Steve Perry influences Javier Colon...

[tater1977]

Javier Colon Makes the Most of Second Chance on New CD

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/mu ... 3220.story

By ERIC R. DANTON, edanton@courant.com

The Hartford Courant

November 22, 2011
Not everyone can paraphrase Steve Perry and come off as sincere, but count Javier Colon among the few.

The Connecticut native, winner of the inaugural season of NBC's "The Voice," cites Journey's ex-singer on "Come Through For You" (Universal Motown), which happens to be the title track of Colon's new album. It's also a recurring theme in songs about battling adversity, whether it's romantic, the usual workaday frustrations or even a dire medical prognosis.

Perseverance is an appropriate motif, given Colon's own persistence: He found himself with no takers and dwindling prospects when Capitol dropped him a few years ago after he released a pair of albums that failed to ignite.

"The Voice" has changed all that, of course, but Colon's previous experience — as a singer and in the music business — gives his first post-reality TV album greater depth than the usual dross that comes out of televised singing competitions.


Not only does Colon sound invested in these songs — the result, surely, of having actually written them, which is another change from the pre-fabricated "American Idol" model — he sounds thrilled to be singing them. He does it well, in a smooth, expressive voice that lets his earnest, winsome personality shows through over a light reggae backbeat on opener "Life is Getting Better" and the bubbly duet "As Long As We Got Love," featuring Natasha Bedingfield. She's not the only guest: Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, Colon's coach on "The Voice," helps with vocals on the slinky, rhythmic "Stand Up."

Even the sadder songs have a thankful air about them. The subject on the wrenching ballad "OK, Here's the Truth" does what she does to spare her partner from worrying, while the title track seems like a direct reflection of Colon's circumstances, Journey quote and all: "Steve Perry once said, 'Loving a music man, it ain't what it's supposed to be,'" Colon sings.

Maybe not, but it probably helps that the music man in question has earned himself a sizable second chance that he's determined to make the most of. "Come Through For You" is a good start.

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Javier Colon "Come Through For You" Live! Soundcheck

http://youtu.be/vtQAw2zAL6o


Javier - Ok Here's The Truth + Lyrics

http://youtu.be/e0kSPV464RU

Can you hear SP's influences?

[G.I.Jim]

He has a great voice, but he sounds absolutely nothing like Perry. No resemblance at all, and I don't hear any "Perryisms" anywhere in these songs. He sounds like he has more influences from the country scene, and honestly kind of has his own style. With him being a black artist who writes his own songs and sings like this... he's very unique and could really open up the market to a new audience! Thanks for the post.

[tater1977]

He has a great voice, but he sounds absolutely nothing like Perry. No resemblance at all, and I don't hear any "Perryisms" anywhere in these songs. He sounds like he has more influences from the country scene, and honestly kind of has his own style. With him being a black artist who writes his own songs and sings like this... he's very unique and could really open up the market to a new audience! Thanks for the post.

On some of his other songs he might sound like Steve..
But from these 2 trax ..kinda hearing a lil Rascal Flatts..

[tater1977]

Javier Colon - "Don't Stop Believin'" (Live in Los Angeles 7-27-11)

http://youtu.be/CPet1uNQtX8