Just tell me how . . . how I can rid my heart of this pain? Just tell me how, how did I not see the love right here in front of me? Just tell me how, how it is that I have only seen you as a friend? Just tell me how, how is it that I love you now? This seems to be the running theme of Tykeys’ gospel-infused R&B song, 말해버려 [Just Tell Me], one of my absolute favorite cuts on the incredibly rich and neo-soulifric Ty Project No. 1. Every song on this wonderful album that features G.O’s expressive and impassioned vocals is a Vocal Virtuosity moment and I am thrilled to have the time to expose all of them before he concludes his military service.
Nuance. It has become one of my favorite buzz words used often when I describe G.O. From the subtle tones and inflections in his voice when he sings, to the expression in his eyes or even a move or shift in the way he tilts his head, dances, is photographed, or speaks. Little things that may not seem obvious, but (for me) somehow capture a mood, a moment, or characteristic that is exclusive to him. As is clear there is so much about him that I adore, why not have a little fun exploring those nuances that further endear him to so many of us.
Golden moments. That is how I describe any and all Tykeys moments captured whether it be photograph, audio, video or otherwise. They are part of G.Os history and even if he disagrees, an amazing part at that. In the short time Tykeys spent promoting and performing before they disbanded, they left us with so much gold. The rare practice room videos are indeed treasured gifts and always wonderful to unwrap and enjoy time and again.
Just five days shy of his 29th birthday, G.O took to his twitter account and posted two pictures and our collective hearts exploded with warmth over his sweet nostalgia.
Duet. A performance by two people, especially singers. Two voices locked in perfect harmony, emotion and delivery. But, it is more than that. In a July 2012 interview with ABC News about sharing the stage with another vocalist in a duet, R&B singer Robin Thicke summed it up nicely when he said:
“It’s not about singing with perfect pitch or timing, it’s about feeling. All art is supposed to create feeling and if you sing with passion and you sing from your soul then people will feel it.”
People will feel it. I think he was talking about G.O, right? There is perhaps no truer way to describe the type of vocalist G.O set out to become and thus accomplished: A vocalist who sings with passion from the soul. Indeed. It may seem that all of the passion, emotion and feeling he brings to a song could not possibly be tempered (or matched) when partnered in a duet. I assure you, however, there is something special about the way G.O settles into a duet and lends his passion, emotion and feeling to the dynamic. For me, this is yet another reason to love this very talented man and his incredible artistry as a vocalist.
