June 24, 2003 @ 6:26 pm

Chico Debarge - Free (Koch)

Jason King

Chico DeBarge’s biggest hits have been frothy party joints like “Listen to Your Man.” But De-Barge never seemed completely comfortable as a mainstream artist.

Chico DeBarge’s biggest hits have been frothy party joints like “Listen to Your Man.” But De-Barge never seemed completely comfortable as a mainstream artist. His stint in prison (1988–1994) gave his lyrics a brooding, existential quality, and his musical choices have since plumbed neo-soul’s moodiest depths. Now he has launched his own record label and released the aptly titled Free, a 13-track concept album that he wrote and produced. Perhaps too melancholic for urban radio, Free is an exercise in introspection. The lyrics may be standard relationship fare, but some of the musical arrangements are so beautifully threadbare they threaten to melt like snowflakes. On the album’s pensive title track, a lone acoustic guitar accompanies DeBarge’s slender tenor. “Smile” uses the Zen-like sound of water droplets as percussion, and the tune’s sophisticated chord changes recall Stevie Wonder at his prime. Indeed, Free is reminiscent of 1972’s Music of My Mind. And though DeBarge has yet to develop Stevie’s breadth of vision, with Free, he’s well on his way to higher ground.

Article tags: Chico, Debarge, Free, Koch 

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http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2003/06/chico_debarge_free_koch/

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