On Mayer Hawthorne's sophomore effort, "How Do You Do," the falsetto−crooning soul singer coyly opens the album by wooing an unnamed woman. The artist sets a seductive tone as he sweet−talks, "So here we are, it's the end of the night … [but] it doesn't have to end here."
Released on iTunes on Oct. 4, a full week ahead of its slated retail Oct. 11 release date, "How Do You Do" blends the soulful sounds of the '60s with a modern kick that touches upon the ups and down of a fickle love.
Finding a comfortable niche in the nostalgic sound of the Motown years, "How Do You Do" grooves along nicely. The album is decidedly more up−tempo than Hawthorne's last album, "A Strange Arrangement" (2009); the tracks keep your toes tapping and head nodding.
In this album, Hawthorne plays off of a time when acts like The Temptations and Smokey Robinson ruled the airwaves, and his music certainly highlights their influences. For example, "Finally Falling" features a bouncing piano comp eerily reminiscent of The Temptations' "The Way You Do the Things You Do." The track recounts a young man's venture into love, accompanying the tale with a driving snare that keeps the sound light and endearing.
Musically, "How Do You Do" takes advantage of the increased production values that Hawthorne's signing to a major label, Universal, provides. While the album retains its core character grounded on a piano and drum kit, the added complements of trumpets and saxophones round out Hawthorne's sound.
On "Hooked," a catchy lament about a man's inability to let go of his love, saxophones repeat for punchy emphasis while ringing bells delicately shadow a driving melody. Here, Hawthorne gives himself a much fuller sound through added instruments and harmonies.
Unlike "A Strange Arrangement," where Hawthorne makes almost exclusive use of his imperfect falsetto, "How Do You Do" explores the full range of Hawthorne's voice — he even ventures to use a captivating baritone on "Can't Stop." Since Hawthorne has received no professional vocal training, his vocal inexperience is occasionally on full display in songs such as "Stick Around." In what seems like a deliberate attempt to drive attention away from Hawthorne's vocal amateurism, Snoop Dogg one−ups him with a clunky, out−of−tune verse on "Can't Stop."
Hawthorne's voice, however, isn't a complete hindrance to his sound. Though his falsetto sounds more akin to Pharrell Williams than Marvin Gaye at times, Hawthorne flashes his unpolished voice with a flair that keeps the listener intrigued.
Though Hawthorne touts catchy melodies and springy bass lines, there is no question that "How Do You Do" is the music of a grown man. On "The Walk," Hawthorne brings the pains of a difficult breakup to light. Backed by a piano riff that resembles the alluring voices of the Motown era, "The Walk" is Hawthorne's letter of discontent.
An upbeat highlight of the album "No Strings" asks a woman for a night without consequences or inhibitions. Anchored by a twanging bass line, the tight snare kicks in just as the lady in question begins to acquiesce. As the woman considers sleeping with the songwriter, the fluctuation of high−hat parallels her deliberation, allowing the flow of the song to comfortably rise and descend.
As Hawthorne's second album, "How Do You Do" is an impressive follow−up blemished with one fundamental flaw: the extent of the artist's own ability. However, Hawthorne's progression as an artist is impossible to refute, and his decision to use lower octaves in his singing provides a stronger and fuller sound.
Regardless, "How Do You Do" is proof that good music is good music, no matter the era or inspiration. Whether you're an indie chick or a hip−hop junkie, "How Do You Do" offers an agreeable common ground.
