Back of My Lac' [PA] (CD - 2007)

Powered by the lead-off single "Bed," a smooth, catchy loverman track, BACK OF MY LAC', the debut album from Washington D.C.-based singer J. Holiday, is classic urban contemporary in the mold of R. Kelly. Like "Bed," the rest of the songs on BACK OF MY LAC' favor drum machine-fueled production and mid-to-downtempo grooves, which make a perfect backdrop for J. Holiday's expressive, sensuous tenor. Passionate but laid back in the cut, J. Holiday brings the urban soul goods on this strong, promising debut.

Powered by the lead-off single "Bed," a smooth, catchy loverman track, BACK OF MY LAC', the debut album from Washington D.C.-based singer J. Holiday, is classic urban contemporary in the mold of R. Kelly. Like "Bed," the rest of the songs on BACK OF MY LAC' favor drum machine-fueled production and mid-to-downtempo grooves, which make a perfect backdrop for J. Holiday's expressive, sensuous tenor. Passionate, but laid back in the cut, J. Holiday brings the urban soul goods on this strong, promising debut.

You'd probably have to dump a bucket of ice on J. Holiday's head in order to see his eyelids open more than half way, at least going by the singer's photos and persistently slack delivery. He's always relaxed, even when he's decreeing the "Thug Commandments." It doesn't mean he's lacking passion. (He might even sound like Chris Brown if he wasn't high and/or intoxicated so frequently -- who knows?) Despite what it seems like on the surface, Holiday has the stoned but deep-feeling thing down pat, as indicated by "Bed," the gently rocking, unapologetically sleazy, and uniquely endearing single that became a number one R&B single just before the release of Back of My Lac'. Those who are hoping for the album to contain more of that sensitive thuggery delivered by a swaggering softie won't be let down, as most of the other songs revolve around seduction and heartache. Holiday also likes to sing about getting high and drunk, quite possibly far too much for those who don't indulge. While some of the come-ons are problematic as well -- he compliments a woman by comparing her body to that of a call girl -- there's enough sincere sweetness to lure a guarded heart. And it wouldn't hurt to have a thing for slight lisps. ~ Andy Kellman minimize