Album Review: Melinda Doolittle "Coming Back To You"

Like many others, I had the pleasure of witnessing the rise of spunky powerhouse Melinda Doolittle from backup singer to front-&-center on the sixth season of American Idol. But did you really think finishing in third place was gonna stop her? In fact, it's done just the opposite, as Melinda is currently on the eve of her debut album's release, which is appropriately titled Coming Back To You. Melinda fans, like myself, have been eagerly awaiting her return & she is determined not to disappoint. How did Melinda do? Not too shabby.

Coming Back To You stays in line with the level of professionalism Melinda displayed while on Idol by starting off with "Fundamental Things," a big band number that prepares us for what's to come. First single "It's Your Love" is a nice throwback tune. The title track "Coming Back To You" slows things down a bit. "Declaration Of Love," an uptempo, is one of my favorites. Following are "The Best Of Everything" & "Wonderful," & though the latter is somewhat catchy, there are just some songs in this genre that, for people like me who aren't used to it, can just be too much.

Melinda is her picture-perfect self again on "Dust My Broom," which has her showing off that 'W-O-M-A-N' side we all know & love. The ballad "I'll Never Stop Loving You" has an especially throwback feel & shows off those signature Melinda vocals. "I Will Be" is another nice track, while "If I'm Not In Love" is probably my favorite song vocally. Never one to keep it too boring, "Walkin' Blues" displays her attitude very well. As the album starts to wrap up, "We Will Find A Way" is definitely placed correctly, but it's the superb "Wonder Why" that closes the album just right.

Since Coming Back To You never strays too far from one sound, the vocal stylings of Melinda Doolittle definitely save it. Still, this album is not only for those primarily interested in live instrumentation & should be given a chance by anyone looking for something different from today's norm. There's just nothing like experiencing pure talent.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars