I first heard the single ‘I Don’t Want You Back’ on the radio at work. My first impression was whiney brat with all the cheese you don’t need. My colleague however differed. He obviously related the lyrics having just come out of a relationship and could perhaps relate easier to Eamon’s street soul. The swearing is perhaps unnecessary however it makes a point and portrays a certain rebellion that I suppose some people want. The album is raw, soulful and it’s hard to say there’s a bad track. Eamon has a strong, gritty, soulful voice that will definitely appeal to the ladies and the rude boys. His content is degrading to women and shows a certain bitterness but I guess he’s young, American and can get away with it. His lyrics do however provide a good basis for sing ‘alongs.’ The music is well orchestrated, catchy and has in some parts a very distinctive old style American college ball sound, yet has all the funk, groove and nu-street soul to make it progressive, easily palatable to urban audiences and popular to the masses. Eamon is definitely a talent for better or worse and has made a solid debut. Tareck Ghoneim |