Mayer Hawthorne’s sexy new album “Where Does This Door Go”
California-based singer/songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist is back today with his 4th album, “Where Does This Door Go.” It’s a smooth collection of R&B flavored pop with some nice jazz-influenced arrangements. Hawthorne is a versatile singer, and the album is loaded with sexy songs with funky grooves mostly about love and gettin’ it on.
High points include “The Innocent,” a driving pop song with a driving uptempo rhythm and a great vocal arrangement. At times Hawthorne sounds like a more sophisticated Justin Timberlake, with hints of Michael Jackson influence and, of course, old-school R&B. There are also elements of more modern music like the hip-hop influenced “Allie Jones” and the track “Crime” which feature acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. The album is loaded with smooth pop songs that will appeal to fans of artists who have taken an old-school meets the future approach in their music such as Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean, Robin Thicke, Janelle Monae, Justin Timberlake and perhaps even Daft Punk. There is even a track called “Robot Love” that sounds like an old Prince outtake.
“Where Does This Door Go” doesn’t really tread any new ground, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a well-produced collection of catchy songs that pays homage to the past while still sounding fresh, new and very sexy indeed. There’s definitely a bit of Marvin Gaye influence here. A great summertime album for chilling out with your lover, cold wine, and a dark, warm night. Mayer Hawthorne is a major talent that is poised to explode with some much –deserved success with this album if it’s given the right promotional push.
First single: “Her Favorite Song”
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