Matti Roots - See You Again

by John Clarkson

published: 23 / 2 / 2007

Label: Otherway
Format: CDS

Flawed debut single from acclaimed UK producer Matti Roots

Review

Matti Roots is an acclaimed UK producer who has worked with the likes of Miss Dynamite, Mystique and recent soul sensation Iman. The 28 year old’s debut single, ‘See You Again’, as might have been predicted, is certainly a slick affair, combining jazz funk beats, echoing backing vocals and smoochy guitar and keyboard sounds.Roots is also a capable singer. His vocals have a silky sultriness, and towards the end of ‘See You Again’ he shows that he can rap with the best of them. Where it all horribly unfolds, however, is in the rhyming doggerel of his lyrics. “You’ve got problems, baby, but I don’t care/Because you look so damned good in your underwear” Roots sings with an unfortunate lack of irony. And then a minute later he adds “I know I don’t know you very well/but there is a look in your eye and it one that I can tell.” Matti Roots has already shown himself to be a wonderful producer, but, on the evidence of this debut single, he has a long way to go if he is ever to make the same grade as a songwriter