E-Mail by Calvin Nelson: A Soulful Boogie Ride That Sticks With You
Calvin Nelson’s E-Mail is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it’s just another funky little project from the US, released under Bellmar Entertainment. But let me tell ya, this thing’s got layers. It’s like a mixtape your cool uncle made back in the day—equal parts soulful vibes, funky grooves, and boogie beats that make your shoulders shimmy without asking permission.
The album bounces between genres like Electronic, Funk, and Soul, but it never feels messy. Instead, it’s cohesive in its chaos, kinda like life itself. Tracks like “In Our Hearts” and “E-Mail” are standouts for me, not because they’re perfect, but because they stick to your brain like gum under a desk.
“In Our Hearts” hits different. The groove is smooth as butter, but there’s this raw energy underneath it all—a bassline so thick you could practically spread it on toast. It’s the kind of track that makes you wanna grab someone’s hand and dance real close, even if you’ve got two left feet. There’s something about the way Calvin layers the vocals here; it’s almost conversational, like he’s whispering secrets straight into your ear. And honestly? I don’t mind keeping those secrets.
Then there’s “E-Mail.” Yeah, the title track. Don’t sleep on it just ‘cause it sounds gimmicky—it’s actually fire. The beat has this retro-futuristic vibe (if that even makes sense), blending old-school funk with electronic bleeps and bloops. It’s catchy as hell, and every time I hear it, I find myself humming along to random synth lines hours later. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pun? Email might be dead in 2023, but this song proves some things never go outta style.
Other tracks like “Time After Time” and “One Love” keep the momentum going, while deeper cuts like “Lies” show off Calvin’s knack for storytelling through sound. It’s clear he poured his heart into this record, flaws and all. Some transitions feel a bit rough around the edges, but hey—that’s part of its charm. This ain’t some polished pop machine; it’s human. Real.
What gets me thinking, though, is how an album called E-Mail manages to feel so personal. In a world where we’re glued to our screens and drowning in notifications, this project reminds us what connection really feels like. Maybe that’s why it lingers long after the last note fades.
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I listened to this whole thing on a road trip, windows down, wind messing up my hair. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I loved the music more or the fact that it made me miss people I haven’t seen in years. Weird, right? Guess that’s the magic of Calvin Nelson.
