Apparently it’s not all about appearances. After venturing into the adult same sex entertainment industry, partaking in numerous steamy scenes which showcased his mature good looks and chiseled body, the talented Colton Ford began pursuing a solo music career with the release of a debut and cover album. For 2013, the artist unleashes his third full-length effort, The Way I Am, featuring a strong dance sound and collaborations with Nervo and Chris Willis. Preceded by the catchy lead single, “Let Me Live Again”, the brand new album puts an emphasis on the uptempo, club-ready production as Ford focuses on his ever-improving vocal abilities and lyrical content.
On the opener, “First In Line (Shadow of the Night)”, Ford’s vocals come off similar to those of pop/R&B hitmaker Usher, pretty good comparison. While the track does not have much going on for it in terms of lyrics, the midtempo, dance production gives listeners an idea of the direction the album is going.
Released as the lead single, “Let Me Live Again” created a great amount of positive buzz prior to the album’s release date. With an infectious, pulsating beat, the artist sings about how his new found love is allowing him to experience life all over again. “You do me so right, straight through the night, given the chance I gotta take it,” Ford sings on the sweet yet sexual pop track.
The dance vibe is still present, but toned down for “Look My Way”, a track where the artist proclaims to let go off all inhibitions and any sense of control. With seductive vocals, Ford is confident enough to fulfill all desires and make that significant other fall head over heels in love with just one look. The song is something different from the artist, but nothing on a spectacular level.
“Realize” slows down the energy even more, for the better, as the love song shows the artist shedding his tough exterior for a moment of unexpected vulnerability and softness. Here, the main focus in on the artist's vocals as the slightly upbeat production takes a supporting role on the effort.
Jazz and funk influences dominate the majority of “Get To You”, featuring labelmate Ultra Nate. Ford has never been afraid of expressing the known fact that sex sells. On this NSFW creation, he sings “I hear your body calling me, no need to make a sound, I’ll do you even better, the second time around” just as the chemistry between the two artists starts to heat up.
Though long, over drawn intros are always a song’s downfall, “Change (You’re Gonna Have To)” actually uses it to its advantage. The dream-like synths create a calming environment for the track as Ford expresses the need for change of one’s point of view in a relationship. Again, while there’s not many applause worthy lyrical moments, the emotions felt throughout are strong.
Fighting to be one of the dominating male forces in the dance genre, tracks such as “Can You Feel It” will only help Ford in his quest for worldwide exposure. The artist is expressing every feeling to his love interest, wondering if they feel the same. The production creates a sense of innocence on this overall carefree pop track which 80s influences.
One of the album’s brightest moments just happens to be the title track, “Just the Way I Am”, with Ford’s deep vocals becoming the main highlight. “You say you don’t mind, you say it’s alright, you say you’re gonna love me till the end,” he sings during the hook on top of fun, jazz-sounding production. The song does a great job at including a catchy beat without overshadowing the artist.
Released alongside the lead single on an EP before the album, “The Music Always Gets You Back” readied fans for Colton’s dance explosion. The club-ready piece is one of the few full-fledged pop/electronica/dance tracks found on the new effort. The artist’s vocals and thumping beat will surely bring all listeners to the dancefloor, ready to let go and just have a good time.
While ballads have never been Ford’s strongest field, he tries once again for “All My Love”. Production is scaled back as the artist sings of giving his love just what they need to get them through the night. With seductive vocals and lustful lyrics, the track becomes a sensual slow jam to play in the bedroom. Light some candles, press “play” and let the music do the rest.
The eleven-track album closes with “Alone”, the slowest moment on the effort as the artist once again shows a different side of his personality. While I applaud Ford for stepping out of his comfort zone and expressing emotions buried deep inside, as a closing track it does not do much. Instead, a no holds bar dance track would have been more effective.
The Way I Am is not a perfect release, some problems need to be noted in terms of songwriting and over emphasis on production, but as a third album it does keep Colton Ford moving down the right direction in his recording career. The vocals represented on the effort are strong, definitely show improvement and make an effective case for the artist’s eventual dance takeover. Ford has never been afraid to be provocative and break boundaries, and even though he does just that on most of the tracks, some fail to make the impact I was hoping for. The album receives an 80%.
Tracks to Hear: “Let Me Live Again”, “Can You Feel It”, “Just the Way I Am” and “The Music Always Get You Back”
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