The Soul Pop of Charlie Faye & The Fayettes
Bringing back the sound of The Marvelettes and The Chiffons, Charlie Faye & The Fayettes’ debut is an incredibly engaging record for those who misses the soul pop of the 60’s and that Stax styled groove. The album isn’t without some straight ahead power pop, too. That being said, the clear, clean vocals of Charlie Faye and her backup singers are the common threads throughout.
More than just an exercise in 60’s soul-pop, Charlie Faye & The Fayettes debut is an incredibly enjoyable listen from start to finish. The record opens with “Green Light”, a track that stylistically captures vintage Motown. Lyrically, it’s more The 1910 Fruitgum Company’s “1,2,3 Red Light” turned on its head. An ideal track to kick off their retro 60’s effort, this lyrical dichotomy illustrates the difference in social mores between then and now.
Oh…and did I mention it’s catchy as all get-go?
The hooky chorus of “See You Again” makes this borderline power pop number a real winner. Arthur Alexander fans will grin from ear to ear while listening to “It’s All Happening”. Burt Bacharach influences can be heard on another highlight track called “Carelessly”.
However, my favorite song on Charlie Faye & The Fayettes’ debut LP is “Sweet Little Messages”. The Dan Penn / Spooner Oldham Memphis sound is punctuated by a silky smooth bass line and a monster hook for a chorus. “Sweet Little Messages” is most definitely one of my favorite songs of the year.
Similar to Robert Harrison and Cotton Mather, the band is based out of Austin so its entirely possible you’ll see them at a future SXSW. I emphatically recommend Charlie Faye & The Fayettes’ latest to anyone who enjoys the girl groups of the 60’s, the Memphis sound and soul pop.
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