Former Gotee Records talent B.Reith has made a name for himself over the years as a man who likes to do a little of everything. His soulful voice is perfect for R&B pop songs, while the singer likes to rap a bit too. For his new independently released EP, Heart On My Sleeve, the aptly titled project is as personal as ever for the artist, offering up some really honest and vulnerable moments. Fans of B's hip hop tunes might be a little disappointed, however, as he sticks mostly to the soulful pop. However, singing has always been B.Reith's strong suit, so it's on these songs that his talent has always especially shined. "Winning Feeling" is a fun hip hop opener, in a similar vein to previous tracks like "Comeback Kid," but "Start Over" may be the best track in the bunch, with a scrumptious drum beat (and production) and Brian's stellar vocals driving a song about the ups and downs of success. "Can't Stop Lovin' You" is a super catchy love anthem, while "Roll With the Punches" is another fun track, and another highlight in "On My Own" continues the vulnerable songwriting from Reith. However, the romantic closer, "Deep End," concludes the EP on a bit of down note; it's a little too monotonous for its own good. Throughout the EP, B. tends to echo himself with the main vocals (and not an actual echo), and it just gets a bit too repetitious too fast. By the EP closer, it's just gotten to be too much. With how good "On My Own" is, the EP probably could have ended after it and made it a tighter batch of songs. All in all, though, it's great to have B.Reith back in the game, and I look forward to the next time he puts his heart to the tune of catchy soulful pop music.

- Review date: 10/17/16, written by John DiBiase