Album review: Elliott's 'Fight For Love'

Continuing to prove that the fifth season of ‘American Idol’ is the most successful to date, Elliott Yamin offers up more slick, contemporary tracks and smooth, soulful vocals on his sophomore release ‘Fight For Love.’

Yamin kicks things off with a mellow ode to the idea that love has a mind of its own and should not be manipulated on “Let Love Be.” This traditional R&B track sets the stage for the underlying musical strand that threads the rest of the album’s songs together, no matter how much they may differ stylistically.

One of the highlights of ‘Love’ is its title track and first single, “Fight For Love,” a verbal oath by Yamin to his love interest that incorporates synths in all the right places, which do not take away from his vocals. Yes, the lyrics may not be the most groundbreaking, but they fit the mood of the song.

As for mid-tempo tracks, “You” is one of the standouts thanks to instrumentation that complements Yamin’s longing, wounded vocals that combine for an emotional result. There are a few production effects that could have been left in the recording studio to maintain a total sense of vulnerability, but they do not take too much away.

There are also plenty of additional radio-friendly offerings to be found on the disc, including the up-tempo, rock-tinged “Know Better” and the major hit-in-waiting “Apart From Me,” either of which could serve as surefire single choices. “Apart” uses a hint too much auto-tuning, which Yamin does not even need, but somehow it still works in context with the rest of the song. Even “Can’t Keep Loving You” has potential to be a single, which is good news considering it is probably one of the album’s strongest tracks overall.

The “ugly duckling,” if you will, on ‘Love’ is “Cold Heart,” as it sounds like it could have been used in a scene from ‘Grease’ had it been filmed in 2009 rather than 1978. This is not to say that it’s a weak selection, but it just does not fit as well among the rest of the album’s tracks. But Yamin’s vocals shine just the same and it shows his vocal versatility.

As for the album’s weakest track, it fortunately comes near its end. “How Do I Know” sounds like it could have been delivered by 98° back in ‘98. Aside from the overall dated sound production-wise, the lyrics are as generic as possible and don’t do anything to show off Yamin’s skills as an artist.

The sole true ballad to be found on ‘Love’ comes as the second-to-last offering, which is a little too late in the track listing. Still, “This Step Alone” brings forth meaningful lyrics and a sentimental tone. What helps “Alone” is its fusion of traditional ballad elements and a contemporary sound, which results in a powerful

On “Don’t Be Afraid,” the lyrics are a little dry and overdone especially in R&B songs of yesterday, but the production is top-notch and sounds like something Diddy would have selected for himself. “Afraid” is a prime example of how much good production on an album counts, and by enlisting the talents of Midi Mafia, Stargate and Jermaine Dupri, Yamin made a great decision.

“You Say” is dominated by both catchy choruses and verses, which can be a rarity nowadays, and although Yamin’s range is not challenged like it is on other songs, he is still able to manage a few inflections to make things interesting.

In closing the album, Yamin delves into a very personal place on “Someday,” which is about his mother Claudette, whom passed away last year. The throwback soul sound with a taste of electric guitar and backing gospel vocals give the song a very hopeful feeling, which is reflected in the lyrics (“I know that I‘ll see you someday / oh someday I will see you again”).

In only three years, Elliott Yamin has transformed from an unknown Richmond, Va. native into a contemporary R&B artist with a knack for picking material that has positive themes and meaningful lyrics, and ‘Fight For Love’ is no exception. In fact, it may very well be that this album is among the Top 10 to come from an ‘Idol’ alum to date, and hopefully the majority of fans of music will react the same way.

Fight For Love will be released Tues., May 5, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon.