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JFH Music Review


Byron
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Byron "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers
My Time



Album length: 12 tracks: 38 minutes, 38 seconds
Street Date: March 2, 2010 / November 9, 2010


So you haven't heard of Mr. Talkbox? Real name: Byron Chambers? The guy who has worked with artists ranging from Britney Spears to Toby Mac, has already had two full-length releases and is a self-taught instrumentalist, and comes from Orlando and brings an R&B sound with tons (and I mean tons) of synthesizers? Well, no worries, because until recently, I hadn't either. So what can you expect to hear from someone that you've never heard of who's labeled as playing "funky synthadelic" music?

My Time is Byron's third full-length release, and before the first two tracks are over you'll know exactly what they mean when they say "funky synthadelic" sound. The album kicks off with some fun tracks, in a nice house party-type style. Tracks "Get On Up," "Lose Control," and "Funkadelic Sound" follow and share that same vibe and extensive use of the synthesizer, which seems to be the standard for Mr. Talkbox. Chambers does tend to go a little out of his comfort zone a few times throughout the album, however. "Ground Zero" offers a more hip-hop sound and comes out rather nicely with a message to understand how important it is to live for God. "Revolution" follows that same style as a song of being there for those who need us, while another track features Canton Jones blending with Talkbox very well as they take the listener on a decent hip-hop journey.

My Time does go a little deeper at times, too. Mr. Talkbox shares the mic with Amazing Grace nicely in "Fighting," a song about dealing with personal struggles. "Make You Smile" is a sweet love song about how thankful he is for his wife. While the message throughout the album is good, you just have to love that 1990's R&B sound to become a fan of Byron's. While I enjoy the sound, I tend to think that it might grow old quickly and it would be better if there was more singing/rapping and a little less synthesizing. But if you're really into that above mentioned sound – This should be right up your alley.

- Review date: 4/8/10, written by Kevin Hoskins of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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JFH Staff's Second Opinion



Anyone who's heard TobyMac's Welcome To Diverse City may immediately recognize the name "Mr. Talkbox." With a guest appearance on the album as well as a full-time member of Toby's Diverse City band, Mr. Talkbox (the moniker of music producer and songwriter Byron Chambers) has released his second solo record, entitled My Time, and as a hip hop album, it's nothing to scoff at. Chambers expertly lays down the beats and flow with a variety of influences to boot, leading to a very catchy and infectious record; highlights include the club-ready "Get On Up," the pounding "Ground Zero" and the synth-laden "Lose Control." With Christ and His hope at the core, there's an inarguable message behind the record as well that's hard not to admire. However, what makes the record unique may also be its biggest downfall; the trademark vocal effect Mr. Talkbox uses is used very effectively, but because of its constant use throughout the entire album, it can become a little tiresome and eventually even a little annoying to the listener. As a result, it's perhaps a hip hop project best heard in short durations. But nonetheless, My Time is an accomplished album by a seasoned producer, and it's one that fans of the genre would do well to look into. - Roger Gelwicks

 

. Record Label: Key Of B Productions / Save The City
. Album length: 12 tracks: 38 minutes, 38 seconds
. Street Date: March 2, 2010 / November 9, 2010
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Intro (0:24)
  2. Talkbox Time (Auto-Tune vs. Talkbox) (1:43)
  3. Clap Ya Hands (Featuring Canton Jones & DJ Promote) (3:11)
  4. Get On Up (3:37)
  5. Funkadelic Sound (3:22)
  6. Ground Zero (3:26)
  7. Lose Control (3:57)
  8. Revolution (3:30)
  9. Fighting (Amazing Grace featuring Imer Santiago) (4:24)
  10. Make You Smile (3:30)
  11. My Time (3:41)
  12. Everything Works Together (3:57)

 

 

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