XTC

by Paul CliffordA wonderfully talented artist who is blessed with a voice that is reminiscent of the '70s soul scene, Anthony Hamilton arrived in 1996 with an absolutely stunning debut set, XTC. The album is so consistent that there is not a single album-filler, with every track being as good as the previous. Anthony Hamilton's voice glides over each track beautifully, in a style comparable to Stevie Wonder and Teddy Pendergrass. The album demonstrates a superb fusion of '70s soul and '90s R&B. Crackling breaks, wonderfully clean backing vocals, and infectious choruses supply Hamilton with the perfect backdrop on which to display his unique vocal ability. The standout tracks would have to be "You're My Type of Woman," the duet with partner Terri Robinson, "I Will Go," and the lead single, "Nobody Else." This debut set is astonishing and comfortably fits into the bracket of a nu classic soul masterpiece.