Many artists have been declared “before their time” however with the album title After My Time, Noel pays homage to the soul stars of generations past that have paved the way for him to express himself through the “most relevant music” in his life. While he’d fit perfectly in the old-school soul genre, he has crafted an album that also proves him to be a unique new-generation artist with undeniable staying power.
As a kid growing up just outside of Boston in Brockton, Massachusetts, the 26-year-old musician soaked up the sounds of his father’s music collection, which consisted of plenty of old soul favorites like Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Tyrone Davis and Teddy Pendergrass. Noel realized his true passion for making music in high school and set out on the beaten path to a professional career by writing and producing songs and performing at clubs and showcases in and around the Boston area. During this time, he partnered with Larry “Lucky” Fernandes, a music executive also from the Boston area and head of Stalin Entertainment. Having grown up with Noel, Fernandes watched him develop into a promising musician and when he felt the time was right, he introduced the aspiring singer to fellow producer/artist Tommy Olivera and songwriter Balewa Muhammad of the Trakaddix production team.
Olivera had a wide range of industry contacts, among them former Naughty By Nature DJ / producer Kay-Gee, best known for his production work for Jaheim, Zhané and Next. Declaring him the “new-age Sam Cooke,” Kay-Gee brought Noel into the studio to record “Family Reunion” for the soundtrack to the 2004 film The Cookout. A number of industry players bore witness to the formation of Noel’s career, as he also found himself in the studio with hit-making producers such as Mike City and Dr. Dre along the way. After taking meetings with various labels, Noel’s camp ultimately settled at Epic and set to work on presenting to the world who they already knew to be R&B’s next superstar.
With his father’s two-hour Maxell soul tapes as their soundtrack, each year, Noel and his family made the long car trips to his grandparents’ home just outside Biloxi, Mississippi. There, he spent his summers soaking up the environment that would serve not only as a rural refuge, but the foundation for his manhood. It was here that the city boy learned of a world outside of Boston. He lived and breathed the stories of his predecessors’ struggles through the civil rights movement and the oppression synonymous with the South. The memories of Sunday mornings at church, fish fries and backseat make-out sessions were created and each summer, Noel nourished his existence with the growth and renewal he gained there, much like that offered through the time-honored Southern tradition of river baptisms.
It’s no wonder that Noel is already winning music fans over with his debut single, aptly titled “The River.” Kay-Gee produced the feel-good track in the tradition of an old-soul ballad, which harks back to the all-encompassing elements of love, family and summers in Mississippi. Noel recalls of writing the song, “My grandfather had just died and I was thinking about him, and in the Deep South, the river represents something spiritual.” He attributes the song’s popularity to its applicable theme. “I think there’s something in the record a lot of people can hold and grasp and relate to. It seems like people from 15 on up to 50 years old can grab something from this record.”
Along with his production team Trakaddix, Noel Gourdin co-wrote much of the album, which also boasts a formidable list of collaborators, including Raphael Saadiq, Vidal & Dre, The Black Beatles and Eddie F. Grown-and-sexy but edgy enough to appeal to the younger crowd, the disc offers up the melodic sounds reminiscent of pioneering soul imprints like Motown, Stax and Philly International, while incorporating the beat-driven hip-hop rhythms that are a constant on today’s music charts.
Some of these gems include “Reach,” on which Noel flexes his falsetto muscles while addressing the notion of giving a 100 percent to a relationship. “Sorry I Led You On,” is about the harsh realities of a man growing out of love. Noel lets his lover down easy on the track produced by Soundz (Usher). Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse) works his magic on “Open.” Borrowing from the late B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya,” the tastefully seductive track hears Noel give praise to that special woman who arouses his sensual side. The typical male-female roles are switched on “One Love,” a groove-driven track on which Noel looks to take a relationship to the next level. The downside of love is represented on tracks like “Too Late,” where he campaigns to save a union he fears is already doomed; And Trakaddix’s own “Hurts Like Hell” hears the artist brokenhearted but bitter and resigned to move on. Hip-hop is infused again on the latter track, nodding to A Tribe Called Quest’s “Lyrics to Go.”
In summing up himself as “city to the heart but southern to the soul,” Noel also sums up his music. “It’s emotional and vulnerable, but still strong and secure.” He is certainly among those rare artists who can walk the fine line between being “what’s hot” and a favorite among more mature listeners. His music can be played at the young people’s party or the family barbeque, much like contemporaries John Legend, D’Angelo and Robin Thicke before him. However, artistically in a class by himself Noel declares, “More than anything, I wanted to make music that was real, relatable and timeless.” And with this first offering destined to become a classic, Noel Gourdin has certainly done just that.
