5 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Sola Rosa - Single Review: For The Mighty Dollar Feat. Kevin Mark Trail

01 Jul 2020 // A review by kongfooey

Sola Rosa aka Andrew Spraggon is in a unique position in his career to be able to collaborate with some of the planet's best musicians, and on the second single from the forthcoming album Chasing The Sun he has hit the musical jackpot. The track kicks off with horns, sparse funk guitar and classic strings before kicking into the cool and catchy chorus. The first thing that hits me is the production, warm and crisp with a modern take on that classic vintage 60's/70's funk and soul vibe. The second thing is the wonderfully soulful vocals by Kevin Mark Trail and Basement Jaxx collaborator Sharlene Hector.

When the track drops into the verse we are introduced to UK singer, songwriter, producer and The Streets collaborator Kevin Mark Trail. Kevin delivers superb vocals here. His powerful lyrics address his viewpoint that money has been placed as the most important thing in the world and the divide between the rich and poor are still very wide. He states that many governments and corporations are still corrupt. Inequality, sexism, racism and injustice continue to reign. Heavy themes indeed. Sharlene has a silky soulful grit to her delivery in the choruses, a lovely performance that's powerful and direct. I also dig her harmonies infused into the end of the song too.

The accompanying video focuses on the recent Covid-19 lockdown with poignant shots of Auckland deserted and locals navigating their way through this new way of living. The themes raised by director Elliot O'Donnell are that society has become interdependent and tightly bound to capitalism and with it comes increased anxiety are all very relevant themes in the current global pandemic financial crisis of 2020.

Musically this track is sharp and tight. Crisp funk beats provided by Julien Dyne lay down the foundation for the rest of the band to add their sweet icing on top. The addition of a fuzzed-out guitar halfway through the track is also a nice addition. A beautiful performance here all round by these A-lister session musos.

This track is my bag, funk and soul perfectly entwined with conscious lyrics, it's sexy, smooth and on point. For the Mighty Dollar features excellent production, simple but effective writing and superb playing. This tune could easily be added to the Oceans 11+ movie franchise, especially with the money theme prevalent throughout. Andrew and co have delivered two mint singles from his forthcoming album now, I can't wait to hear what else is on offer soon.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Sola Rosa

Sola Rosa is one of Kiwi music’s most evolutionary and enduring acts.

With seven full-length albums, four EP's, a handful of hits, countless collaborations and numerous world tours, it’s been a 20-year labour of love for the man behind the music, Andrew Spraggon.

And although it’s punctuated with twists and turns in the form of constant change and innovation, one thing has remained the same – Spraggon’s steadfast commitment to making great albums that seamlessly blend a myriad of genres, from hip-hop and jazz, to neo-soul, latin and funk.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Sola Rosa

Releases

Chasing The Sun
Year: 2020
Type: Album
In Spaces
Year: 2018
Type: EP
Magnetics
Year: 2014
Type: Album
Solarized (Refreshed)
Year: 2013
Type: Album
Low And Behold, High And Beyond
Year: 2012
Type: Album
Get It Together - The Remixes
Year: 2010
Type: Album
Get It Together
Year: 2009
Type: Album
Moves On
Year: 2005
Type: Album
Haunted Out Takes
Year: 2003
Type: Album
The Ready Now EP
Year: 2003
Type: EP
Solarized
Year: 2001
Type: Album
Entrance To Skyway
Year: 2001
Type: EP

Other Reviews By kongfooey

Gig Review: Gramsci @ ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland - 16/10/2020
18 Oct 2020 // by kongfooey
The anticipation was high for this show for two reasons. One, it was the first gig out for us since Auckland was locked down for the second time this year.
Read More...
Sonar.Suite - Single Review: Flip Siide
09 Sep 2020 // by kongfooey
Flip Siide kicks off with a lone chilled blues guitar before a sweet vocal style similar to Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) kicks into gear. Brendon Thomas is the mastermind behind this slippery little funk number.
Read More...
The Vibes - Single Review: Funk Blaster
20 Aug 2020 // by kongfooey
Hot of the press this latest offering from The Vibes. Funk Blaster is a tribute to James Brown and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it's a great big slice of funky fun.
Read More...
SOJØURN - Single Review: Stand Up
20 Aug 2020 // by kongfooey
As with a lot of established and up and coming Kiwi artists, the pandemic that is Covid-19 has thrown a spanner in the works for recording, releases and live shows and SOJØURN have also been in the same boat. But here it is, the latest offering from these young Northland lads.
Read More...
Summer Thieves - EP Review: Bandaids and Lipstick
30 Jul 2020 // by kongfooey
Much like their contemporaries Six60, Summer Thieves started from humble beginnings in Dunedin many moons ago. Starting as a high school band of sorts, Jake and Johnny have been jamming together since the ripe age of 15.
Read More...
Gig Review: L.A.B. @ Spark Arena, Auckland - 3/07/2020
05 Jul 2020 // by kongfooey
First off, congrats to L.A.
Read More...
Riqi Harawira - Single Review: Ruapekapeka
11 Jun 2020 // by kongfooey
Back in another life (during the 90's), Riqi Harawira used to let my bandmate and I crash at his pad on Fort Street in Auckland whenever we were on tour. He was a good dude, played lead guitar for Dead Flowers and both our bands were on the same label (Wildside).
Read More...
The Slider - Album Review: He Calls Your Name
16 Mar 2020 // by kongfooey
The Slider features two tortured souls from Auckland heavy rock/blues band His Masters Voice (The Devil's Blues). Rene Black and Az Burns have created a down and dirty little beast here, featuring Rene on lead vocals and drums, with Az tackling all guitars/bass and keys, and there is a stack of talent on display within.
Read More...
View All Articles By kongfooey

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem