"We R a Nation," the 3rd CD by Thumper & Generation One, finds the one-man band continuing to navigate the sounds and styles of R&B, jazz, funk, rock, and pop with the intuitive finesse of a veteran ensemble. Opening with a propulsive R&B rock gem, "It's Time," worthy of Prince, Thumper establishes the contours of the 13 tracks to follow. The title song, "We R a Nation," rides an R&B quiet storm groove in a call-out for unity and tolerance, while "Dreams do Come True" is an urban-leaning contemporary song with a smooth jazz composition of both melody and rhythm. Finishing as strong as it started, the album closes with a bang with the bracing funk of "Chicken Pickin'," with its Southern-influenced groove and bursts of soulful horns. But throughout the album, its Thumper's tasteful guitar virtuosity – at times, reminiscent of George Benson, among other stalwarts – that provides the musical backbone to his accessible and catchy compositions. Definitely for fans of contemporary R&B and smooth jazz, Thumper & Generation One's "We R a Nation" CD has more than enough going on to satisfy the broadest of audiences. -Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
