The end of May 2014 saw a special Japanese-only release by R&B star Eric Benet entitled “From E To U: Volume 1.” This project is a collection of pop and soul covers of hit songs from the likes of Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, Journey, Earth, Wind & Fire and several others. Those who loved Benet’s great reworking of the Toto classic “Georgy Porgy” or his 2005 David Foster-produced cd “Hurricane” already witnessed the singer’s passion for quality pop and soul music of the late seventies and early eighties. “From E To U: Volume 1” reinforces this commitment with a handful of elegant songs modernized by Benet with his longtime collaborator Demonte Posey.

“Ride Like The Wind,” ” Africa ” and “What A Fool Believes” are mid- and up-tempo numbers that suffer from heavily programmed arrangements. The ballads, however, present quite a few interesting highlights including two jewels from the David Foster songbook – the EWF masterpiece “After The Love Has Gone” and the Chaka Khan classic “Through The Fire.” On those two songs, Benet does an exceptionally good job with the arrangements by giving these classic melodies quite an fascinating twist. “After The Love Has Gone” has a retro treatment with great big-band horns and beautiful vocals by the singer. “Through The Fire” is also a winner with a fantastic torch song arrangement that borrows elements from the one Foster wrote for Renee Olstead on hisHitman – David Foster & Friends special event. The plus on both songs is the outstanding vocal work by the singer that’s pure bliss to the ear.

“From E To U: Volume 1” may sometimes give the listener a little karaoke feel, but when Benet pairs his superior vocals with inventive arrangements, the results are nothing short of sublime.
If there’ll be a “Volume 2” in the future we hope that this very talented singer/music-maker won’t rely so much on programmed sounds in favour of a full live rhythm section.

Listen

All Vocals: Eric Benet
Drum Programming & All Keyboards: Demonte Posey
Produced by Demonte Posey & Eric Benet

Lyrics

I look in your eyes and I can see
We’ve loved so dangerously
You’re not trusting your heart to anyone

You tell me you’re gonna play it smart
We’re through before we start
But I believe that we’ve only just begun

When it’s this good, there’s no saying no
I want you so, I’m ready to go

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
Boy just to be with you
I’d gladly risk it all

Through the fire, through whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I’d take it all the way
Right down to the wire, even through the fire

I know you’re afraid of what you feel
You still need time to heal
And I can help if you’ll only let me try

You touched me and something in me knew
What I could have with you
Now I’m not ready to kiss that dream goodbye

When it’s this sweet, there’s no saying no
I need you so, I’m ready to go

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For a chance to be with you
I’d gladly risk it all

Through the fire, through whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I’d take it all the way
Right down to the wire, even through the fire

Through the test of time

Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For the chance to be with you
I’d gladly risk it all

Through the fire, through whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I’d take it all the way
Right down to the wire, even through the fire