Calling All Lovers

It's been a very long time since Tamar Braxton could be allowed the title of the "littlest sister" in the Braxton family. Having moved on from under the wing of the family's days as a harmonizing quintet, Tamar had a breakout #1 on the Billboard charts with her 2013 "Love And War," and now this busy Braxton...between her duties on the talk show circuit and hoofing it on "Dancing With the Stars," Tamar had time to put together a palatable feast of R&B grooves on her new album.

"Calling All Lovers" puts the Braxton's winning vocal skills up-front and center; playfully navigating between traditional R&B riffs and some more contemporary sass that gives Tamar room to breathe - her personality flourishes. The track "Catfish" is one of the album's biggest beat-thumpers and is dripping with sensuality and heat. It captures Braxton certainly at her best, and ignites an antsy anticipation for the track's (hopeful) remix package.

The follow-up track "Simple Things" breaks it down and provides a wonderful nod to old-time R&B and the glory of torch songs from the 50's and 60's. "Broken Record" applies the Braxton formula to a surprisingly contemporary arrangement that is as emotive as an 80's Janet Jackson hit, and has the emotional reach of Anita Baker. There are plenty of harmonic flows and romps along the album's set list, but if you like to shake things up, skip ahead...

"Must Be Good To You" has a groovy disco feel that is unrelentingly fun and Braxton's smile just comes through the vocals. It's impossible not to love how this track feels. "Love It" takes some liberties with its beat-heavy box feel. It's completely danceable, but takes it down a notch some. It's one you'll want to play with on the floor, but "Makin' Love" is just perfect. It's an instant classic, and not because it's reminiscent of some 80's radio favorites. It throbs with genuine Tamar Braxton charm.

It's the ballads of course that set Tamar Braxton apart from other R&B performers. The arrangements on "Calling All Lovers" have a delightfully futuristic sensation to them - erotically charged, but thought-provoking, engaging and erstwhile in its honesty. This is a definitive performance from an artist that is still worthy at expressing herself. We know that Tamar can sing. We know that she's at her core an artistic vocalist, but hopefully the next time around she'll help us dance our hearts out!

Tamar Braxton - "Calling All Lovers"
available on CD and Digital Download
$12.99
? 2015 Epic Records