segun - outside the lines

Segun 

Outside The Lines
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Segun is a Los Angeles based singer/songwriter who has just enough grit and attitude glazed on his songs that they don't seem too overtly  commercial. There are shades of Maroon 5 but Segun can also sound like Jamie Lidell or even old school Jamiroquai at times. On his latest album Outside The Lines he rides the line between sounding like another artist who is trying a bit too hard to appeal to a very large demographic and someone who has enough innate talent for you to care about. Luckily, more often than not we get served a nice dose of talent even though there are moments that seem a bit contrived.

The album opens with “Outside The Lines” which is a solid song.  He works it during the chorus when he soulfully sings “ give it up child love outside the lines.” This is a feel-good song that is appealing. “Elementary” was one of the highlights of the album. It is a funk-inspired song that Segun should consider being a single if he hasn't already. The song is instantly catchy – almost too much so.

“Everyday Saturday” reminded me of a Rihanna song at times while “For Water” was a nice departure illuminating his voice as the only other instrument is a piano. I’m glad Segun decided to leave it sparse.  

It’s obvious that Segun knows what type of sound he wants and with that confident, versatile voice he has he seems to be doing exactly that. Not everyone can make a pop song that appeals to millions of people but Segun seems to be working with a similar formula that has worked for other artists so it might just work for him.

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