Terrence Howard Nails Down Columbia Debut
June 27, 2008
- RB Hip-Hop
By Gail Mitchell, L.A.
Actor Terrence Howard's debut album, "Shine Through It," will be released Sept. 2.
The Columbia Records project is comprised of 11 songs written, arranged and produced by Howard, who sings and also plays lead guitar. The set's co-producer is musician Miles Mosley, a bassist whose credits include Lauryn Hill, Herbie Hancock and Common.
Recorded live in 11 days, "Shine Through It" reflects Howard's diverse musical taste, which encompasses pop (Carly Simon, Bread), world music (Buena Vista Social Club), jazz (Nina Simone) and R&B (Impressions, Dramatics).
Spirituality is the theme of the soulful, yet cinematic, title track, while album opener "Love Makes You Beautiful" is set off by a flamenco groove. Additional songs include the Latin- and Middle East-vibed instrumental "Spanish Love Affair"; "She Was Mine," a suave mix of jazz and blues and "Plenty," reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield's "Super Fly."
"People wanted me to do a rap album," the actor/singer told Billboard.com during a recent listening session in Los Angeles. He was referring to his role as the rapper DJay in the 2005 film "Hustle & Flow" that earned him an Academy Award nomination for best actor. "But I wanted to do me and make my own record."
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