Michael Hubbard

Producer Michael Hubbard’s goal is to touch every man, woman and child around the world at least once a day with his music and after years of touring, sharing the stage with legendary Bobby Blue Bland as well as working with talented upcoming artists, it was time to put his mission to the real test through his debut album, “The Break Up”.

Released 14th August, exactly six months after Valentine’s Day, the seven track production shows mainly the ugly side relationships. It took an army of undeniably talented musicians to deliver Hubbard’s stories of hurt souls with such conviction and poignancy, washed over with smooth soulful R&B with a splash of jazz and gospel.

From the moment it starts, “The Break UP” compels you with the angelic prelude, which beautifully leads into the second effort, “Letting Go” which features a sweeter than sweet melody, well executed by the lone piano. Backing vocalist Brittini Jesse lends her angelic and gospel-esque range to proclaim sheer relief and freedom from a troubled relationship.

Most guys can relate with the third effort, “Never Enuf”. Over a smooth 90s-inspired R&B, it was R&B/Neo Soul artist Antwyn Jackson’s turn to express that all efforts are wasted on a flagging relationship. Flipping the other side of the coin, upbeat neo soul /slight acid jazz offering, “Just On The Dance Floor” perfectly expresses that weak-at-the-knees sensation when meeting a potential life-long partner for the first time.

Totally unexpected, concluding track, “ ‘Fore You’re Gone” oozes a real sassy jazzy feel with Quentin Moore’s smooth powerhouse vocals giving the recording a rich gospel experience.

So has Michael Hubbard achieved his mission with his album? Well have a listen for yourself…and if your heartstrings do not at least quiver, then you’re harder than stone. - Music Crowns

Texan musician Michael Hubbard is a promising rhythm and blues artist with a sensible collection of songs that comprise his latest album The Breakup. The album was released on August 14th and features several other musicians besides Michael himself. After listening to this album, I sensed that Michael is a rather dynamic R&B musician with alternative sounds that extend beyond generic R&B music of the mainstream industry. Even though his tracklisting is relatively short, the album is packed with songs that fit a variety of moods. They all are not party songs, and they all are not serious songs for contemplation. They are a mixture of both, so people who love to unwind with this album’s genre of music can do so in an energetic as well as laidback way. Overall, this music emits positive and uplifting sensations centered on none other than love, a common topic of R&B melodies.

Vocal display
Lead singers of the album are Brittni Jessie, Richmond Punch, Antwyn Jackson, Shaniqua Williams, Denise Baker, Naquiyah Hodges, and Quentin Moore. The vocal production of the songs is generally smooth and sweet-sounding. The singers’ voices are filled with emotion and soul. The way they execute notes is very deliberate and pleasant. What I noticed about the singing of all the songs is that there are not many high notes expressed; it appears to be closely tied to that of a typical alto or bass range. As a result, the musicians add mellow and soothing qualities to the songs that make them easy on the ears.

Favorite song for vocals: “Never Enuf”

Instrumentation
The instrumentals are very urban and catchy. They are modern and rich in expression, with a hint of techno sounds here and there. Although the album is primarily of a rhythm and blues nature, I could hear not only stylings of techno but classical and jazz music, as well. I think the alternative direction Michael is taking with his album shows that he is very open to incorporating different sounds that attract people of various musical languages. It makes his music sound refreshing and fashionable. The blend of slow-paced and fast-paced instrumentation is well-organized and amusing.

Favorite song for instrumentals: “Time”

Lyrical essence
The lyrics dig deep into intimate relationship matters that many people can relate to. Some of the songs express confronting problems between two lovers with a bold attitude. A theme that is present in the album is having the willpower to overcome interpersonal troubles with a solid sense of identity and worth. They can encourage listeners to embrace enough confidence and audacity to engage in self-love without being completely torn apart by the brokenness tied to shattered dreams of affection. Overall, the lyrics are a combination of being serious, fun, deep, daring, and flirty.

Favorite song for lyrics: “Fore You’re Gone”

Final thoughts
I give Michael Hubbard’s latest album a 7 out of 10 rating. I appreciate the tuneful singing, but I think it needs to be structured better in order to produce sharper sounds. The music does have swag with a fabulous arrangement of vocal and instrumental abilities. It does remind me of popular artists, such as D’angelo and Aaliyah.

