Grammy-nominated keyboardist for Maroon 5 PJ Morton has crafted music for some the biggest and respected acts in R&B, gospel and soul music.
Some worried that his gospel-laced, soul-tinged sound would change when he signed with YMCMB last year.
He puts those worries to rest with the release of his EP, Following My First Mind.
Last Tuesday, he released his new single “Only One,” proving his sound is unchanged.
Morton is known putting his silky, soulful vocals with some smooth, jamming tracks, and he has done this with his new song that will be featured on his upcoming major label debut album New Orleans.
The song begins with a nice drum lick with PJ’s smooth voice quickly following.
“Only One” is a uptempo love song telling the love of his life that she is the only one he loves and lives for. The line that is sure to make anyone fall in love with this song comes in the second verse: “I know that forever is a long time, but there is no other choice in my mind.” It’s guaranteed to make any hopeless romantic fall in love.
To accompany beautiful lyrics in the bridge is the sound of some the best horns I’ve heard in years. The production of “Only One” will put you in mind of Stevie Wonder’s music in the ‘80s, mixed with a few of the sounds of today’s R&B.
And that’s to be expected, given that the Motown legend has a harmonica solo on this track, providing accompaniment that only Stevie Wonder could pull off.
PJ Morton has knocked it out of the park with “Only One”. His ability to blend the modern day sound that would draw young ears with old school horns and rhythm that would attract the more mature audiences is something to applaud.
Then, to have one of the most legendary and respected musicians in all of music Stevie Wonder to bless this track makes “Only One” a classic record.
If this is any sign of what is to come with the album New Orleans, then, well, wouldn’t it be lovely?