Artist: Mayer Hawthorne
Album: Where Does This Door Go
Released: July 16, 2013
If you’re looking for the perfect sweet summer soundtrack look no further than Mayer Hawthorne’s new album, Where Does This Door Go. The multi-talented Detroit native, who self-produced much of his earlier releases, chose to collaborate with the best in the business for his new album: Pharrell Williams, Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, John Legend) and Greg Wells (Adele, Ozzy Osbourne). The brilliant collaboration results in an impressive expression of Mayer Hawthorne’s major musical influences: 70s soul-jazz rock and nostalgic hip-hop. Mayer Hawthorne’s commitment to artistic progression in Where Does This Door Go dips the listener into eclectic sounds track after track, with musical genres ranging from upbeat pop to R&B and funky 70s soul, all finely laced in Hawthorne’s signature jazz-influenced vocals.
“Back Seat Lover” sets the album off with a fun factor that’s imprinted throughout Where Does This Door Go. Da Internz, the production duo behind Big Sean’s “Dance A$$”, team up with Mayer Hawthorne for this melodic and breezy track, which celebrates an innocently sensual and carefree mentality that you can’t help but wish to escape to. The bouncy production carries an evident California influenced groove that sets the perfect soundscape for you to cruise down the PCH highway while enjoying the summer breeze.
Mayer Hawthorne’s brightest moments lies in tracks that embrace his soulful demeanor with upbeat funky production such as the Pharrell-produced, “Wine Glass Women” which carries heavy R&B bass lines along Hawthrone’s croons of seductive boyish charm. “Her Favorite Song”, the first single off the album, carries a similar feeling of urban love, city-lights paradise with his smooth signature falsetto vocals which is complemented by Bossa Nova-influenced drum rhythms and the feminine flare of Jessie Ware’s groovy scat-singing in the chorus.
Where Does This Door Go serves as a pivotal album which incorporates Mayer Hawthorne’s versatile ability to fantastically dip into different genres, heralding new soundscapes that bring enthusiasm to the listener so much that they may begin to not even care where the door goes to, as long as it continues to bless their ears. “Crime” serves as a testament of Mayer Hawthorne’s ability to infuse his soulful Detroit-style imprints along smooth and laid back production, with a rebellious root that carries a NWA-attitude throughout the track and is further enhanced by the prominent verses from Compton’s finest, Kendrick Lamar.
Mayer Hawthorne’s focus on artistic freedom creates a solid foundation for Where Does This Door Go. With his commitment to create a fun, versatile, and different sound from the norm, Hawthorne is able to fashion an excellent album that’s begging to be heard. If your summer days are longing for a perfect rhythm to vibe to its time get well acquainted with Where Does This Door Go.
-Elainne Dizon
Follow
