Like It Like That

After recording a covers album with soul masters The MG’s in 2007, the inaugural <i>Australian Idol</i> winner infused his follow-up with a Memphis feel. There’s an old-school swing to the beats and plenty of snap in these sparky originals. Sebastian’s powerhouse upper-register is in full effect, and he adds grunt and growl when spurred on by John Mayer‘s tasty guitar licks on three tracks. Jordin Sparks even steps up to match Sebastian’s supple, church-schooled vocals on the big ballad “Art of Love”.