Will Downing recorded much of his new album while suffering from a debilitating muscle condition, but you'd never know it by listening to his vocals. On After Tonight] Will still sounds just as vibrant and smooth as he always has. Like most of his previous work, After Tonight is a collection of sensual, sexy and sophisticated songs about the most beautiful of emotions - love. In fact, the album as a whole is virtually a love letter to love itself. Will tastefully and stylishly explores the most wonderful of human feelings while at the same time reminding us all of the power of the human spirit.
Jazzy R&B
Maybe the illness that Will suffers from, a rare chronic disease called polymyositis, inspired him to higher levels, because the first few songs on
After Tonight are among the best material he's ever recorded. First is the opening track,
"Will's Groove," is a lush, soft and mellow song that serves as a sort of welcome mat inviting the listener in to the rest of album. The second track, "Fantasy (Spending Time With You)," is a flawless Barry White-esque track that's the very epitome of bedroom music.
Among the other quality material on the album is "No One Can Love You More," a prototypical love song featuring Will's rich baritone paired with jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright; and the remix of the album's title track, the sensual "After Tonight." But the album isn't all about worldly pleasures. "God Is So Amazing," is a different type of love song, one in which Will sings about his love for God. And "You Just Can't Smile It Away," is about trying to fix a broken relationship:
"Let's sit and talk it over and work things out, I love you so," he sings. "Can't we just talk it over, and see what we can do?"
If there's anything negative to be said about the album, it's that there's only nine songs, plus the aforementioned remix. However, considering Will's personal health issues, fans fortunate that he found the strength to record the album at all. Anyone who's heard and enjoyed any of Will's previous albums should likely enjoy and appreciate After Tonight, and anyone who loves sophisticated, jazz-influenced R&B will also likely enjoy this album.
