Jimmy Needham - Nightlights

Producer: Calvin Turner
Record Label:  Inpop Records
Website: http://www.jimmyneedham.com

When Jimmy Needham released his debut solo album - Speak - in 2006, this reviewer wasn’t impressed. It’s not that Needham wasn’t a decent songwriter. It felt as if Needham was just trying to channel mainstream acts like Jason Mraz or Marc Broussard and had no originality in his writing or vocals. Speaking of vocals, his runs were just sloppy and the whole album felt very rushed and thrown together. Needham showed signs of improvement on Not Without Love. It seemed that time on the road really helped Needham develop into a better vocalist and writer. While that release wasn’t perfect - it was definitely a step in the right direction. Needham is now releasing his third recording with Inpop Records - Nightlights - and again we see Needham walking down familiar territory - but he seems more confident in himself as a singer and songwriter this time as well.  The album kicks off with the Gospel-flavor of “Marching to Zion” before treading into more familiar territory on songs like “Yours to Take” and “Being Small.”  “Steal Away” features a more jazzed-up accompaniment, yet Needham’s vocals remain firmly planted in the late 2000’s.  “Right Where You Are” again features a nice, radio-friendly tune, but it feels more like imitation than influence as Needham continues to channel many of the industry’s most impressive vocalists. His runs, his pronunciation, and his phrasing all sound identical to the likes of Mraz or Broussard. “Just a Heartbeat” and “Yours to Take” are the biggest culprits of this. It would be nice just to hear Needham being himself every once in a while as a vocalist. The dude is clearly talented, but the listener should start to hear more Jimmy than other acts now that we’re three albums in. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” (yes that song that you’ve heard by countless acts like Michael McDonald, Michael Buble, Marvin Gaye, and a host of others) feels especially unneeded under these circumstances.  Not all is bad on this recording. “The Reason I Sing” is a fantastic song that showcases Needham’s heart for ministry, while the aforementioned “Marching to Zion” starts things off exceptionally well.  “Grace Amazing” is another strong tune set with an impressive R&B track. Overall, Jimmy’s real lack of originality sets this album back further than it should have. His songwriting has made great strides in the last few years. It’s unfortunate that his vocals continue to be bogged down by unneeded imitations.

Track listing:

1. Moving to Zion
2. Being Small
3. Yours to Take
4. The Reason I Sing
5. Right Where You Are
6. Steal Away
7. Part the Clouds
8. Grace Amazing
9. How Sweet It Is
10. Miss a Thing
11. Just a Heartbeat
12. Light of Day
13. Nightlights