O'Bryan
F1RST
© 2007 HEADSTORM LLP (SOGAOH Music Publishing) (837101377676)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
SPECIAL: 30% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!
O'Bryan - F1RST Sophisticated RnB This album features beautiful arrangements, soulful synths and first-class song writing, production and vocals.
tracks
try this
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
notes
After what seems like an eternity, O’Bryan returned on Valentine’s Day 2007. A very long awaited return by his true fans. This album, simply entitled F1RST signifies the first of many to come.
O'Bryan has matured well and so has his music.
F1RST is full of lovely slow and mid-tempo jams. It is the story of a journey through a love affair told in music and words.
The entire collection features beautiful arrangements, soulful synths and first-class song writing, production and vocals. Beautifully written and musically well crafted by this talented producer and his long time friend, guitar player and Co-Producer, Romerico (Romy) Geroso, these songs are full of emotion and melody.
It's NU-soul with a difference, avoiding the clunky hip hop beats and handclaps. The production and arrangements throughout are first class and reveal a musical talent which was only hinted at early on in his career.
Album Review –
O'BRYAN: F1RST
I have lived, breathed and slept this album over the past few weeks and have absorbed it like no release I can recall over the past few years. This album outshines anything without question. It is simply intoxicating. This is exactly the sort of music that I want to be hearing and exactly the sort of artist I want to be writing about.
Every track without exception is a standout; no fillers, nothing weak and no saps to the juvenile, lost current “R&B” scene or dreary UK-orientated street / urban soul scene. This is REAL, UNADULTERATED, FABULOUS soul music with nothing taken out. If ever an album was screaming for release in the UK and Europe it is this.
I have always rated O'Bryan. Every album he has released has a gem or two tucked away on it. If I were able to, I would take “You Have Got To Come To Me” to heaven with me when I eventually shuffle off this mortal coil. I will defiantly be taking this with me too. I have not been so struck with an album like this since I heard Leon Ware's “Taste The Love” album, or Burt Bacharach's “At This Time”.
The scene is set with the most spine tingling instrumental intro called “Yearning”. The album itself nestles wonderfully in a ballad / mid tempo setting, spaced with beautiful interludes. “Yearning” will have you doing just that, and if “Just Like Doin' It” doesn't make your jaw drop then you are on the wrong web site. The man sounds fantastic, and I have to say that I think this material far surpasses anything he produced for Capitol. “Just Like Doin' It” is a sexy, smoldering number.
After absorbing myself in such a wonderful track I was simply not ready for the brilliance and sheer soulfulness of “Can I Kiss Your Lips”. Oh, with the lovely warm spring-like weather we are currently having there is no better music to accompany it. Again, if this is not your cup of tea then I think that a trip to the Soul Doctor is in order!
“Man Overboard” has made it onto Internet radio and rightly so. This is classic soul material – accept no substitutes. This man is definitely a thoroughbred and deserves as much exposure as possible.
“Gotta Let You Go” will definitely please and the sublime dreamy instrumental, “Reflection” perfectly melts into the KILLER mid tempo “Caught In The Middle”; a song about a man who wants to have his cake and eat it too. This really is an exciting track – not a word I use often. This is a groove of immense proportions and O'Bryan really works well in such a song. This song is addictive and I guarantee that you will be playing this LOUD! “Let Me Be the One” with its luxurious spaced out beats and idling guitar is the perfect spoil for its predecessor and will again have you riveted.
Track 9 is simply beautiful. “Virtual Reality” coyly plays on our onanistic tendencies, and I know that I have been there and so has everyone else. Definitely a song that is coming through the pearly gates with me when the time comes! This is smartly followed by the quirky, squeaky sexy number, “Gratitude”, which is so soulful it hurts. The lovely “Hot Summer Night (End)” brings the curtain down on what I can only describe as the performance of not only this year, but a number of years to come.
Don't allow this album to be excluded from your collection. If ever one SHOULD be in your collection, then this is surely it.
