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Title: Southern Soul Lite
Review: On the surface, this debut album by Ricky Fante is a breath of fresh air in an era of synthesized sampled soul, but upon several listens, there's nothing that digs deep enough to be memorable. All the poses are there -- the raspy voice, the Memphis-sounding horns, the call-and response background vocals, but imitation is not necessarily the foundation of a lasting career. Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Al Green, all of whom are echoed here, are originals and innovators, and had better written songs to work with. I suspect this album will become a crossover staple and Grammy favorite -- it is very easy to digest. But there's really nothing to stir the soul and rock the foundation of the listener. I prefer more spirit and danger in my soul music.
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