Theophilus London 'Vibes' Album Review

     There is something to be said about the 27 year old Trinidadian born artist Theophilus London. He has put out an album Vibes (Warner Bros.) that is both innovative and party-worthy, captured the attention of one of the greatest artists of the current generation Kanye West, as well as fashion icons such as Karl Lagerfeld, and is still very underrated.
     Vibes may put an end to that and bring in more eyes (and ears) to London's artistry. Appropriately titled, the album forces the listener into various feelings and rhythms to get you moving across the dance floor. More importantly it brings about a feeling of emotion that goes along to your rhythm while listening to the project. Then again, that is what vibrations is isn't it? Defined as a continuous shaking movement, vibrations is just what Theophilus London was hoping for.
     Essentially considered a rapper, London croons the introduction track "Water Me", the synthesizers and keyboards in the background lead into the smooth drums while London sings "Water me, and I will grow". Helping with the vocals and keys is none other than legendary artist and keyboardist Leon Ware (Marvin Gaye's I Want You). If this is the type of artist you start an album off with, you're in for some jamming.
     Tracks such as the "Neu Law" and "Take and Look" follow the same pattern of London's crooning throughout, but via more percussion heavy sound beds , especially on the latter song. "Take and Look" gives on an eerie feeling reminiscent of a blaxploitation horror film with a soundtrack that forces you to boogie. London's rapping doesn't start until "Can't Stop", his collaboration with Kanye West. West starts off the record rhyming braggadocio lines that take you back to his College Dropout days. London goes into the second verse with a much smoother flow that compliments the track, talking about his lady and there definition of a chill time.
     As a woman whisper's the word vibes in a man's ear (i guess?), "Get Me Right" starts along with a heavy bass that flows a groove that allows London to flex his skills at rhyme, while still getting u to "vibe in the groove" as he says in the song. "Heartbreaker" is anything but, mixing ddm, with Prince inspired vocals that that will drive an old man to breakdance.
     Storytelling trumps the feeling on "Do Girls" about a girl who only "do girls" but makes the exception with a "player like" London. The girl even confides in a friend about the issue in a phone convo (in the middle of the song).
     The album closes with "Figure It Out" a much slower feel to a mostly upbeat album. The song takes you back to 80's slow jams (it should, I mean Force M.D.'s are singing on it). If vibrations brings about a movement, then this will slow things down...in a good way.
     Vibes will surely be a staple in upscale clubs and fashion shows throughout the next year, and if any music listener wants to listen to an album that they can vibe to, Theophilus London has one for you.