June 24th 2008; about as anticipated a date as I can remember in my album-purchasing existence. Quite a statement I can hear you murmuring over the web-waves. I am serious though, I struggle to recall a greater desire for an album to hit the streets. I’ve been on this for a whole month and only decided to write this now as I wanted to be sure how this collection sat with me.

Dwele returns with a brand new collection entitled "Sketches Of A Man" coming off the back of two of the finest contemporary soul albums ever. Following "Subject" would take some kinda effort. Doing it twice was always going to be Dwele's greatest battle. The difference this time around is that Dwele is now best known in the public domain as ‘the dude that sings’ on Kanye’s “Flashing Lights”. Fortunately I – and hopefully you – have a deeper understanding for - and love of - his music.

“I’m Cheating” has been doing the rounds on Radio, on the Internet and (unfortunately) on Limewire for what seems like an eternity now, and has been often skipped by those who know it well, but have only just scooped the album. I saw Dwele perform this song live before it became accessible to the masses and most (female) listeners in the audience were certainly unimpressed when he uttered the soft introduction “Everybody Cheat Right???” I hope those people have had a good listen and now realise how intelligent this song is, and why it is a very good lead single.

"Sketches Of A Man" kicks off with an intro and the album is sprinkled with more 'one-minute-something' tracks (something I wasn't expecting). More often than not, I fail to see the point in skits and interludes, but these little gems don't fall into such a category. They are simply short songs and none better than "5 Dolla Mic" where Dwele tells us how he can fashion a meaty track when miles away from home and all his usual recording luxuries.

Having switched from Virgin to the more ‘independent friendly’ Koch Records I was intrigued to learn whether we would be hearing a big difference in his general sound. None of that… The tracks have a distinctly new edge but have most certainly retained that Dwele-ness we’ve all become so used to having around. This fresh-familiarity is highlighted perfectly as Dwele drops the Rhodes on “A Few Reasons (The Truth Part 2)” in favour of more traditional keys – a shoo-in as a future ‘Jazz Café Sing-A-Long’.

“Feels So Good” is a gorgeous jam for the clubs, and will have you unknowingly driving a little bit faster getting there. “Travellin’ Girl” will keep you bouncing, and with references to London’s Piccadilly Circus and The Jazz Café (that place must be his second home now), is always going to hit the right note with UK listeners.. [Thinks back to Mos Def… “London Heathrow!!!”]

You will also find guest performances on this set – but in time honoured tradition – not too many. Slum Village pay another visit on “Brandi”, and you can experience the vocal stylings of Lloyd Dwayne and J. Tait on “If You Want To” but I would suggest you hear Mr Tait in a live environment to really hear what he’s about.

There’s more evidence of Dwele’s perfect album compilation on the chilled (but never dreary) “Vain”. Trumpets throw sweeping compliments to keys in a soft lo-fi love song that arrives just when you need it to - and seeing as we’re going to that place - let’s talk about “Open Your Eyes”. A cover of Bobby Caldwell’s classic record of the same name and the inspiration for another masterpiece in Common’s “The Light”. Those of you die-harders will know this song has already done the rounds with Dwele named as a featured artist on Platinum Pied Pipers version; now Dwele has finally released this as his own song. Maybe this is so he can perform it at live shows more – the senses tingle at the thought – but this version has obvious differences to all its predecessors. Again using classic piano to preserve and pay homage to an original track of such stature, Dwele twists and moulds this track effortlessly. Finger clicks, fatter bass-lines and - most importantly – chunkier, break-laden drums combine to ensure we have can add a 2008 vintage to this fine range.

So has he won this battle? Has he topped perfection? Are these sketches Dwele’s finest works of art? Unfortunately.. No. BUT WAIT RIGHT THERE. I’m not saying this is a bad album, have a look at the stars at the bottom of this review. These sketches aren’t scribbles to be screwed up and thrown away; in many ways they provide us with a look at Dwele’s deeper meaning, they may even be much closer to what he is really all about, and almost certainly are more than a glimpse at his creative process. This is a truly wonderful album, a CD you should immediately purchase; in six months time you’ll realise this is an unmovable object in your collection. But let me put it to you like this…

If you owned the only remaining original copy of “Subject” and I owned the only remaining original copy of “Sketches Of A Man”, would you trade with me?

Words by Penfold
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With three impressive albums to date Dwele has a lot to live up to with this fourth album Sketches of a man. He has a unique quality which never fails to impress me, with his soulful beats and sexy, unmistakable voice, in my view very few artists have managed to equal his talent. I, like many have come to regard him one of the best neo soul artists of today- and his vocals signify a mark of calibre- if Dwele features on a record - its going to be good and is definitely worth a listen, and the same goes for his singles and albums.

Unfortunately, as much as don’t want to say it Sketches of a man falls a little, (and I stress little!) short of the Dwele excellence we are used to, if you are expecting to hear an album reminiscent of Some Kinda and Subject then you too will probably be a little disappointed. This album comprises a selection of tunes which are unlike anything we have previously heard from Dwele and with a new record company taking the reins this is no real surprise. In many ways this is a natural progression from Some Kinda- in that it takes the strong musical elements and vocal ability and adds a kind of modern, timberland twist! Something which I thought I would never associate with Dwele’s music! Personally I prefer his more raw, retro, jazzy, soulful sound which stands out among so many tunes that all sound the same.

The translation from the last album to Sketches of a man works well and the tunes are catchy enough and easy to listen to, but like me I think a lot die hard Dwele fans may find these tunes a bit too different. The sexy chilled out soulful beats have been replaced by more funky, house driven tunes- which feels like it is aimed at a more mainstream audience, there are a few tunes on here which will no doubt be hitting the clubs, after they have been remixed with some awful commercial dance tune! The soulful tunes are still present but they lack something. That spine tingling effect that gets me every time with weekend love, without you and so many other Dwele songs is sadly missing from Sketches of man.

Now, you can look at this album in two ways- maybe this is Dwele finally being free to create tunes that are different and appeal to a much wider audience. There is no doubt increasing pressure for artists to sell music and make money and who can blame him for trying to break into the commercial market. Alternatively maybe this is just simply an experimental album.

Despite my reservations and disappointment- I still rate Sketches as a credible album and I don’t dislike it, because there are some great tunes on here which cannot be overlooked and instrumentally- it is spot on throughout- the familiar Flapjacks beat is instantly recognisable and Sorry- which begins with a beautiful piano introduction, is just perfect. Check out Cheatin, Vain, Love Ultra and Few good reasons which is the stand out track of the album for me- it’s like a 2008 version of Find a way. These tracks are probably the more soulful tunes on the album, with vocals that blow you away in true Dwele style and leave you wanting more.. I feel that if there were a few more tracks like these the on the album, it would have been much stronger for it.

If you are new to Dwele and you pick up this album, its likely you will really enjoy it but as a Dwele fan and knowing his previous albums I wouldn’t reach for this over Rise, Some Kinda or Subject- I’ve listened to it alot and I don’t want to be negative- but it still doesn’t quite do it for me in the same way that his previous productions have done. However, Dwele is still a legend and always will be, his vocals are consistently outstanding, and he continues to move me with his music. For you old skool fans don’t write this off, just be prepared to be open minded when you listen to this- It is just different!

Anon