New Jersey-based soul singer Carl Brister released his first mainstream R&B single entitled “Uncomplicated Love” in February after having released three contemporary gospel albums in the past few years.

“I wrote the lyrics literally while looking at my wife. I knew it was special that very day. It came from a pure place. She was my inspiration,” said Brister.

"Uncomplicated Love" begins with a rich acoustic guitar riff and Carl Brister opens the song with a rap/spoken word/intro/I don't know what for the first few measures. I put the multiple slashes in that description because, at first, I thought he was rapping, then I thought he was doing spoken word and by the end of the short & simple verse, I concluded it was just an introduction that rhymes. He's not trying to sell himself as the next rapper/singer Prince Be from 90's R&B band P.M. Dawn; however, when the song builds up and gets going, he reminds you of his main talent—soulful singing.

His tenor falsetto impresses and manages to even make simple lyrics such as "some candle light and chinese food" sound seductive. The repetitive chorus "Let's go back" is easily memorable. I don't know who mixed down Carl's background vocals but the touch was perfect. They stood out and Brister gave them a subtle breathiness that complimented his lead vocal. The horn section to the track did not offer anything different yet it still added to the overall tone. Although, he sings in the falsetto for the majority of the ode, Brister eventually shows his strong, full voice during the bridge and went a higher Philip Bailey-ish octave throughout his adlibs as the song comes to a close. It's easy to see why he's starting to get a buzz around various media outlets. 

If I had any constructive criticism on the song, I would simply say to bring up the production level as this artist continues his journey. Anyhow, I am curious to hear a complete EP or LP from Carl as I sense that "Uncomplicated Love" is an appetizer between entrees because this will be his follow up to his hit single "I’m Still Here" that has caught on to major TV networks. It’s not your typical Top 40 hit but his craft keeps you engaged, waiting for the next offering which brings us to…

…the cleverly titled, I love me some you... Brister’s promotional 3rd release flirts with 90's dance music. The synth chord strikes are reminiscent of 90's House when vocalists such as Robin S., La Bouche and the Real McCoy occupied the radio airwaves. This song can be effortlessly given regular rotation on indie radio stations that are open to new and fresh sounds, particularly in EDM-loving states such as New York and South Florida. The production is a simplistic move and it doesn’t add anything unique to the genre but the quality can’t be dismissed. Any wedding DJ would squeeze this in between David Guetta and Usher during the reception.

You won’t find him objectifying women or promoting materialism in his content either, so it’s good that Brister, a licensed minister and contemporary Gospel artist, did not “sell out.” After singing cover tunes at his father’s bedside (R.I.P.), Brister came to an epiphany that led him to an opportunity to “crossover.” It’s a delicate balance that many Christian artists walk when they’re singing to a non-churched audience while remaining grounded in the foundation of their faith.

Still, with his commitment to singing “Songs Of Upliftment & Love,” it’s safe to say that Carl Brister will still convey one of the many attributes of God—Love. 

The self-proclaimed Zig Ziglar of rap, Billy Delgado, is a Music Producer/Artist and Writer by day and sleeping pillow-drooler by night. He is currently producing the debut album for his band The 288's, a God-inspired Hip Hop/R&B group that combines soul-baring lyricism with an electric innovative sound, breaking from the norm and reaching all cultures & ages (save senior citizens). He still can't believe he's a family man with a beautiful wife Mari & three boys Chris, Nelson and Joshua, so he continues to pinch himself silly to this day.