Barry Towler (Soul Express)
His Early years:
O'Bryan McCoy Burnette II began his career in the music business at age 18. At the time, O'Bryan Sang while fellow musician Melvin Lee Davis played bass in the Second Baptist Young Adult Choir in Santa Ana, California. Melanie, a friend of Davis, introduced O'Bryan to producer Ron Kersey. Kersey, who had worked in Philadelphia with music groups such as the Trammps in the 1970's, was looking for members for a new group he was forming, called Hamercy. Kersey accepted O'Bryan into the group as lead singer. The group quickly fell apart, after which Kersey introduced O'Bryan to Soul Train impresario Don Cornelius.
Following this introduction, Cornelius presented O'Bryan to Varnell Johnson of Capital Records who signed him to the label. The following four years on Capitol Records, O’Bryan released four albums and nine singles, which all had slots on the RnB charts.
He released his debut album Doin' Alright in 1982. As a multi-instrumentalist, many listeners considered his uptempo tracks bared subtle resemblances to Prince, but he treaded far closer to the urban contemporary mainstream on his ballads. Although the mid-paced title track proved the most enduring to many fans, the album yielded a big dance floor hit in the form of 'The Gigolo' which reached number five on the RnB charts and number 57 on the pop charts. It also contained what many fans considered an outstanding cover of the Four Tops 'Still Water (Love)'.
In 1983, his second album You and I was released, the title track being an excellent version of a beautiful love song penned by the great Stevie Wonder. The instrumental 'Soft Touch' also proved to be a popular choice from this second album. It also contained the track 'Soul Train's A Coming' which was used as the theme song for the performance theme show Soul Train from 1983 to 1987.
In 1984, O'Bryan released his third LP Be My Lover which included the hit balled 'Lady I Love You'. A major dance floor single release from the album was the funky groove 'Lovelite', a number one hit on Billboard's RnB singles chart which many consider to be the equal to any of Prince's early funk.
He released his fourth and final album on Capitol, Surrender in 1986 which included the dance hit "Tenderoni". It reached the RnB Billboard top 40 and was considered a club hit in early 1987. Since then, he has parted ways from Capitol and went on a hiatus for two decades. Despite the apparent success that O'Bryan has experienced on Capitol Records during the middle of the 1980s, his music still receives airplay on radio stations worldwide.
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
Classical Soul Music
author: Dion HamptonMy family loved this cd. O'Bryan keep doin what your doin creating good music. CD BABY and O'Byran thank you for keeping real music alive.
Cool!!!
author: JermaineFinally got it and it stays in the ride. Glad to purchase it. Been a fan since I was a kid and please keep the good music coming.
Waiting for the next one
author: Trisha VasquezThis album really hit home especially the song "Gotta let you go". This whole album was worth ordering and I'll be waiting for the next one. God Bless!
I Love It
author: Niecey (Atlanta, GAThis is a beautiful album and I love it. I really appreciate slow love songs type music and this album is packed with good listening pleasure. I'm going to purchase it ASAP
So sensuously made!
author: DelitaI have been a fan of your music for as long as I can remember. I was glad to hear that you made a new CD and I couldn't wait to hear it! I heard it on Myspace and I had to have it. I missed your voice and I love your new look! So please keep the music coming!
Amazing Welcome Back
author: StanelleObryan It is such a blessing to know that you are still making beautiful music. The new CD is incredible. It has been a long time coming. For those that are considering buying it, please do so, It will not disappoint. Classic Obryan, a must have. Do not sleep on Obryan new Cd. I just love it, and you will to. Obryan keep doing your thing, WELCOME BACK YOU WERE MISSED. Iam a true fan God Bless.
Beautiful
author: Katherine MillsThis is classic Obryan with a twist. I love his music and have been a fan or admirer for years. This CD brought back wonderful musical memories. I love it and highly recommend it to any real Obrayan fan, He is a multi talented musician that always sings and plays from the heart. He does what I cal musical truth.
