5 Questions with Gordon Chambers on His New Album, 'Sincere'

Former ESSENCE Magazine editor Gordon Chambers is gearing up to release his third album, “Sincere.”

After penning hits for the likes of Anita Baker, Usher, Marc Anthony and Beyonce, the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has once again decided to create a light of his own. With “Sincere” he offers groovy tracks and harmonies reminiscent of classic R&B/Soul.

ESSENCE.com sat down with the Chambers to discuss “Sincere,” and find out more abut his three loves: R&B, a good party, and God.   

ESSENCE.com: Tell us more about “Sincere.”
GORDON CHAMBERS: This album is the totality of who I am musically; I love R&B, I love to party, and I love God! The 12 songs cover those three love affairs of mine. The mid-tempos are very current and have a slightly harder edge than my prior solo work, because I worked with a lot of new young producers -- such as Darien Dorsey and The Beatbangghaz -- who wanted to “remix” me a bit.

The emotional high point for me is my remake of “Missing You", the Grammy-nominated theme of the film “Set It Off” (originally recorded by Brandy, Tamia, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight), which is done here “unplugged” with acoustic piano, percussion and guitar as a tribute to two of my mentors Phyllis Hyman and Gerald Levert. I close the album with a rendition of the gospel standard “Walk With Me (Lord)” recorded live at the Blue Note in New York.  

ESSENCE.com: You blend a variety of musical styles here. In what specific ways were you inspired to create your songs?  
CHAMBERS: The tracks inspired the lyrics. Several of the producers on this album are actually former band members of mine, like Darien Dorsey and Mike Severson -- so they know what keys and chord changes I like best. It’s a very musical album -- very rich and warm in tone. And the vocals, I think, are the best I’ve done on all three albums thus far.

ESSENCE.com: If you had to absolutely choose two songs off of the album to share, which songs would you choose?
Chambers: I just shot a video for the Darien Dorsey-produced first single “I Can’t Love You (If You Don’t Love You”). This is a song about a man trying to love a woman with self-esteem issues. The other song I’d share is the Mike Severson-produced “Lead Me (The Ocean).” It’s an honest out-loud “conversation with God” where I’m admitting my vulnerability, insecurity and asking for spiritual guidance.

ESSENCE.com: Any artist collaborations on “Sincere”?
CHAMBERS: Yes. I do duets with DC-based up-and-coming songstress Candace Coles -- who I met though my producer Darien Dorsey, and with Sara Devine, who tours with Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige. These ladies can sang. I am now the mentor, and accept it proudly. It’s a blessing to share the limelight and give opportunity to people like Darien, Candace, Sara and Sy.

People like producers Barry Eastmond and Dave Hall, and the late songstress Phyllis Hyman open doors for me in the music industry while I was still Entertainment Editor of Essence and chasing my dream at night and during lunch breaks! "Sincere" has brought me full circle, and I’m enjoying the spin!  

ESSENCE.com: As a songwriter, you’ve worked with a wide range of artists from Marc Anthony to Beyonce. Which artists are on your wish list to write for?
CHAMBERS: Rihanna, Celine Dion, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Seal and Mary J. Blige.

Here is Chambers' latest video, "I Can't Love You."