Ter'ell Shahid:
Chocolate City

Release Date:

Reviewed By: Alf Pomells

CD

1. Come On Baby

2. 2 Hours After Midnight

3. Flavorhood

4. Ya'll Don't Really Want No Mo

5. Butterflies

DVD

1. Video: 2 Hours After Midnight

2. Bonus Video: EPK

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There’s so much to say about this it’s difficult to know where to begin. The first thing you notice about this is the extraordinarily large plastic case it requires for what is essentially one CD and a small piece of paper. Now I know you may think I’m over-exaggerating, but the box is almost the same size as a video tape, (for those who still remember what those are). From a listening perspective, this makes absolutely no difference, but from a storage and filing perspective, it’s a huge pain in the ass! So, you might find yourself having to use one of your spare CD cases to house this especially if you use boxes to store or transport your music.

The innovative packaging is a result of the novel multimedia associated with the content. This is a “One Disc”, a single disc that has a CD side and a DVD side. The next step in multimedia content, it allows for all those things you couldn’t previously get from a single disc: 5.1 Channel surround sound, music videos, artist EPK’s, interviews, photo galleries, lyrics, links to the web… the list is extensive. The only problem is, it only has five tracks. I would gladly sacrifice some of the wonderful technology for a bit more music. That being said, this might be the way of the future; we’ll have to wait and see.

That’s what it is…so what’s on it? And who is Ter’ell Shahid? There’s a nice biography on his home page, and this native of Austin, Texas plays most of the instruments, writes the music and sings the songs. Given the quality of the material on offer, this is definitely due some major exposure.

Things kick off with ‘Come On Baby’ a wonderfully soulful vibe, with lots of electric keyboards, guitars and other real instruments. The vocals are Maxwell-esque in places with falsetto highs and earthy strong notes accompanied by a juicy bassline. ‘Flavorhood’ features Angie Fisher on the track and is a
beautiful mid-tempo neo-soul duet. The production is simple, the vocals dominant, and the track has an in-built “vinyl crackle” giving it that old-time feel, which is strange when you consider it’s using cutting edge 21st century technology. The fact that this is a little known independent track makes it even more enjoyable.

‘2 Hours After Midnight’ is sublimely soulful in the realm of Musiq or D’Angelo; a wonderful laid back track that oozes class and sophistication. This is a must for aficionados of outstanding soul music. ‘Butterflies’ brings it way back down with a sexy love song that just cries out to be repeated, until the CD gives up, or until the next electricity bill comes. Probably one of the sexiest songs you’re going to
encounter anytime soon. Things then come to a premature conclusion with ‘Ya’ll Don’t Really Want No Mo’, a darker urban vibe with a southern soul groove that showcases the strengths of the artists involved. With a forceful track and a more than useful rap, the guitar solo may not to be to everyone’s liking… but what the hell?!

Sweet like chocolate…and just like the real thing, leaves you wanting more.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Top 3 tracks:
5) Butterflies
2) 2 Hours to Midnight
3) Flavorhood

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