- Bryon Harris
Coast 2 Coast-Live your life
Review by Patrick Joseph & Staff
“Live your life” is the kind of R&B song that seems to shimmer with significance. A rich harmonic progression carries this track and establishes a meditative repetition over which instrumentalists and vocalists can shine. This song feels like a real “ensemble party” with plenty of virtuosic playing that is never over the top. Bass and drums create a lively groove that never stagnates, executing improvised ideas without sacrificing momentum. A horn section and vocal harmonies fill up the space nicely and continuously develop motifs. The piano on this track is breathtaking, always in the pocket but stretching out and exploring ideas.
Lyrically, “Live your Life” is inspirational and infectious. “Live your life, find yourself in the light…the truth lies deep inside, walk by faith and not by sight.” These lyrics are a call to action that empowers the listener. This song does not preach, but rather implores listeners to preach to themselves. “Don’t follow the trends that keep changing, find the rock and you will stand.” This song leaves the door open for all walks of life to hear and live its important message.
The vocals on “Live Your Life” are eclectic and layered. Smooth back up vocals create ambiance. A filtered vocal adds “shout” melodies to the track while a lead vocal is delivered with emotion and integrity. There are so many sounds on the track blended together perfectly. Each instrument finds its place in the mix and adds to a big picture. The overall effect of this song is clear and precise, and the closer you listen the more layers you hear. In short “Live Your Life” is a great song.
Dedication
“Live Your Life” was written by Robert Finney and Vasillis Sotiriou and performed by Coast 2 Coast feat. The Fantastic Gems. This music review is dedicated to Vasillis Sotiriou who recently passed away. May his spirit live on through song and love forever.
About Coast 2 Coast Feat the Fantastic Gems Back in 1968, at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, a music group called The Fantastic Gems was born. After graduation, the talented musicians went off to college, the military, and new careers. Years later, two of the original members reformed in Washington D.C. as "Coast2Coast" and began recording and performing from 1986 to 1990. In 2016, The Fantastic Gems got back together to fulfill a promise they made to each other when they were young students in New Jersey. The result of their reunion was the release of The New Old Skool. The album is a tribute to their musical roots, and was made in recognition of the community who encouraged, supported and shaped their musical spirit. The New Old Skool features 11 great songs that fans of R & B,Gospel, Pop, and Jazz will love.
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