The Foreign Exchange- Authenticity

Hey Phatties! As the year comes to a close, we here at Phat Fellas would like to highlight some of the more exemplary releases of 2010. As tough as it would be to decide on a favorite, as there have been some truly exemplary releases this year, as close as I have to a favorite album of 2010 is Authenticity by the Foreign Exchange.
The Foreign Exchange are a remarkable R&B/Hip Hop collective featuring Phonte of Little Brother fame, producer Nicolay, and frequent guests Zo!, Darien Brockington, and YahZarah. Furthering the signature sound of 2008's all-time classic 'Leave it All Behind', the smooth production of Nicolay blends elements of Stevie Wonder-influenced R&B sophistication, electronica, hip hop, and acoustic pop.  As hard an act 'Leave it All Behind' was to follow, the Foreign Exchange succeeds admirably, by making another record in the vein of the aforementioned classic, yet as opposed to sounding like a clone of 'Leave it All Behind', 'Authenticity' comes across as more of a downcast companion piece.
The mood of the album is distinctly more detached, icy and cynical than 'Leave it All Behind'. Indeed, on the first cut, the brilliantly sophisticated and layered 'Last Fall', a multi-tracked chorus of Phontes despair, "Love is at worst an excuse/at best it's a truce". If 'Leave it All Behind' was the sweet love, 'Authenticity' is the hungover breakup, which makes it a harder album to instantly love. Initially, I was disappointed with the downcast mood of the record; only 'Last Fall' jumped out. However, further listens revealed the entire album to be a brilliant and concise statement on love, loss and vulnerabiliy. Think a musically successful version of the vision of Kanye's '808's and Heartbreaks' executed by musicians who can actually sing (no, offense Kanye, we Phatties love you anyways). The title track explores the theme of selfishness in love, and is representative of the downcast lyrical mood of the record. However, we always have the smooth sound of Nicolay's pads and electric-piano to sooth our love torn souls
The harmonies are thicker and stronger this time around, and Phonte's singing is more assured. Additionally, Nicolay's increased use of live instrumentation, such as the guitar solo on the Prince-like 'Authenticity', and the almost entirely acoustic 'Laughing At Your Plans' gives the album a different sound. 'Authenticity' concentrates less on guest appearances and is more focused on Phonte and Nicolay than the previous release, although two of the albums highlights are collaborations, the carpe-diem smooth-dance anthem 'Don't Wait', featuring Darien Brockington on unbelievably smooth vocals, and the incredibly gorgeous 'This City Ain't the Same Without You' (must be heard to be believed), with a sultry lead from the sexy YahZarah. Nicolay's inventive technique of placing the snare hit slightly before the beat is used to great effect to give the anthemic 'Maybe She'll Dream Of Me', which in an ideal world would be a huge club R&B and hip hop hit, a creative, off kilter quality setting it apart from the pack. However, at under 40 minutes, the record leaves you wanting more, expecially after the chilling 'This City Ain't The Same'.
Phonte and Nicolay's move towards the smoothest realms of musical creativity remains a thrilling journey, and combined with the emotional longing in the lyrics of Phonte, 'Authenticity' truly is a rare thing; a smooth R&B/hip hop album with heart, soul, and authenticity.
I have seen these guys live twice, and have spent time with Phonte, Nicolay, and Yahzarah, and I highly recommend supporting the artists at their exceptional shows.