Glenn Lewis
World Outside My Window

Release Date: June 18th

Album Review by: : A-E Idowu

1. Never Too Late

2. Never Too Late Instrumental

3. Don't You Forget It

4. Something To See

5. Lonely

6. This Love

7. One More Day

8. Dream

9. Is It True

10. Never Too Late

11. Take Me

12. Sorry

13. Take You High

14. It’s Not Fair

15. Your Song (For You)

Glenn Lewis
Release Date: June 18th

This addictive album is an immaculate tribute to love. The sensual flavour
of 'World Outside My Window' encapsulates many different views of love, all
linked in unchained melodies. By capturing the sultry and the sentimental,
Lewis moves along the same lines as D'Angelo. Thankfully, the artist
succeeds in re-acquainting R&B with its roots at a time when the music
industry is being blown over by the commercial and obnoxious. Yet, the main
'dilemma' which Glenn faces is his vocal affinity with the legendary likes
of Marvin Gaye (evident in 'Simple Things') and Stevie Wonder - in 'Don't You
Forget It' and 'This Love'. In the breathtaking 'It's Not Fair' you could
easily be fooled into thinking it was Stevie himself singing away the
melody! But this becomes a burden for Glenn.

It seems unfair to solely compare Lewis with other artists without
understanding the individual essence of the artist himself. The major
fascination of the album is its sincerity and humane touch. 'World Outside
My Window' can be described as an emotional and personal journey; an insight
into the world of unsettled relationships, conflicting urges and serenity
inside the family home. Introspective in its approach, this idea of
self-analysis is beautifully expressed through the lyrics. 'Simple Things'
focuses on the simplicity of life- seen, for example, in the "warm smile
from a child"- and this overall sense of relaxation is reinforced by the
smoothness of the song. While Glenn Lewis reveals the "wonderful miracle"
of his life in the gentle track 'Beautiful Eyes' (a dedication to his sons)
he also evokes the tragic. The melancholic feel of 'This Love' is all about
love in retreat, expressed in the words "I can't see my tomorrow 'cause we
are no longer in love". Yet, he manages not to be insular in his view of
love by offering a sense of the uplifting in the reassuring 'Don't You
Forget It', and the sassed-up and gospel driven 'One More Day'. In
addition, the artist bites back at love now and again. 'Lonely' has a
sharpish edge to it and 'Is It True', apart from being accusative, is
menacing in nature with a thuggish groove to match it.

This sophisticated album is slow-moving but not monotonous; the pace changes
at particular stages with the album remaining tightly held together.
Furthermore, the masterful composition of the tunes and the instrumental
element combine to form a powerful exhibit of Glenn Lewis, the R&B
innovator. While I could endlessly praise the charm of the album it does
lack a certain 'je ne sais quoi', but this will probably be mastered by the
artist as he develops his style. 'World Outside My Window' is quality R&B
at its best which embarks on the emotional without becoming highly
sentimental or contrived. Listen to the album and you won't be able to put
it down!

Personal Favourite Tracks:

3. Don't You Forget It
5. Lonely
7. One More Day

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