Mikky Ekko, “Time”

The Nashville native falls victim to the common pitfall of all style, no substance; his voice has an undoubtedly powerful presence, but any hints of emotional depth are glossed over by slick production value in an effort to craft Ekko into a pop star-crooner hybrid.
Reviews
Mikky Ekko, “Time”

The Nashville native falls victim to the common pitfall of all style, no substance; his voice has an undoubtedly powerful presence, but any hints of emotional depth are glossed over by slick production value in an effort to craft Ekko into a pop star-crooner hybrid.

Words: Natasha Aftandilians

January 22, 2015

2015. Mikky Ekko, “Time” album art

MIkky Ekko - TimeMikky Ekko
Time
RCA
3/10

If the name Mikky Ekko sounds familiar, you might remember the young crooner from “Stay,” the 2012 duet written, produced and performed with Rihanna. That collaboration launched his solo career, but Ekko’s debut album Time lacks the magnetic appeal first witnessed on that hit track. Ekko’s voice is the one redeemable thing about Time, but its power is lost behind the cold sheen of misplaced hip-hop beats (“Love You Crazy,” “Watch Me Rise”) or sentimental orchestral strings (“Time,” “Smile”). The Nashville native falls victim to the common pitfall of all style, no substance; his voice has an undoubtedly powerful presence, but any hints of emotional depth are glossed over by slick production value in an effort to craft Ekko into a pop star-crooner hybrid. Every track feels like a calculated attempt at appealing to fans of every musical genre, but Ekko’s talents are spread too thin to really catch on.