Young Love
Noel Gourdin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's the ending of our first year, as time passes by
And though the future is unclear
I can promise you this, my love will never die
So when the world is against us
And all the pressure, it builds up
Until the point where I feel I should give up
And see just what I'd be missing
So let the people keep on talkin', cause there is no breakin' up
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
I just want to be with you wherever you are, oh baby
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
I just want to be with you wherever you are
Now we could settle down and have a few kids
Never gets old, feels like the first kiss
When your lips touch mine
Seasons may change but your heart's still true
You're the home that I could run to
And I will keep on running baby, running right back to you
So when the world is against us
And all the pressure, it builds up
Until the point where I feel I should give up
That's when I look in the distance
And see just what I'd be missing
So let the people keep on talkin'
Cause there is no breakin' up
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
I just want to be with you wherever you are
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
I just want to be with you wherever you are
To school days on the play ground
To long talks on the phone till we figured it out
I got my first whiff, I was acting up
Back seat love for making up
I've gotta let you know you're the greatest
Keep our love strong to the days in and there is no way I am givin' up
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
I don't want to grow old without
Cause I don't want to grow up
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
Cause I just want to be with you, you with me
Let's settle down, have a family
The lyrics of Noel Gourdin's song "Young Love" create a heartfelt narrative about a young couple's journey through love and commitment. The singer expresses a deep sense of nostalgia as they reminisce over their shared experiences in the past year. Despite the uncertainty of the future, the singer vows that their love will remain constant and unwavering. This introductory verse sets the tone for the enduring nature of their relationship and the challenges they may face together.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into the trials and tribulations that the couple may encounter as they navigate the world around them. The pressure and obstacles they encounter only serve to strengthen their bond, as the singer finds solace in the thought of what they would be missing without their partner. The defiance against societal expectations to break them apart showcases the resilience of their love and commitment to each other, no matter what challenges come their way.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's desire to hold onto the youthful and pure essence of their love, refusing to conform to the idea of growing up in a conventional sense. The repetitive declaration of not wanting to grow up highlights the singer's intention to remain with their partner and cherish the innocence and passion of their young love. The longing to be with their partner wherever they are reflects a deep emotional attachment and a commitment to stand by each other through thick and thin.
The final verse reflects on the journey the couple has taken together, from the playful days of youth to the mature understanding they have reached as a committed pair. The memories of the past, such as the innocence of school days and intimate moments of reconciliation, serve as a foundation for their enduring love. The singer acknowledges the challenges they have faced but affirms their determination to continue running back to each other and building a strong and lasting relationship. The ultimate goal of settling down and starting a family underscores the deep love and devotion the singer has for their partner and their shared future together.
Line by Line Meaning
I reminisce over you my dear
Reflecting on our past memories together
It's the ending of our first year, as time passes by
First year of our relationship coming to a close as time goes on
And though the future is unclear
Despite uncertainty about what lies ahead
I can promise you this, my love will never die
Guaranteeing that my love for you will remain strong
So when the world is against us
During times of adversity
And all the pressure, it builds up
When the challenges continue to mount
Until the point where I feel I should give up
Reaching a breaking point when I consider giving in
That's when I look in the distance
At that moment, I reflect on what I would lose
And see just what I'd be missing
Realizing the value of our relationship
So let the people keep on talkin', cause there is no breakin' up
Ignoring external negativity as our bond remains unbreakable
Cause I don't want to grow up
Preferring to stay youthful in love
Baby girl if this is young love, young love
Acknowledging the freshness and vitality of our love
I just want to be with you wherever you are, oh baby
Desiring to be by your side no matter where you go
Now we could settle down and have a few kids
Considering a future together with a family
Never gets old, feels like the first kiss
Our connection remains exciting and passionate
When your lips touch mine
The spark that ignites whenever we kiss
Seasons may change but your heart's still true
Despite life's changes, your love remains constant
You're the home that I could run to
Finding comfort and security in our relationship
And I will keep on running baby, running right back to you
Continuously returning to you no matter what challenges come our way
To school days on the play ground
Recalling our youthful days together
To long talks on the phone till we figured it out
Conversations that helped us understand each other better
I got my first whiff, I was acting up
Experiencing the early stages of love and emotions
Back seat love for making up
Resolving conflicts and strengthening our bond
I've gotta let you know you're the greatest
Expressing admiration and appreciation for you
Keep our love strong to the days in and there is no way I am givin' up
Committing to maintaining our strong love through all circumstances
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS ALLEN, NOEL GOURDIN, KEVIN ROSS, MELVIN SPARKMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind