Review

Brain Power: Optimistic Ft. Lucita Jules (SoulHouse Music)

Even in these days of heavy music regurgitation, there are still some tracks out there that should never be covered. Written and produced by production gods Jam & Lewis’ and Gary Hines, Sounds Of Blackness “Optimistic” is one of ‘those tracks…or so I thought.

I have to say, I take my metaphorical hat off to Brain Power for the authentic construction of his version of this all-time gospel classic, with its delicious original r’n’b groove updated to a soul-house scorcher.

Power has kept to the script musically. With a version which is more homage than just a ‘different version’. The production is more a tune-up for this Roll Royce of a track than a complete, potentially tricky, rebuild - well, if it ain’t broke, tune it! Lol. In short, it’s respectful. Just as pleasant on the ear, uplifting and soul fulfilling as the original.

Adding Lucita Jules vocal was also a good call. It keeps the gospel nucleus of this version squarely in place while at the same time giving Jules the freedom to showcase her considerable talent. After listening to this, I can’t wait to hear more from Jules and check-out future releases from house music’s super Power. Bravo Brian!
Words LEE TYLER