Todd Edwards - Full On (Volume 2) FLAC download

Musically, I liked "Full On (Volume 2)" better than the first opus. But technically, I would have preferred an unmixed set of the tracks presented here. When I think about it, Volume 1 wasn't that memorable if we compared it to this one. There were maybe 1 or 2 tracks that you could easily remember. I'd say it starts to be really interesting around "Restless Soul". "You Came To Me" is very catchy and potentially the easiest track to remember. "You Are My All" is also very good, with a nostalgic and emotional touch. "You're The One" has a good chorus verse ("You Are Beautiful: You're The One"), but I feel it's not upfront enough, as the track emphasises more on elements that are less melodic altogether. The unpredictible aspect of Todd Edward's music makes it quite unique. I'm not aware of the amount of samples used exactly, but it sounds like there are more than on volume 1 and I am always amazed by the quantity of work for every track. Volume 2 is also less "religious" than it's predecessor (no apparent mention of god or Jesus this time). I feel this release is also more clubby in general. But I don't understand the importance given to "Beckon Call" (offered in 2 versions, quite similar), a very average track in my point of view. "Full On (Volume 3)" was announced for summer 2007.

Todd Edwards has a knack for creating uplifting, funky garage music using nothing more than a nice two-step beat and a few vocal samples. In this, he resembles Akufen in his creative use of samples (although Edwards relies almost entirely the gospel/R&B side of things). However, his album FULL ON, VOLUME 2 also reveals his weakness: after a while, all his tracks start to sound the same. The tempo doesn't vary, so the onus of the track lies on the sample, and if the sample isn't memorable... well, there's trouble ahead. So while tracks like "Shut the Door," "Beckon Call," and "Restless Soul" have some sparkle to them, many of the other tracks just don't distinguish themselves. So while Edwards' musical abilities seem limited, he's able to change things up enough to keep things moving. Perhaps a better album to dance to than to listen at home.