Avg Rating: 
4.1 ( 11 total votes )
Looking to receive a Bachelor’s degree in May, Justin Garner has developed a “good college boy” image. On his latest offering, Sound of My Heart, the artist fleshes out his musical persona, dedicating songs of love to girls in the classroom and beyond. When I think of Garner’s sound, I think of a young, My Way-era Usher on a space shuttle. The young crooner’s work has a unique flair, but still holds universal appeal. For example, Rockit is a slow r&b burner with a victorious vibe and plenty of pop potential. Songs like Play in … ...Read the full album review
Fans can also check out Justin Garner's previous albums: Justin Garner - The White Labels EP
DJBooth Album Review
Looking to receive a Bachelor’s degree in May, Justin Garner has developed a “good college boy” image. On his latest offering, Sound of My Heart, the artist fleshes out his musical persona, dedicating songs of love to girls in the classroom and beyond.
When I think of Garner’s sound, I think of a young, My Way-era Usher on a space shuttle. The young crooner’s work has a unique flair, but still holds universal appeal. For example, Rockit is a slow r&b burner with a victorious vibe and plenty of pop potential. Songs like Play in the Dark are sensual without being raunchy; I told you he was a good boy. It seems like Garner has found his own style with Sound of My Heart, but were six songs enough for him to achieve a true artistic breakthrough?
I’d say no. One of my issues with most EPs is that they don’t leave enough space to show depth as an artist, especially a new artist. The concept is to put a few of your best songs into (usually) 35 to 40 minutes or less and make them mesh. Sound of My Heart suffers from the same ailment that has plagued so many other EPs: it sounds more like six of Justin’s best tunes than a unified experience.
Luckily, this project’s rich production and high-quality songwriting makes up for its missteps. Justin’s voice, while not quite as exciting as those of the reigning r&b heavyweights, seems to be getting more distinct with each release, and he clearly has the potential to carve out his own niche in the industry. I just wish that Sound of My Heart added up to a more consistent and cohesive whole. Songs like “Luv Gun” are the type of lovers’ anthems that make this project truly sound like Garner’s heart on wax, but offerings like Start Me Up sound forced.
The heart is a complex thing – so complex that even an artist as talented as Justin Garner isn’t able to fully describe in only six songs. But I’d be interested to see him build on this concept on a larger scale.
Listen to More: Justin Garner Written by Quentin Cuff
More From Justin Garner
Submit a Review and/or Rating
Member Reviews and Ratings
Average Member Rating: Total Ratings: 11
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 15, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 127 |
Rating:
This doesn't seem like it will get a lot of spins from me. Sorry.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 1 |
Rating:
I'm sorry but i honestly believe he will be next out! I'm co-signing this.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 76 |
Criminal was alright, but as stated in the review, Garner's voice can't yet compete with more well known names in the industry who are wooing the ladies for us. Maybe with some more refinement he can catch up with the heavyweights of the biz.
Maybe we need some more tracks from this EP in the Booth. Without hearing more, it would be unfair to rate the whole album, but as of now, I would skip it. |
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 306 |
Rating:
i like his vocals and he portrays a strong representation of what R&B should be about.
so far my favorite songs has too be criminal because his vocals and the instrumentals sit with me on a emotional level and i still remember his epic remake of Russian roulette a production based song like that would get him major response from the mainstream major so im still looking for him too shine. so far my favorite songs has too be criminal because his vocals and the instrumentals sit with me on a emotional level. i know i call for alot of colabs but this one sounds perfect, why doesnt he and jason derulo work on a remix too criminal because its right up their alley. |
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker Total Ratings: 306 |
Rating:
sorry for the repost on why i like criminal in my comments apparently i gotta start proofreading more
hey grimm i strongly disagree with you when it comes to vocals because from what ive heard hes amazing man i believe hes already joined the big dogs at the top he mixes the dream and bobby V in his voice very well and it comes off unique. |
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker Total Ratings: 306 |
Rating:
check that best song ive heard so far from him is on my radar i think thats just classic.
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
I am usually very hard to impress, but I love the vocals from him. period. He has talent! Trey Songz yuuuup is okay to me but no swagger with him. he just coops kellz. I'm really feelin every song on this tho
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
|
Rating:
|
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1222 |
Rating:
Let me just start off by saying that Garner is a very talented individual who, in my opinion possesses one of the most unique voices I have heard in a while. Now on to my thoughts on the Ep.
For starters, Sound Of My Heart has many highs and lows, but by all means the highs strictly over power the lows. The first track "Sound of my Heart" sounds great, I just really wish that it was longer. Garner's voice sounds absolutely great over the piano mixed production. "Start Me Up," shows Garner taking a more direct approach to his expected audience, which I believe to be the club or ladies in general. Definitely has the most unique sound out of all the other songs on the Ep, however it isn't by any means one of my favorite tracks off of the project. "Luv Gun" is where the EP really starts to get good. Garner's voice laced with the type of production that this track offers up is incredible. Very Smooth, to say the least. Definitely one of my favorites on the EP. "Rockit" is another great track. The sample from his White Labels EP left me wanting much more and to my surprise, the track exceeded my expectations of what Garner truly has to offer. If I could describe the track in one word it would probably the first word that pops up into everyone's head as soon as they hear that opening beat, "Smooooooottttthhhh." "Criminal" is easily the best track on the entire project. Definitely a great choice for a single. It pretty much provided me with the incentive to download the EP on itunes after hearing it on the booth a couple weeks back. Everything comes together great in that song. From Garner's soulful and enthusiastic vocals to the production that is accompanied by the background violin and piano. Damn this is a good track. Even if you don't decide to purchase this EP, I highly suggest you look into this song. Flawlessly executed. "Play in the Dark" is another slow jam that really helps exemplify Garner's voice and is proof that he has what it takes to be a major player in today's R&B game. To be honest, I strongly disagree with the review in regards to the fact that Garner needs to prove himself or at least show off what he is capable of when it comes to other R&B heavyweights, but that is just my opinion. With all due respect, though, I do admit that six tracks really doesn't help solidify his place at the top with everyone else. Only time will tell. In the end, definitely check out this man's Ep. You won't be disappointed. |
| Posted on Apr 16, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 97 |
Rating:
This is a great review...I'll be glad to give it a listen
|
| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 221 |
Rating:
Alright... Garner's voice was just alright something I would not listen too more than once but just ok
|
| Posted on Apr 18, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
Hot!!!
|
| Posted on Apr 19, 2010 |
|
DJ Booth Member |
Rating:
YOU'RE KIDDING ME!!!! LUV GUN.....I'VE PLAYED THIS SONG ABOUT 30 TIMES TODAY!!!!! LUV IT!!!! HE NEEDS TO BE ON SOMEBODY'S RADIO STATION...NOW!!!!!
|
| Posted on Jul 07, 2010 |
FEATURED ARTIST
FEATURED ALBUM
TOP 20 MUSIC CHARTS
The top rated new Hip Hop & R&B songs on DJBooth, updated every Sunday.
