Seconds Of Pleasure

A review of Van Hunt

by j. brotherlove

Van Hunt
Van Hunt
Capitol (2004)
Grade: B

From the whispers of tastemakers and underground soul fans comes the precise, self-titled debut by singer/songwriter Van Hunt. Van Hunt deftly combines the vinyl appeal of Curtis Mayfield and Sly Stone soul with the spunky affectations of Prince and Lewis Taylor. The 12 tracks on Van Hunt consist of soul-based yearnings and observations, smoldering with muted falsettoes, deep basslines and catchy keyboarding in a gumbo of jazzy R&B and funk, with a dash of psychadelica. It’s tempting to compare his release to offerings by Andre 3000 and Raphael Saadiq however, Van Hunt’s consistency and musicianship deserves accolades of its own. Evident throughout the songs are traces of his impressive, earlier work with Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Joi and Rahsaan Patterson.

The 28-year-old, Atlanta-based musician wrote, produced and played on all songs on his debut. Van Hunt dedicates his disc “to the pimps, ho’s and hustlers for whom I strive to provide background music.” And it serves that purpose perfectly. Van Hunt’s account of his father’s days as a part-time pimp in Dayton, Ohio also captures the overall flow of his debut:

“I loved watching him take a lady into the back room, loved seeing the door close behind him, and I loved listening, straining with all my might to hear the strange sounds that followed. Sometimes, after they’d finished, I would sneak into the room and wonder what in the world could have caused such a smell - a heavy bitter mix of sweat and perfume. But, I loved it. I loved sitting in the corner of a smoke filled dope house, tapping my feet to the music while my father and his friends cussed each other out over a game of cards. It seemed to me the beat of the drums urged on their behavior, and drove the alcohol that flowed through their veins out of their bloodshot eyes. Guitars and horns percolated and made their hands tap out the rhythm uncontrollably, ‘1-2-3-4.’”

But Van Hunt is very much in control � at times, perhaps too controlled. In contrast to my criticism of Andre 3000’s highly-praised work on the schizophrenic The Love Below, Van Hunt makes an equally frustrating move by not letting loose often enough. Possibly the tradeoff of working with a major record label, Van Hunt takes songs to the verge of genre-splitting explosion yet often regulates the effects to a fade out as if he’s unsure of the diversion. Nevertheless, the layers of melodies, keyboard effects, guitar bursts and delicate vocals are undeniably fresh, if sometimes a bit subdued.

And perhaps that’s the point. Because the disc quickly becomes infectious, begging for the listener to pay closer attention to the underlying passion; much like a young buck trying to hear the cries of passions behind a closed door.

Highlights include “Dust”, the neo-romantic “Down Here In Hell (With You)”, “Precious” (with Wendy Melvoin on rhythm guitar), and “Out Of The Sky”; although, there’s not a bad tune in the lot.

A must-have for soul-lovers exhausted by radio formulary and definitely one of the best releases of 2004 so far.

Bonus Link: Review and Tracklist Commentary

I’m going to catch a free show from him at Amoeba Music Los Angeles tonight.

The esteemable KCRW has been playing this album non-stop for a good 2 months.

My ears have been burning. Consider it purchased.

i think i found another reviewer. yo, holla’ at me, i’d love to put this up on vibe.com, with your permission of course. publicists been hounding me to cover this cat. at first i ignored their calls, but then i listened to one track - and i thought just what you’re saying here, but you said it better than how i thought it. you found both the good and the bad of it. loving this.

Van Hunt is all that.

At work I listen to Yahoo Radio (Neo-Soul), when I first heard “Hold my hand”, Prince jumped in my head…So I tried to see a picture of this person singing this song, but unfortunately one was not available and that’s what brought me to this website. Not that he is a very attractive brother, but can sing too…I will definitely buy this CD, no downloading and burning for me.

i luv him. not much more 2 say. he made a fan outta me 4sho.

i luv him. not much more 2 say. he made a fan outta me 4sho.

I heard him on yahoo radio as well - The song was “Dust” - where has this man been all my life?? His vibe is absolutely infectious! (and he’s pretty hot too!) I’m am blown away by his talent. Marry me, Van Hunt!

