Great Albums With Van Hunt

Multitalented soul man talks about hitting his stride, his new album Popular, and five of his favorite records right now.

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Van Hunt - Popular (2008)

"The first album was me just jumping into the studio and throwing out all these ideas I wanted to do since I was a child. It's an exciting record, and it's a good record, but it lacks a maturity. The second record I did, certainly the maturity was there--it doesn't lack anything to me, except that it seems like I was bridled. And this new record is unbridled, with maturity."

Prince - Dirty Mind (1980)

"I see the similarities between Dirty Mind and Popular in that it is our third record, and its youthful enthusiasm meets expertise and comfort. I think he was able to do what he wanted to do on his first record."

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (1971)

"It's not like I can pick any particular song from this album and say, 'That's my favorite song.' But, conceptually, it is a marvelous record."

Sly & The Family Stone - There's A Riot Goin' On (1971)

"I actually listened to Sly & the Family Stone's Fresh first, and then I listened to this, and I thought to myself, 'I don't know about this record.' But, of course, I listened to it again. and like all great records, it really grew on me. I can't even imagine life without it now."

Johann Sebastian Bach - Cello Suites (1723)

"The spirit of that music--I just can't believe that someone was able to write that much music with one instrument. And when you hear it performed with a cello, it's amazing. Obviously, the cellist has to be amazing. Everything is implied, every chord, every melody, and the arrangement is impeccable. I just love listening to it. It's probably the only record that I'll put on at home."

For more Van Hunt, check out his artist page at MP3.com