THIS IS RYAN SHAW - RYAN SHAW
Those who stumble upon “This Is Ryan Shaw” will assume they’ve heard it before — and that’s a good thing. Shaw’s debut so authentically captures the spirit, sound and euphoric joy of vintage soul music that songs like the testimonial “I Am Your Man” and the jumpy, Booker T. & the MG’s-worthy “Lookin for a Love” feel excitingly familiar, as if they’ve been nestled among Eddie Floyd and William Bell 45s for years. Recalling ’70s, pre-cheese Stevie Wonder, the Georgia native establishes himself as a massive talent with a huge voice, straight out of the gate. “This Is Ryan Shaw” resuscitates soul in an electrifying way. Indeed, while fusing the mannered style of Motown with the sexy, sweaty grit of Stax, Shaw displays a complete command of the medium. Billboard