VAN HUNT IS THE TRUTH. I HEARD HIM ON TOM JOYNERS RIGHT BACK AT YA ONE SAT. MORNING AND I WAS LIKE “WHO IS THIS”. I WENT STRAIGHT TO THE RECORD STORE, NO ONE HEARD OF HIM. I WENT HOME AND PULLED HIM UP ON LINE AND FOUND OUT HE WOULD BE IN CHICAGO, AT SCHUBA’S, A LITTLE PUB. HE WAS AWESOME. I MET HIM AND HIS LADY FRIEND AND TALKED TO HIM. HE’S A REAL COOL, FUNNY GUY. I TOLD HIM “YOU ARE WHAT WE HAVE NEEDED FOR A LONG TIME, AND YOU ARE GOING TO BLOW UP”. AND HE HAS. I LOVE HIS C.D. AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU HE IS EVEN BETTER IN PERSON. I AM A FAN FOR LIFE.

Well I went to school with Van I did not know he was 28 we were in the same grade and im 35.Now im not sure if he is from Ohio but he went through school in the Dallas Fort Worth area I dont know if people like to change their image to sell but I like his music anyway Good music Van keep it up hope it all works out for you.

I was watching VH-1 Soul last night and was mesmerized by this brother’s talent on “Dust”. What R & B needs is a talented brother who plays music and does live shows instead of “sampling” everything. He is definitely in the same vein as Prince, Rapheal Saadiq & Rashaan Paterson…hope he comes to the Ohio area soon…

Van Hunt is the new Messiah of the Music industry. Buy this FINE brother’s CD NOW!!! Please listen to every song 1 through 12. My favorites Are: WHAT CAN I SAY (FOR MILLICENT), PRECIOUS, SECONDS OF PLEASURE, and HOLD MY HAND!!! The CD is the BOMB.

that’s funny. ‘cause i played intramural basketball with a van hunt. i’m 29. and, i’m pretty sure we’re about the same age. the picture certainly looks like him. i haven’t heard the music, but, i hope it’s as good as ya’ll say it is. then, i can say i used to play ball with a superstar…(ps send my love to amel l.)

Words cannot explain how Van Hunt has reassured me that real, soul-filled music still exist. His songs are not performed as though he is singing for the sake of singing…but because this is the story he wants to tell the world. He is a true artist and an inspiration for myself. His intonation seems so natural (unforced) and (yet again) ridden with true soul. His voice along with his music brings warmth and color to what has become a black and white world of music.

I saw him last night in Detroit (a great city, get hip, its too real for some) with Angie Stone and his performance was great. He has an awesome guitar and bass player. This is not for those who do not like real music.

My favorite songs on his album are:
“Out of the Sky”-that comes straight from him…you can hear that
“What Can I Say” - words cannot express my respect for this song…the lyrics are amazing…deserve to be taught in college English classes
well damn…the whole album was tight, something that I have not been able to say about any new artist in years

i wish him mad luck

Van Hunt’s music is infectious and is the most recent soundtrack to my life.

Van Hunt is definitely THE TRUTH…i love him so much…Van, could u please come through to Dallas??? so i could see you? “What can i say to get u down? what can i say to get and keep ur love all around me?????”

love ya,
I.Tamara

Van Hunt is a breath of fresh air. He is a very talented young brother with a love for the purity of the music. “Her December is my favorit cut on the CD. He is destine for greatness.

well, he was over in london this past weekend. tough crowd and i think i saw a slight hint of nervousness, but he triumphed.
yes, you can compare him to a lot of artists..rahsaan,omar,trent d’arby but i am looking fwd to him creating and enjoying his own niche. those ‘the next…’ comparisons can be limiting and even unfair.

Precious allowed me the strength to reach out and take love again!

I just wanted to say that every since I heard Seconds of Pleasure I been a fan. The Album is incredible.. Favorite tracks are Hello goodbye.. The song is so true..and the hook is just nasty..lol Damn that song was hot.. Highlights..and a true fav.. Her December. Now Van..you was getting down on that one! Anyway.. Just like everyelse here has said and I’m sure many more are saying the same.. Much Success. You truly are a artist in every since of the word.. God bless…

Van hunt is dope. I hope he doesnt turn into another brother full of talent(Bilal) that does one great album and disappears…

I can’t put into words how greatly talented Van Hunt is…his CD is flawless and his live performance in Pittsburgh was absolutely superb (not to mention - he’s nice to look at too!!) I’m so grateful to have met such a wonderful star! Luv ya Van!

cun Cleveland - Front row center!
Your #1 fan

my favorit song is seconds of pleasure cuz it give me a happy place to go to when i am having a bad day

This is a cd to make love to…. to experience life, and love, and all its ups, downs, and inbetweens…. beautiful!