Great Comeback
author: Amari (WNOV Milwaukee)I am a fan of your style of singing and have been for years. You and Rene Moore formerly of Rene & Angela remind me a lot of each other in your delivery, diction and vocal tone. Great new album sir! I know you know Hilary Johnson the music rep/consultant. Contact him so I can get you some spins on my radio station in Milwaukee-our format is Urban AC. Hilary will know what to do. -Amari Brown
Your Influence
author: ArqeseAs a rapper your music has had a major influence on me,and the way I bring Hip Hop to my fans. Thanks for bringing real music into my life.
- author: Debra
No more do we need to search for radio stations that play songs reminiscent of times when lyrics were about life in general and love in particular. No longer do we have to ignore lyrics in order to enjoy music. O'Bryan's F1RST is a CD that mature adults appreciate and young adults need. It's time for true singers and songwriters to retake the helm of modern music and remind us all that true music comes from the heart.
- author: Yvette Warren
Darling, next my Sam Cooke you are favorite musical boyfriend. The emotion and sensuality in your work is what is truly missing in today's R&B music!! Please make a stop to Memphis, we miss you.
Get a glass a wine and ya'gurl!
author: Franklin WhiteYou have to purchase this CD! Every track puts you in a mood that is relaxing and reflective of what music really should be! Get a bottle of wine, your girl and relax.......trust she will thank you!
- author: Brian Green
this is by far the best that I have heard from O'Bryan & i have been a fan of his for years since the I'm Freaky album with the gorgeous cut from it called City Lights keep putting out the good vibes.
first
author: previs seldonobryan when you hve a gift like yours it stays with you like good soul food,to your bones ,thank you for taking care of your gift,ti shows you havent abused it with drugs and alcohol ,it sounds as if you never stopped singing,this album is another master piece ive been wearing out lady i love you,and your ballads really pulls at your heart,your boy hollywoodsofreshsoclean
Great comeback !
author: André van de GriftRecently I heard your last album. It seems like you've never been away... Did you know..... Because of us "Right from the start" was compiled on NIGHTTIME LOVERS CD ? We are Behind The Grooves ---- 80s Funk & Soul radio We'd be greatly honoured to interview you by telephone ! Your free promotion ---- in our 200th jubilee show 15 february 2008 ? Please contact agrift@wanadoo.nl Thanks André
Good Music
author: Denise O'BannonJust wanted to drop a line and say (thanks). The CD is worth the wait, This CD is about love, honesty, respect. Something that is rare these day's in the music world I truly love his music and his singing voice what a well put together CD, from the beginning to the end. Mr. O'Bryan please keep up the good work I miss hearing good music you took your time making this CD, And I play it all the time in my car at home and work!! Finally :) Last but not least you look good. Denise
A true gem in the midst of all the bling bling
author: Trina“It's been a long time since I had you and I'm starvin' for your love…” that’s exactly how many fans have been feeling, but O’Bryan has released this CD to feed our hearts. F1rst is a definite romantic journey. From the hypnotic “Man Overboard” to the heart-wrenching “Gotta Let You Go” to the haunting “Virtual Reality,” fans will rediscover why we love his music so much. Now, this is not the playful “The Gigolo” or “I'm Freaky” that was delivered back in the 80’s. This CD is filled with a grown man's experiences of life and love. Much more sensual than his earlier albums, F1rst delivers a very grown and sexy sound from O'Bryan. “Just Like Doin’ It” and “Can I Kiss You Lips” drip with frank sensuality. “Let Me Be the One” is so raw and tender that it almost hurts. And “Caught In the Middle” and “Gratitude” are filled with self-discovery and wisdom. Is it just me, or did O’Bryan get better? The delivery, the production, the arrangements…all top quality. It’s as if he poured his all into this project. There’s a sense of yearning you hear and can’t help but feel while on his musical journey. And each track of this CD is so strong. It’s the kind of CD that you can just put in and push 'play,' and let O’Bryan take you on his journey. Women and men, young and grown can totally immerse themselves into this CD. It’s been a long time, but if coming back to us earlier would have meant disappointing us, then thank you…thank you for letting us wait. Oh yes… the Real McCoy is back…Welcome back O’Bryan!!!
