Review: Devin Shelton – Sensation

Unfolding as a sensational blend of R&B, indie rock, and other exciting musical elements, Devin Shelton’s sophomore solo album, Sensation, hits a great mark in this post-Emery phase of his career. More Justin Timberlake than R. Kelly, in terms of R&B designation, Devin Shelton shines in his ability to write vulnerable lyrics that are close to the heart yet set him apart from his musical roots. As a lyricist, he explores love lost, love uncertain, love sickness and innocent love with boldness and authenticity. Suffice it to say, this entire album is an ode to love supreme, and Shelton is fortunate to have had the time and experiences to really cultivate his voice on the matter. Though he spent several years away from Emery, the indie metal band that brought him initial fame, the friendship and professional respect for his former bandmates enabled a collaborative effort on their part to help bring this Sensation album together with the best of partnership. And the conviction to actually create this album could only have come after years of working in the music ministry of a church where Shelton was able to reconcile his spiritual and professional desires, only to emerge as a stronger solo artist. Reportedly he’s also returning to Emery to work on future musical projects, so the season of creative growth has been a double blessing for the singer and songwriter.

Following up 2013’s Life & Death, this new album is head and shoulders above where his debut left off. It opens strong with the title track “Sensation” which sets the tone for the soft rock rhythm and blues vibe throughout the record. Much of the music has an 80s influence given the bass, guitar and vocal choices, though the contemporary alternative pop essence is incorporated into songs like “A Perfect Life” and “Buried Alive”. With a solid twelve songs on the album, each one serves its purpose. “Just Another Song” speaks to yearning for one that got away, and “Tide” reveals ideas of redemption and grace, while “The World We Know” and “In Your Pocket”, written eight years ago, present the precious, all-encompassing love that a parent feels for a newborn.

The album takes unexpected and welcomed directions on songs like “Howl At The Moon”. Drawing on the depth of empathy and sadness, the song conveys deep longing for love uncertain through acoustic delivery. “Dance Tonight” is a mesmerizing up-tempo tune with its light feel-good groove and hopeful lyrics. I would have preferred these two songs, in particular, extended past the timeframe that all of the songs seemed limited by, giving space to really let the compositions blossom into less contained versions of themselves. Any song with “moon” in the title should be at least six minutes long! The whole album leaves you wanting more once “You’ve Got A Way” and “Unexpected Things” come to a quiet close.

 
Written by Mai Perkins

Originally from Los Angeles, Mai Perkins is living a genuine bona fide love affair with NYC and the music that keeps its spirit moving. While spending the majority of the last decade in Brooklyn, many of her adventures around the globe are documented on her blog: Mai On The Move! www.MaiOnTheMove.com

 
Author’s rating for Sensation

Pop Magazine’s official rating for Sensation

Rating key
MASTERPIECE a must-have
SUPERB for heavy rotation
EXCELLENT a great achievement
VERY GOOD a respectable result
GOOD worth checking out
FAIR an average outcome
WEAK not convincing stuff
BAD an underwhelming effort
VERY BAD quite a waste
FAIL a total failure