Album review: Melinda's 'Coming Back to You'

Once a frontrunner for the ‘Idol’ crown on the series’ sixth season, Melinda Doolittle is taking things a little bit easier nowadays. Although she has done some touring and other music-related projects since ending her ‘Idol’ adventure, she finally puts out her debut album, ‘Coming Back to You,’ to the delight of fans worldwide.

Doolittle kicks off the disc with the zany “Fundamental Things,” where she is able to reintroduce herself as a fun girl. She sings about dancing barefoot on broken glass and running through the streets while asking to get back to things that are important in life. The track definitely showcases her personality well.

On the first single, “It’s Your Love,” Doolittle utilizes the throwback sound that is on her album to its fullest potential, as the ‘60s-era strings and jazz instrumentation blend magically with her vocal style. The throwback theme continues as she moves forward a decade on “Wonderful,” which would fit right in on radio in the ‘70s.

The title track, “Coming Back to You,” is a smooth R&B track that tells of Doolittle’s infatuation with her lover that makes her return to him no matter what happens in the relationship. “I Will Be” is recorded in a similar vein that actually includes more of a hook than many of the tracks featured on the album. It would be a great single choice.

Where Doolittle really spices things up is on “Declaration of Love.” The song is uplifting, as she pledges her allegiance “to the heavens above” in a declaration of love to her man. Backup singers give “Declaration” an extra kick of life.

At the same time, “Dust Your Broom” displays her sassy side (“I’m gonna get up in the morning / I believe I‘ll dust my broom”) and puts the listener in a energized mood. “Walkin’ Blues” is similar in that it gives Doolittle the liberty to be a little nonsensical and use her doo-wop skills.

The absolute best track on ‘You’ is “If I’m Not In Love,” which provides Doolittle with a memorable platform to launch her commitment to her lover. The high note at the song’s closing is a great way to cap off the performance.

On the ballad front, Doolittle slows things down on “The Best of Everything” in an effort to show off her outstanding vocal control. The fact that she does not need to reach for a high note makes the performance that much more respectable. Similarly, “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” is easy listening at its core, and sounds like it could be out of a classic Disney animated film.

And then there is the rousing spiritual “We Will Find a Way.” This track highlights Doolittle’s faith, as she exclaims that all things happen for a reason (“We will sail above these waters / there are more than seven wonders to be seen”).

Doolittle finishes up ‘You’ with “Wonder Why,” a subdued ballad that is more about her vocals than it is the accompanying keyboard. It is the perfect way to close out the album because it leaves behind the busy instrumentation that is found on all the other tracks.

It is fair to say that Melinda Doolittle’s ‘Coming Back to You’ will not be a huge hit on the sales charts. It is everything that mainstream popular music is not. But that is in fact what gives the album life, and will in turn bring it much critical acclaim.

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