Let's not waste any time: There's honestly only one thing wrong with EJ Sebian's "Ontogeny" CD (http://www.ejsebian.com). For an album that places such an emphasis on its lyrics - in this case, the reflective, confessional narratives of Sebian - you'd expect the words to be included. But for somebody to even ask for lyrics proves that Sebian is a worthy storyteller.
This a classic soul record with a contemporary feel; the slick keyboards, slightly funky grooves, and glossy drum machines take a modern approach to material that recalls '70s R&B. The work of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye are echoed here, especially their ability to stitch pop hooks around socially conscious and personal songs.
The opening track, "Could It Be," digs into racial stereotypes without any heavy-handedness and cliches. What comes across most effectively is Sebian's Everyman perspective. There's no sense of self-righteousness here, just a questioning of what is happening in the world.
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Sebian certainly knows how to harmonize, and it makes even his heaviest words go down easy, especially on "SOS (Same Old Song)," which rips away the facade of nothing being wrong in American society. Sebian sings of the struggles that many people are continuing to go through but are always ignored.
His love songs are equally powerful. The sampled "Dear John" phone message on "Reality Part 1 (Interlude)" sounds like a real one and it segues into the sunny glow of "All I Am."
If you miss heartfelt, thoughtful pop, don't pass on this little gem.
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