For those of you unfamiliar with the Foreign Exchange, the group consists of Phonte of the popular hip hop group Little Brother and brilliant producer from the Netherlands Nicolay. Most critics and reviews that I saw of their first album “Connected” labeled it a ‘Classic’. That leaves a lot to live up to if one were to try. Indeed they have, and I believe that their latest offering Leave It All Behind is better than it’s predecessor.
The difference between Connected and Leave It All Behind is obvious upon listening to the intro track DayKeeper. This exquisite song, featuring songstress Muhsinah, puts Phonte’s range as an artist on display as he pours his soul out over Nicolay’s trademark smooth sounds. Take Off The Blues and All Or Nothing follow and feature Phonte and Darien Brockington trading versus effortlessly with each other. Nicolay offers the perfect back drop for these soul singers to do their thing and seems to capture and evoke their deepest emotions.
The first three tracks let you know that this is going to be a predominately R&B album unlike Connected which was mostly emceeing. Songs like I Wanna Know, Sweeter Than You, and If She Breaks Your Heart enforce this as Phonte gets personal with carefully written and executed lyrics directed to his significant other. House Of Cards and my personal favorite Valediction are very unexpected and different in direction that show the groups creativity and diversity which might not be for every fan but I can dig it. Something To Behold is a real feel good track that Phonte, D-Brock, and Muhsinah pull off masterfully. The title track Leave It All Behind is an uplifting song offers his wisdom to his son telling him never to be afraid to shine.
Overall, Leave It All Behind is a must buy/download/own if you are a fan of good music period. I can guarantee that there is a track on this album that depicts how you feel at that exact moment, and for that reason i must recommend buying and admiring this album for what it is. Phonte and Nicolay have done it again!
Download: Leave It All Behind Sampler
