Picking up where their 2008 Grammy-nominated "Leave It All Behind" set left off, "Authenticity" is the group's most diverse work to date, with a tight, 11-track song cycle spanning the duo's trademark brand of lush electronic soul, to stripped down acoustic pieces that recall the heyday of 70's singer-songwriter driven folk. Lead single "Maybe She'll Dream Of Me" is a playful, synth-driven hip-hop groove featuring a rapped verse from Phonte that evokes the band's "Connected" era, while the epic opener "The Last Fall" finds Phonte singing some of his most cynical lyrics to date ("Love is at worst an excuse/at best it's a truce...") over a frenzied Nicolay production jammed with layers of strings, guitars, and dense choral harmonies. "I think every band reaches that point when they come into their own and find a sound that is distinctively theirs," says Phonte in reference to the album's title. "The title refers to me and Nic's journey to find our own unique space within this vast musical landscape. The biggest challenge as a musician is to find that 'thing' that makes you who you are. But I think we're getting there, and we're finding our way more and more with each record." Featuring guest appearances from longtime contributors YahZarah, Darien Brockington, Zo! and Median, and also relative newcomers Chantae Cann and Jesse Boykins III, "Authenticity" hits stores 10/12 on +FE Music.
T**G
My review of album Authenticity.
The cd is in great condition. I know I am late with owning more than one album of The Foreign Exchange but now I do. So here is my review: The album is a change from the first The Foreign Exchange album Connected (which I have just purchased along with this one a few weeks ago), this one has various sounds along with just singing. Which I find odd because Phonte is a rapper originally however I like it even though honestly Phonte cannot sing to me but it does work since the lyrics provide a story so I can tell he is sincere in expressing this. The first album by The Foreign Exchange for me to own, I have purchase some years ago is the (third album?) Leave It All Behind so I am use to Phonte trying to sing, however that album incorporated from time to time his rapping skills along with various singers which I love. But this album Authenticity may have only one song with rapping in it, and two featured singers. I can tell this one was the trial and error of doing something new with The Foreign Exchange. I enjoy this album, especially the music compositions by Nicolay (I always love his sounds/music!) with Phonte adding his style along with the singers. My rating out of ten stars is 7.
G**Y
I lost,broke, it etc I dunno now I'm buying again but this time mp3 cause thats forever
I already had this before I bought the physical copy like a dummy and lost it,broke it I don't know its funny how I no longer own any physical copies of music...
K**R
80's feel; give it a chance; nice work
OK. I have officially listened to this album 56 times since I got it from Amazon pre-order last month. Foreign Exchange is definitely one of my favorite groups. I really appreciate how different they are, that eclectic fusion of hip-hip, soul, R&B, and electronica. It pains to say that after the 1st three times listening, I had serious doubts as to the mental health of Phonte. I couldn't believe that this wicked lyricist went 100% R&B. I thought this was nothing more than a mere R&B album; ready to call them the new Case or Usher. But the more I listened; I captured the brilliance of the album.The album has an 80's feel. That may have been what initially threw me off. The old school kicks & snares and the synthesizers combine to give it a synthetic feel. If you can, listen to a snippet of the song "Authenticity". I think is has a similar tone as Prince "When Doves Cry". As a matter of fact, several songs have a feel of that classic Purple Rain Album. And that my friends is the brilliance I referred to earlier.
G**E
i just....i just
Wish little brother never broke up but I guess anyways I love this album it Is put away now but I would still listen to it these days it's relaxing and nicolay is great as always
S**S
Easy Listening
Good Music
N**C
Late to the fan club
I love this album. I came to be a Phonte fan by way of Little Brother. Then I learned about The Foreign Exchange. The range of this guy's talent is insane. He's my favorite rapper today, but to then also make a great singing album is beyond amazing. I just bought their remix album (not from Amazon) and I'm looking forward to their next album that's supposed to be dropping in the Fall.
K**J
Fast Shipping
This album is the first Foreign Exchange cd I have bought. I love the album. If you enjoy newo soul and have an open mind, the definitely give this album a shot.
L**N
my favorite group
i like everything they put out and this CD is no exception. i just wish more people were hip to this phenomenal group of musicians.
A**R
Five Stars
Yes this cd I like
C**E
柔らかなシンセ・サウンドと甘い声に包まれる至福の40分
オランダの精鋭サウンドクリエイターNicolayとラップグループLittle Brotherの一員Phonteで構成されるユニットThe Foreign Exchange。ラップ中心の1作目・歌ものにシフトした2作目に続く3作目の登場。Nicolayの敷く柔らかなシンセサウンドとラッパー出身とは思えない程スイートな声質と繊細なコーラスワークから成るPhonteの歌の組合せは聴き手に最高のリラクゼーション・浮遊感・哀愁感を提供する。本作は歌ものに方向転換した2作目の延長上にある。ユニットの根底にある美意識の高さはデビュー時からぶれることなく、相変わらずジャケット写真の様にメランコリックな色を湛えた美しい電子ソウルミュージックを聴かせてくれる。これまでに無い強いビート感溢れる冒頭の｢The Last Fall｣ではPhonteの多重コーラスがひたすら快感。プラスティックな感触のピコピコループにロック・ギター音を絡めた｢Authenticity｣、Phonteがソウルフルな歌からラップに自在にギアを変える｢Maybe She'll Dream ofMe｣、ひたすら下降する様な珍妙なプログラミング音が耳に残る｢Make Me a Fool｣、彼らがプロデュースした最新作｢Ballad of Purple Saint Jame｣が好作だった女性歌手Yahzarahが軽やかで美しいリードボーカルを採る終曲｢This City Ain't The Same Without You｣等、統一感あるサウンドの中でも微妙に変化をつけ、11曲39分を一気に聴ける良く纏まった作品となっている。3作聴いてきて感じたことは、彼らの音楽は作品毎に大きな劇的な変化があるわけではないしその必要もないということ。夢心地な雰囲気に包まれた電子音と歌から成る個性は彼らのシンボルであり、ありそうで無いモダンソウルの美しさをこれからも追及し続けて欲しい。デビュー時の衝撃は流石に薄れたものの彼らの過去作を愛聴した方には間違いなく推薦できる作品であり、彼らの存在を知らなかった方も一度試聴してみて欲しい。
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