Why is Anthony Hamilton so “Mad”?

Anthony Hamilton, one of the most consistent hit makers in soul music, released his highly anticipated new project “Back To Love” this week and urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet adds his gritty soulfulness to the track Mad.

Hamilton, who co-wrote all the songs on the project, attracted an impressive array of producers and production teams including the legendary Babyface – who produced three of the tracks including Mad.  James Poyser (the Roots; Erykah Badu), Jerry Wonda Duplessis (the Fugees, Wyclef Jean) and Salaam Remi (the Fugees; Nas; Amy Winehouse). Collectively, they take “Back to Love” forward with both retro styling and contemporary beats.Read the LA Times Album Review written by Ernest Hardy.

Yonnet says when he initially met Hamilton back in 2006, he teased him about the “keyboard” harmonica sound on the album “Soulife”.  “I asked, ‘how are you gonna use a fake harmonica on such soulful music?’ Hamilton explained that they were rushed to finish the album but he vowed to connect on a future project. Mad seemed appropriate.

So why is Anthony so mad?

Music sample

Mad Lyrics:

I’m mad at the way she loves me.
And I’m mad at the way she cares.
I’m mad at the way she touch me.
At the way that she comb her hair.

I’d be lying, if I said it didn’t mean a thing.
I’d be lying, if I said I didn’t care.
I’d be lying, if I said I didn’t love her.
I’m still here. I’m still here.

I’m mad at the way she loves me.
I”m mad at the time we spent.
I’m mad about our conversation.
Damn, I’m mad about everything.

I’d be lying, if I said it didn’t mean a thing.
I’d be lying, if I said I didn’t care.
I’d be lying, if I said it didn’t mean a thing.
I’m still here. I’m still here.

And I’m made about the way she loves me.
And I’m mad at my next of kin.
And I’m mad about the Sunday dinners.
And I’m mad that they count me in.

I’d be lying, if I said it didn’t mean a thing.
I’d be lying, if I said I didn’t care.
I’d be lying, if I said it didn’t mean a thing.
‘m still here. I’m still here.

I ain’t never gonna leave.