While things soundedgreat, it's tricky to put a lot of skilled musicians who don't quiteknow each other inside and out in the same room and hope for somethingmagical: results often border on performing arts music schoolsterility. Luckily Jones and the Dap Kings didn't head down that route,and after touring like mad for the years following the debut, it'sclear that the synergy between Jones and the Dap Kings has grownunbelievably strong. Naturally cuts a straight line into theheart of soul, with a variety and finesse miles beyond the debut.Jones' presence is much stronger and the bonds between her and the bandare much tighter here. While the record opens up with a verymathematically-driven off-beat funk-band jam "How Do You Let a Good ManDown?," it's by the second song, "Natural Born Lover" where all theelements collide perfectly: this is the stuff vocal soul masterpiecedreams are made of. The hooks on tunes like "Natural Born Lover" and"How Long Do I Have to Wait for You?" are powerful enough to block outeverything else going on while listening and Jones' voice and words areinfectious enough to beg for repeated plays for singalongs. Other takesat different styles include the perfect slow dance prom theme "You'reGonna Get It," the cute interplay with guest vocalist Lee Fields on"Stranded In Your Love," and the down and dirty James Brown's funkypeople-style "Your Thing is a Drag." With Naturally, not onlyis Sharon Jones is becoming a powerful band leader and front woman, butthe movement for more raw, gut-wrenching, uncanned unprocessed soul canonly get stronger. samples:
Read More
