He’s a Soul Man

From playing in front of a group of 10 people in dingy bars to being the first winner of “Australian Idol” in 2003, Guy Sebastian has come a long way. Now releasing his fourth studio album “Like It Like That,” he is taking over the world one album at a time.

With its sweets horn melodies and catchy lyrics, “Like It Like That,” produced by David Ryan Harris (John Mayer, Mariah Carey, Neville Brothers) and Fredrick Rodesjo, is an album that, whether slow dancing or booty shaking, would have you on your feet from beginning to end.

Besides its catchy lyrics, Sebastian’s album has a lot of meaning. From the first song, “Like It Like That” to “ Never Be You,” and then to the last song, “Perfection,” songs on the album are ones that you would play while waiting for a new relationship or are in the process of one. With “Like It Like That” being the time when you first lay eyes on your significant other, then “Never Be You” being the time when the relationship goes through tough times and “Perfection” being the happily ever after, you are able to connect with these songs whether you are in a relationship or not.

While having his own soulful style, Sebastian’s music is greatly influenced. Sounding like Mr. Biggs (from the Isley Brothers) in “Never Be You” and Stevie Wonder in “Bring Yourself,” Sebastian is Stevie Wonder and Mr. Biggs combined in one. Besides sounding like these artists, Sebastian reminds us of many others, such as John Mayer (who, by the way, plays the guitar in “All to Myself, ”Fail To Mention” and “Never Be You”) Mariah Carey, Nick Jonas and the Neville Brothers, who produced some of the songs on the album. Each of these artists left a piece of themselves in the album, so you’re not just getting Sebastian, but a hint and taste of all of them as well.

Inspired by Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, Sebastian’s music is quite soulful, but even if you’re not a big fan of soul music, you have nothing to worry about. With “Magic” featuring Tarryn Stokes and “Art of Love” featuring Jordin Sparks, Sebastian caters to his pop and R&B fans.

Even though most of the songs on Sebastian’s album are fast paced and upbeat, they are also quite romantic. For example, “Bring Yourself” and “Perfection,” dedicated and written for his wife Jules, put you in a mood for love. The piano, bass guitar and the drums in “Bring Yourself” create a soulful mood and make you feel relaxed, just wanting your significant other by your side, while in “Perfection,” which is more of a wedding song, the piano and strings create a sense of a fairy tale, stirring up butterflies in your stomach.

Overall, Sebastian’s fourth studio album is a great one. Writing all the album’s lyrics, Sebastian is not just another artist singing love songs. Sebastian gives flavor and spunk to each of his singles. So if you’re in the mood for fun and great music, this album is worth a shot.