George HaffendenIt was with absolute delight and excitement that we received the new single by Will Downing last week – and has he got an incredible song for you. The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, as he is billed, has done it again and created a wonderfully chilled, sexy, and warm groove on his latest ‘Never Say No To You’, from his forthcoming album ‘Chocolate Drops’.
Will Downing possesses one of these finest voices in soul music today – perhaps the voice in soul music today. In recent years while others have shied away from recording, Downing has given us some of his best work: last year’s exquisite album ‘Euphoria’ (featuring an excellent remake of the Teddy Pendergrass standard ‘Turn Off The Lights’), a great single entitled ‘Stuff That I Like’, as well as the beautiful ‘Lust, Love, and Lies – An Audio Novel’.
This new single follows in much the same way as his previous releases, and considering the high quality of his past material, this a good thing. ‘Never’ has another infectious groove to it, which illuminates Downing’s phenomenal vocal chops, demonstrating that he really is the Prince of Sophisticated Soul. Downing is all about love and being in love, and this song epitomises Downing’s trademark approach to love in a way that is quite frankly stunning. Vocally, after twenty-plus years on the scene, Downing is better than ever, and it’s just a shame that he rarely if ever makes any UK appearances.
Overall, the song is fabulous. It is well-written, well produced, and vocally well delivered by Downing. Indeed, Downing has found his forte, and we’re incredibly excited to hear what the full album has in store.