainy all the time / she on that pole forever / so right now, it’s too many singles on the ground (yeah!)”

Final Thoughts

Overall, “Alright” sounds like another hit for newcomer Kent Jones.  It is well-produced, brilliant using the Earth Wind & Fire sample and anchored by a terrific beat.  Jones does exceptional switching between singing and rapping, showcasing incredible versatility.  “Alright” sound fresh and chocked full of swagger.

Kent Jones • “Alright” • Epic • Release: 9.2.16 
Photo Credit: Epic

 

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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