The Foreign Exchange- Love In Flying Colors Album Review by Victoria Shantrell

Title: 
Artist: The Foreign Exchange– Phonte & Nicolay
Label: +FE Music
Genre(s): Neo-soul, electronic, soul, hip-hop
Released: September 24, 2013
Social: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Love in Flying Colors is the fifth album from the electro-soul super duo Nicolay & Phonte—The Foreign Exchange. This 10-track feel good album will definitely satisfy old fans and grab the attention of new listeners. Although the usual suspects—Darien Brockington and Zo! are nowhere to be found, The Foreign Exchange brings a fresh, mature sound that reminds us of what we’re missing on the airwaves.

The first 25 seconds of the opening track, “If I Knew Then,” will immediately remind longtime fans of Leave It All Behind. But before you know it, an upbeat sound kicks in letting listeners know that love is in the air and it “feels so good.” Keeping the good vibes going, FE gives us “Right After Midnight”—a funky, fresh track that makes you want to call your friends and hit the dance floor.

“Better” is one of the highlights on Love in Flying Colors. Phonte raps and FE recruits neo-soul heavy-hitter, Eric Roberson, and a female songstress named Shana Tucker for this smooth track that melts together like butter. Phonte’s ability to sing and rap on a track without it feeling forced is truly a talent. This song will likely be played on heavy rotation on urban R&B radio stations. Further into the album listeners discover “Can’t Turn Around”; although this song does not have the same hot radio-play sound, this track has the potential to become an international lounge scene hit.

“Call It Home,” sounds like it came straight off of Leave It All Behind. It’s a smooth, airy, electro-soul track with a beautiful message: home is wherever she is. “When I Feel Love,” the last track, possess the same Leave It All Behind sound. For those who became fans because of the Grammy nominated album, such as myself, this closing track leaves you wanting more. The pitch, harmony, and production are perfect.

While it might be hard to top Leave It All Behind, The Foreign Exchange came with the same A-game production that fans have become accustom to. Nicolay gives us masterfully produced tracks and Phonte sings lyrics and raps like a grown 30+ year old man is supposed to. You won’t find “ain’t no fun if the homey can’t have none” (ahem TGT) over here!

Rating: A-

Tracks We Like: Better, Call It Home, When I Feel Love

The Foreign Exchange- Track 6: Call It Home

httpa://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj9XRorvs70

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