IN LOVE WITH LIFE AND GREAT MUSTIC
author: Krystal JohnsonLAWD HAVE MERCY, THIS CD IS ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY FANTASTIC. THANK YOU FOR COMING BACK TO US!
DO WHAT YOU DO BEAUTIFUL BABYBOY
author: howard mooreFANTASTIC JOB WELL DONE, VERY IMPRESSED A MUST HAVE, KEEP DOING WHAT U DO AND KEEP MAKING IT DO WHAT IT DO .WELCOME BACK
Submerge
author: PortiaO'bryan! Baby where have you? I have loved you since day one. I am looking for reprint of some cd's from 1986. Your return is so over due. The so called R&B singer don't have a clue these day. I have been blessed by your new cd "PLEASE" don't stop now. I love you BOO!
finally
author: Denise O'BannonI am listening to this sample right now, and so far i think he is very smooth, just like i remember when i bought his first album . buying it right now from this site good luck to you and keep up the good work you were truly missed for a long time. Denise
obryan f1rst
author: Clive Hamlett UKI have been a collector of soul music for the Past 20 odd years and i would say this album is as good as anything i have heard in ages.So often i have purchased albums,just for one or two tracks but not with F1RST, every track is outstanding,i havent been able to stop playing it!O'bryan, where have you been all these years? No matter it's good to have you back,just don't leave it as long in between albums next time! My album of the year 2007.Head and shoulders above everything else.
Awesome pt2
author: S Josephs (UK)I just re-read my post and thought to myself "let me see if I can puchase this internationally to the UK." Hooray - I can - the wonders of technology. I am hoping that the actual cd will sound better than the disappointing mp3 quality i downloaded some months ago from another site. I have to say I only buy and album, as opposed to mp3 pay n download, when its an album that is of this quality ie every track mind blowing!!
Welcome Back
author: TREVOR BORDAGEA Mellow masterpiece that's gets better with each listen.Some of today's singers could learn a few things from this guy.Gotta Let You Go is pure bliss.
He's Baack!!
author: DblDeeThis CD was like an early Christmas present. It arrived the first day of my week long vacation. I played it and have not stopped listening to it!!! I love it! I love it! I love it!. All tracks are WONDERFUL!! I cannot point out just one. As long as O'Bryan puts out a CD I will get it. And I do mean purchase!!!
Awesome
author: sean josephsI stumbled across a review of this album on Soulwalking.co.uk It was so enthusiastic i went to O'Bryan's Myspace, listened to a few tracks them immediately bought the alum via mp3 download. Alas Im in the Uk and its not available here. My fave track is "Gotta let you go" It is an AMAZING track. I agree with a previous comment -the tracks are much longer then normal so that's a good value for money thing. It’s quality music – none of your 50 cent type runny “brown stuff” here. One gripe though...the sound quality of some of the tracks was a bit off. The production seems a bit off. it could be because of the site i downloaded it from - I didnt use ITUNES i used another link from the Myspace page. If the album was released in the UK I would buy it to get the expected better sound quality. Other than that Im loving this album!!!!
Let Me Be The One
author: Janice CarterO'Bryan is fantastic; I love every song on the CD, but my favorite is Let Me Be The One. I love his style, his voice and music creates an experience that is very calming. At the end of the day, O'bryan is a great escape and get away, that's good for the spirit and calming for the soul. I love his music.
A Few Comments
author: Mr ClarkI agree with Barry Towler (Soul Express) up to where he says "I have lived". After reading his enthusiastic review I had a listen and was very disappointed. Only kidding, it was fantastic, like when I first learnt to you know what (but with oils). If you love Meatloaf, 50 Cent or Britney Spears then you might find this album nothing like those artists. The other plus points are it has minimal packaging (environmental benefits), and the tracks are quite long 5 - 6 minutes, so it's good value for money. Also the music is nice.
Must Have
author: Goran JovanovskiGreat Album, especially track 8. Highly recommended !!
So Glad youre Back!!!
author: VoAwesome sound! i remember you from the 80's and what an influence youve been on my vocals. Thankyou for commin back with a great new cd! peace and luv, Vo MVp www.cdbaby.com/cd/musicvisionpro4