Braxton Cook - Fire Sign ALBUM REVIEW
For the uninitiated, Braxton Cook is a saxophonist and singer that’s been on the scene since about 2014, starting with his debut EP Sketch. Since then, he’s joined Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christan Scott’s big band, the Christian Ensemble, along with being a part of different bands throughout his career. His sophomore effort, No Doubt, was where Cook broke onto the scene. It received critical and acclaim, with some calling it one of the best jazz records of the year. His newest release, titled Fire Sign, expands upon his fusions of jazz, R&B, and alternative music to much success.
Fire Sign is a laidback R&B album in the disguise of a jazz album. Yes, there are many jazz influences, but he’s a truly great singer amid the glossy and pristine instrumentals. “Don’t Wanna See You” is a standout breakup track while Cook shows off his saxophone skills, and the opener “Moonchild” leans towards the R&B-trap side, yet it still shows off his crooning chops. The final three tracks are instrumentals, “Aries,” “Virgo,” and “Shooting Star (Reprise)” but in my mind, “Virgo” is the only dud. It didn’t really keep my attention like “Aries” or “Shooting Star (Reprise)” did. Cook’s voice is stellar across the entire record, which is always a plus.
I don’t have a lot of problems with this album, but I’d say that the only gripe I have against it is how pristine it sounds. Some people like their music to be rough around the edges, and depending on the mood, I’m like that too. There were some songs like “All That I Want” that seemed too clean for my ears and took me out of the track, but that doesn’t make the song bad by any means.
Altogether, Fire Sign is a captivating release. Braxton Cook is doing what he does best, but with a new sound and genre-mixing sounds that feel fresh and exciting. I certainly hope that Cook can keep his momentum throughout his career. He’s such an amazing talent, and he can only go up from here.
8/10
Fire Sign is a laidback R&B album in the disguise of a jazz album. Yes, there are many jazz influences, but he’s a truly great singer amid the glossy and pristine instrumentals. “Don’t Wanna See You” is a standout breakup track while Cook shows off his saxophone skills, and the opener “Moonchild” leans towards the R&B-trap side, yet it still shows off his crooning chops. The final three tracks are instrumentals, “Aries,” “Virgo,” and “Shooting Star (Reprise)” but in my mind, “Virgo” is the only dud. It didn’t really keep my attention like “Aries” or “Shooting Star (Reprise)” did. Cook’s voice is stellar across the entire record, which is always a plus.
I don’t have a lot of problems with this album, but I’d say that the only gripe I have against it is how pristine it sounds. Some people like their music to be rough around the edges, and depending on the mood, I’m like that too. There were some songs like “All That I Want” that seemed too clean for my ears and took me out of the track, but that doesn’t make the song bad by any means.
Altogether, Fire Sign is a captivating release. Braxton Cook is doing what he does best, but with a new sound and genre-mixing sounds that feel fresh and exciting. I certainly hope that Cook can keep his momentum throughout his career. He’s such an amazing talent, and he can only go up from here.
8/10
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