What makes Music Fan First by Eric Roberson notable?

Music Fan First received critical acclaim, helping to elevate Roberson's profile within the R&B genre and beyond. It featured in several year-end lists and was praised for its authenticity and lyrical depth, contributing to discussions around independent music's potential impact on mainstream culture. Released in 2009, Music Fan First is Eric Roberson's fourth studio album. At this point in his career, Roberson had established himself as a key figure in the indie R&B scene, following his previous release, The Appetizer, which showcased his growing acclaim. This album further solidified his reputation as a master storyteller and musician committed to genuine artistry.

How many songs are on Music Fan First?

Music Fan First has 17 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Music Fan First

Eric Roberson · 2009

75 min · 17 tracks · rhythm and blues

Soulful melodies and heartfelt storytelling intertwine with smooth grooves, offering a rich tapestry of rhythm and blues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Newness — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and exploration of fresh beginnings in love, capturing Roberson's signature blend of optimism and realism.
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Borrow You — In this track, Roberson addresses themes of longing and connection with a smooth groove that highlights his vocal dexterity and emotional delivery.
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Celebrate — The closing track embodies a sense of reflection and gratitude, encapsulating the album’s journey while leaving listeners with a feeling of hope and celebration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends soulful melodies with storytelling, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and emotional dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The lyrics often tell personal stories or reflections, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Newness 5:00
2 The Hunger 4:23
3 A Tale of Two 4:35
4 Borrow You 3:59
5 Dealing 4:02
6 Still 5:19
7 How Could She Do It 3:33
8 Further 4:17
9 The Power That Kisses Hold 4:34
10 Howard Girls 3:41
11 Weekend Getaway 4:53
12 She 3:48
13 Wanna Believe It Again 5:45
14 Bad for Me 4:04
15 Breakitdown 4:28
16 Pave a New Road 3:20
17 Celebrate 6:15

What to play next

Go back to

The Esoteric Movement

2001

Full Eric Roberson discography Artists like Eric Roberson

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