Nicolay Rook, half of the progressive-soul duo The Foreign Exchange, has once again stepped out and produced a solo album. Earlier this week, he released the third installment in his City Lights series, City Lights Vol. 3: Soweto. Conceived after The Foreign Exchange's first trip and tour to South Africa last year, the album is a breezy, atmospheric romp through that country's sounds, with lush and vibrant melodies set off by airy textures.
This aesthetic is on full display in "The Brightest Star," which finds Rook showcasing the vocals of his Foreign Exchange cohort Phonte Coleman and frequent collaborator Carmen Rodgers, both of whom sound assured and distinctive. Geared toward a summertime vibe, the groovy rhythms and robust melodies prove that it's a soundtrack for all seasons.
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