There are scarcely any surprises with each new Anthony Hamilton album. But that's never a bad thing. The Charlotte, NC crooner can always be counted on to bring that slow boil soul with a simmering, well-cooked retro intensity that goes down easy. Sixth studio project Back To Love sees the 40-year-old singer-songwriter compile yet another solid effort for his budding discography. Venerable producer Babyface helps co-produce okay-sounding starter single "Woo," while the Keri Hilson duet, "Never Let Go," likely won't be a mainstream hit. But the meat lies in stirring tracks like "Pray For Me," the official new "baby I know did you wrong "anthem ("I'd be such an angel/You'd think that me and Jesus was cool like that"). Add to the mix old school-driven, mid-tempo burners like the title track, the Southern-styled "Writing on the Wall" and the contemporary sounding "Best of Me" and Hamilton has another body of work that stands tall with his R&B brethren, living or dead.
What keeps you motivated to continue making music?
It's most important for it to be refreshing and have a good time with it. That's about it ― not really do the typical album.
Are you in a reflective state of mind at this point in your career?
I feel like it's the same movement going forward; it's just different reflections coming together. I don't really feel like going back.
Do you think about things like fame and records sales when you make music?
You think of putting out the best representation of yourself that will be the most marketable, especially if you like the song anyway. But you definitely have to think like this.
How do you define you style and sound? How has that evolved over the years?
I think that it's easy; it's R&B/soul. It's "matter of fact" music that's necessary; it's evolved. Working with Babyface, Keri Hilson and all these different people that have done much in their careers ― to collaborate with them, it takes things to another level.
How do you define success?
Success is being healthy and happy, you know? My family ― being able to take care of family. Having good friends and family. And sell a few records along the way. That never hurt nobody; it's a good quality life.
(Sony)What keeps you motivated to continue making music?
It's most important for it to be refreshing and have a good time with it. That's about it ― not really do the typical album.
Are you in a reflective state of mind at this point in your career?
I feel like it's the same movement going forward; it's just different reflections coming together. I don't really feel like going back.
Do you think about things like fame and records sales when you make music?
You think of putting out the best representation of yourself that will be the most marketable, especially if you like the song anyway. But you definitely have to think like this.
How do you define you style and sound? How has that evolved over the years?
I think that it's easy; it's R&B/soul. It's "matter of fact" music that's necessary; it's evolved. Working with Babyface, Keri Hilson and all these different people that have done much in their careers ― to collaborate with them, it takes things to another level.
How do you define success?
Success is being healthy and happy, you know? My family ― being able to take care of family. Having good friends and family. And sell a few records along the way. That never hurt nobody; it's a good quality life.