Listen to The Breakup for yourself with the link below. What are your thoughts? - blastingnews.com

Crossing the genres of Soul, R&B, and Jazz, ‘The Breakup’ from Michael Hubbard won’t disappoint those with a penchant for saxophones, smooth vocals, and catchy tunes.

“His music is powerful, poignant and full of emotion, a guiding light for R&B artists around the world,” IMP explain. Currently based in Arlington Texas, Michael Hubbard is one song-writer who has been making a name for himself with his latest release.

The first track on ‘The Breakup’ is a prelude containing 26 seconds of violin and instrumentals which wouldn’t be amiss in a Lana Del Rey track (bonus points!). As a prelude to the next track, ‘Letting Go’, it is both calming and soothing to listen to.

‘Letting Go’ is no different, as it begins with sombre instrumentals and launches into beautiful and melancholic female vocals stating “I’m letting go”. Add in some back-up vocalists towards the end of the song and you’ve got this stunning, choral effect.

The next song, ‘Never Enuf’, takes on a whole different sound altogether. This is where the album reflects the fusion of R&B and Jazz and contains a very smooth sound. From 3:50 onwards there’s a beautiful part with some great celestial inspired sounds – Very calming.

Next up is the track titled ‘Time’, which actually features the attitude-packed lyrics “ain’t nobody got time for that”. It is a very catchy tune and I enjoyed this one perhaps the most! There is also an electro-inspired vibe towards the end of the song, further proving Hubbard’s ability to cross genres with great success.

‘I.S.R.L.Y. (Interlude)’ was next, and I have to say, I really enjoy interludes in albums! They just seem to offer another unique take on the musician’s work. This one contains multiple layers of vocals and a soft hum of instrumentals – Perhaps to mirror the confused and muddled thoughts of someone after ‘The Breakup’, to keep in with the album’s theme.

‘Just On The Dance Floor’ is the second-last track on the album and it has a very funky sounding beginning with a disco-inspired sound. It is also a huge infusion of soul and R&B.

‘Fore You’re Gone’ is the final song on ‘The Breakup’ and if it’s possible to imagine Pink Floyd crossed with jazz, the intro to this song is what it would sound like. It contains smooth male vocals and uplifting vocals despite the sombre tone.

If this little review has left you feeling intrigued about this album, then the good news is that you can actually stream it in full for free over on BandCamp! You can also keep updated with Michael Hubbard through his website or on Facebook. Enjoy! - Whim Online Magazine

Texas native Michael Hubbard has a wide range of experience in pop, rock, and blues groups. From performing at South-by-Southwest, to the Grand Ole Opry and tours of Europe, he brings a somewhat global perspective to his debut solo EP The Breakup.

While Hubbard wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments, he opted to have different lead singers on each track. A clever move, considering the varied styles on display.

Having dabbled in pop, country, rock, blues, and jazz, his EP effectively reflects these influences. Leaning more toward soul, the other genres bubble up naturally. “Time,” for example, floats on a sea of Euro-flavored synths as guest vocalist Shaniqua Williams croons “You never call/You never text me/A vacancy inside my soul, yeah/ Until it’s time you wanna sex me… /Ain’t nobody got time for that.” Nice chorus, and a storyline you can root for.The bridge gets all synthy and funky at the same time, which may be off-putting to fans of more commercial music, but it’s very cool.

On “Letting Go,” guest vocalist Brittni Jessie sings a lovely minimalist song that simply explains how the singer is letting go of emotions and people that stand in her way of happiness. Mellow, but inspiring.

“Just on the Dance Floor” seems to be inspired more by a time than by a particular genre of music. It’s straight up ‘80s R&B. It’s got a nice groove and bit of a hook and sounds just ever so slightly like solo Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), at least in the backing tracks.

Similarly, things go all Chicago-y on “’Fore You’re Gone,” but, in this case, it’s the band Chicago and not the town as horns set the mood from the start. However, when Quentin Moore’s vocal starts, it’s more Philly soul. A nice hybrid of styles. Indeed, Hubbard seamlessly brings together his various influences, but it doesn’t always stick. That being said, it’s possible that individual listeners will favor different tracks.

7 Stars Out of 10 - Pop Culture Beast