UB Spotlight: October London Brings Innovativeness with ‘October Nights’

Next Friday October 11th, October London releases his new album “October Nights,” via Death Row Records.

October London is an artist that defies categorization – singular yet familiar, contemporary but timeless, with a soulfulness that betrays his youth.

After firmly establishing himself as “The Rebirth Of Marvin” on his acclaimed Death Row Records debut.

Since signing with the iconic label in 2016, he’s become a formidable force in the music industry, leading him to accrue two # 1 singles (“Back to Your Place” and “Mulholland Drive”) and a devoted following.

Conjuring images of crisp autumn evenings spent by a crackling fireplace, it cements its creator as one of the preeminent R&B artists of his era.

As displayed on the twinkling lead single “She Keeps Calling” and the latest single “A Beautiful Woman.”

“October Nights” is an album that proves, R&B is alive and well. It also proves another thing….That boy October London got vocals!

With production from Babyface, David Foster, Soopafly, Boney James & Jairus Mozee, Charlie Bereal, Jeff Gitty, Poo Bear and Brandon “B.A.M.” Hodge.

The songs October selected for this project, brings an essence of soul, vulnerability and an innovativeness, that has been missing in a full R&B project.

The album opens with the vocally sharp “Slander My Name.” Moving on to more stand-out tracks such as “3rd Shift,” produced by Jeff Gitty. A track October slides on, with his signature Marvin Gaye inspired vocal arrangements.

“Don’t Go” follows, as October switches up his vocals and stance, with a record that TCD and Force MD’s would of murdered the background on.

Theee Babyface laced October London with his signature sound and pen on “Missing You” and it’s an astonishing collab.

“When we was together
We were everything
Everyone was jealous
Of how we use to be
We should’ve saw it coming
Right from the start
We should be together
Living out the dream
How the f*ck we ever
Let them come between
We should of never let them tear us apart
Now I’m missing you, with all of my heart”

Tyrese joins October London on the previously released “Bedroom Bully,” which heated up quiet storm formats last month.

“The Best Problem” finds October delivering a distinct vocal on the Poo Bear produced track. Without a doubt, one of the albums highlights.

One of our favorites Ledesi joins October London on the mid-tempo “The Reception.” Yes it’s everything and more, you thought it would be. Vocals!

On “Momma” Snoop joins October while he shares his love for his mother in song. “I been touched by an angle and wrapped in your halo. When the devil showed his face, my God gave me faith in my Momma,” October sings.

Snoop brings his flow on the next track “Put You On,” a bouncy upbeat song that Soopafly put his foot in with the production.

The album comes to a conclusion with “Time,” a beautiful ballad, October collaborated on with Soopafly. The vocals, the arrangement and backgrounds make “Time” perfection!

UB Hot Tracks: “3rd Shift,” “Missing You,” “Don’t Waste Your Time,” “The Best Problem,” “Touch On Me,” “Put You On” and “Time.”

With this album, October London showcases a talent that cannot be pigeonholed. While the comparisons to Motown‘s iconic roster are inevitable, October‘s dextrous performance over the course of “October Nights” transcends these obvious likenesses.

The music is personal and assured, highlighting the artist’s continued evolution and natural sense of identity.

No longer the rebirth of a beloved predecessor, October now appears intent on carving his own inimitable niche in the annals of R&B history. On this evidence, he has unequivocally succeeded.