Shawn Smith

Perhaps it’s maturity, perhaps it's something more, but singer/songwriter Shawn Smith has truly come into his own on his latest album A Deeper Sense Of Soul (Red Music/Sony). Inspired by the Buddhist idea of vipasyana, which translated from Sanskrit means “insight” and “looking deeply,” A Deeper Sense Of Soul could have easily been titled ‘A Deeper Sense Of Self.’ On this recording, Smith has challenged himself both personally and artistically with poignant and emotive lyrics and soulful instrumentation. A Deeper Sense Of Soul is a brilliant follow-up to Smith’s debut Finding My Way, a collaborative venture with multi-platinum producer Manuel Seal Jr. (Mariah Carey, Usher, Aretha Franklin) which spawned the hit single “Running You Down,” as well as subsequent singles “You Are My Lady “ and “Take U Home,” all of which were well-received at US college radio and featured in several film and television projects (Cold Squad, Just Cause, Show Me Yours). Each of the 10 richly textured and stirring songs on the album have distinct personalities, yet are woven by a common thread of funk and soul. Skillfully produced by collaborator Chin Injeti (Barena... more...