Album Review: George Huff "George Huff"

Amidst the battle of the divas that was the third season of American Idol, one man was able to hold his own among them: George Huff. After finding some success after the show with a gospel career, George makes a return to the scene with his self-titled sophomore album. George Huff finds him once again in his comfort zone where he belongs.

"Victory" kicks off the album in an upbeat way that sets the mood for the tracks that follow, "Mighty Is Your Name" & "He Can." They're good & all, but you begin to get the feeling that you're at a worship service that just keeps going. Some soul brings life back to the album via "Turn It Around," which is followed by a pair of ballads. Clocking in at almost six minutes, "I Surrender" is much too long & really had me tiring of the background singers taking the reigns more than George. "No One But Jesus" is a little better & shows off his talent fairly well.

It is at this point that the album's sequencing confuses me & has me wondering if it's backwards because the uptempo "Free" not only finds George in his element, but it might just be the best song on the disc. The slow jam "Grateful" is a worthy follow-up that lends itself well to a little reflective moment. "I Belong To You (Yours)" keeps the previously set mood & is simply excellent. I still can't quite figure out how "Don't Let Go" came to be the lead single off this project, but it is a nice song. Tasha Collins & Coko offer up great features on "Destiny," another exquisite uptempo. I would be lying if I said I expected the (*spoiler alert*) reggae influence on "Here With Me," but I love the musically carefree metaphor that comes along with the closer.

With its disposable introduction, George Huff doesn't really hit its stride until the latter half, but it is well worth the listen once you get there. George has a unique recording voice that can really be magical on the right songs, a few of which are present on his sophomore effort. Fans will no doubt enjoy this album from this fun & entertaining performer.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars