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The Art of C​é​ran

by Céran

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1.
The Occident 05:47
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"THE OCCIDENT" OFFICIAL LYRICS INTRO You know… I just get that feeling sometimes… …You know. VERSE I The world is our very own dance floor So let’s conquer it all right now The way you move—it is an art form The beat, the rhythm, and the sound Just like the rushing of the river Our movements come cascading down The night is vast like a frontier And the future is what’s to be found You can be the guest of The best of The rest of The quest of My night And my world is messed up I’ve ‘fessed up I’d best love The guest of The night CHORUS Our romance Is a dance I can do with you Take my hand I’m your man In this night for two Our romance Is a dance I can do with you Take my hand I’m your man In this night for two In the Occident (the Occident) In the Occident (here in the Occident) VERSE II You know there ain’t no mountain too tall And no valley ain’t too low at all You know at every beckoning call I will be there—I won’t let you fall I’ll cross the desert land to show you That you are what quenches my thirst You are the healer of my own dearth And our love will rule the whole wide world You can be the guest of The best of The rest of The quest of My night And my world is messed up I’ve ‘fessed up I’d best love The guest of The night [Chorus] BRIDGE I’ll be all that I Can be for my baby So that you will be My one and only lady I won’t go— I’ll be here for you daily Our love will conquer the world (the world) [Chorus]
2.
Love You for Who You Are 03:30
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"LOVE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I Just want a minute If I could begin it Just want to tell you That you’ll one day find your match And if you ever doubt That one day you’ll be without I’ll be there for you Every time this is a… Fact—I know That life gets cold CHORUS But somebody’s gonna love you for who you are Somebody’s gonna love that shining star Somebody’s gonna love you for who you are And that somebody won’t try to break your heart VERSE II I know that you been Hurt by them foolish men They were so cold The love they showed you was fool’s gold You need a hand to hold And I know this can get old I want to show you Good love every day and… Night—just right Love is no fight [Chorus] BRIDGE I can assure you That love will come Your way—so don’t Think you gotta change You’re perfectly you [Chorus]
3.
Why Can't I Live in Your Heart 06:02
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"WHY CAN'T I LIVE IN YOUR HEART" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I I remember when we were just friends Then I thought of all the times that we spent We would count all of the stars in the sky Just to know that angels were right by our side And although we had the time of our lives We pushed love aside And although love stared us right in the eyes We just remained blind CHORUS Tell me why I can’t live in your heart I need to know why Why we are apart Our love is no farce We can’t love from afar We should try and start To let love take part In whom we truly… Are VERSE II I cannot accept the way we were I could not just hope and wait for your love in return I know that you feel the same as well What we have can only grow in time—it will tell And although we had the time of our lives We push love aside And although we stare love right in the eyes We just remain blind [Chorus] BRIDGE I can’t let go of what we had ‘Cause the thought of us just makes me glad A voice within cries out, “You’re the one for me” And something’s telling me that there’s a place for us In love [Chorus]
4.
Reality's Reverie (feat. TFitz) 02:54
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"REALITY'S REVERIE" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I Never thought I’d meet someone Who’d give her all for love I just thought I’d see someone And that would be enough Every night I thought of us And what we had become Girl, you’re my bubble gum— Can’t wait to get me some [TEDDY FITZGIBBONS’ VERSE] I’d like to see a chick with a flick of my wrist Jump around the pad like my big stick and kick flips You hear me when I spit? —Ismatic on the rap Céran on the vocals—so you can’t beat that Two KC kids—dreamin’ big With eyes on the prize and the prize is show biz Never lookin’ down—always lookin’ up And I love what I do—so I better step it up From the B-H [Beverly Hills] House to the L-A-X curtain calls Take in every moment, ‘cause I relive it all Baby, maybe we would never fall We would never waiver I feel you’d never call Callin’ out a life I can call paradise Grab it by the horns and I hold on tight ‘Cause when the time’s right I know we will take it Pure hip-hop ‘cause we would never faze it… VERSE II I sit around and think about How I would turn out Highly doubt I’d live without The joy you bring about Reminiscing on the past Played the love game way too fast All the rest just fades to black ‘Cause you got what they lack BRIDGE I know…that you know What’s reaped, will be sown So when we plant this seed In love, we’ll have all we need CHORUS When I hold your hand Then I understand That you and me—we can Leave a mark In the sand In the dreams I see You are there with me And now I believe In reality’s reverie
5.
Axiom 04:25
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"AXIOM" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I We all grow up with a dream ‘Cause dreams are what set us free The difference in you and me Goes as far as skin is deep Our diverging destinies All part like waves in the sea But it’s up to you and me To be who we want to be As long as malice is not what is inferred Our dreams will not go unheard CHORUS You can do what you wanna As long as It’s good Just set your mind to whatever Endeavor And you’re good To make this world be better Do whatever You should Just maximize yourself And you’re destined To do good VERSE II All of us may not agree On what it means to be free But if we want to be heard We’ve got to fly like a bird Don’t ever give into vice— It’s the vilest sacrifice Have virtue in all you do ‘Cause it revolves back on you As long as malice is not what is inferred Our dreams will not go unheard [Chorus] BRIDGE Be yourself and have prudence And you’ll go far you see Don’t fear following your intuition Just be—you’ll succeed Applaud your feats because they’re Your maxim—your axiom [Chorus]
6.
The Hands of Time... 03:39
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"THE HANDS OF TIME..." OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I Sittin’ ‘round thinking ‘bout yesterday And all that time that slipped away You’re the only one that keeps me strong Amidst whatever’s going on If I could right all of my wrongs Turn back the hands of time and carry on I’d do everything I should have done Won’t let you get away ‘cause you’re the one CHORUS Lately I’ve been trying to find That one and only kind That would always bring that peace to my mind And maybe It won’t be so long Before she comes along And gives me all I need to go on VERSE II I’d give all I have and some To go right to that place when I was in love In my arms is where you belong And that’s the only place where I call home You’re like that shelter from the storm You’re the only solace I adorn And I left all I had behind And you’re the only one that I call mine [Chorus] BRIDGE I can feel you right beside me When I’m feeling all alone And I can hear your voice inside me Telling me to go along [Chorus]
7.
Forever Young 04:35
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"FOREVER YOUNG" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I Once upon a little time I dreamt that you were all mine And we did everything to make A house a home I dreamt when I was all alone That in you I could make a home And all the bright stars in the sky We could hone When I look into your eyes I see what heaven has reprised And in your future yet to come I see mine CHORUS If I were forever young I’d have a future unlike before And if somehow I broke the mold We’d then have a past to be told VERSE II We have futures for us in store For us I never wanted more And I’d give everything to show That and more I’m glad to have you by my side To be with me in stride and stride And how I feel about you I’d Never hide When I look into your eyes I see what heaven has reprised And in your future yet to come I see mine [Chorus] BRIDGE When I look into your eyes I see what heaven has reprised And in your future yet to come I see mine So when I look into those eyes I’ll see what heaven has reprised And in your future yet to come I see mine [Chorus] [Bridge]
8.
If Ever 04:52
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"IF EVER" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I My heart was open My soul was coping With all that I was trying to be But now I’ve chosen Out in the open The one that I always wanted to reach That risk was dire My heart on fire With all that previous one had in store I needed one touch I missed you so much I wanted everything you are and more CHORUS If ever you want love If ever you need love I’ll be here to give love Till my days are done And every moment That you have chosen To live every moment With me will be golden VERSE II Suddenly captured In your rapture And all the wonderful things that you stand for And if you ever Need one to treasure I’ll be that someone that you yearn for I swear I never Felt nothing better Than all those timeless embraces we shared When we’re together My fears are severed ‘Cause all the home I need is you [Chorus] BRIDGE And if ever you need a hand Just call if you can for me I’ll assure you that I’ll be here Don’t cry no tears for me Just reach over your shoulder Right over for me I’m right here with open arms Whenever you call [Chorus]
9.
This Last Dance 05:07
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"THIS LAST DANCE" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I I made a wish on A very distant star That on this night I Would give away my heart To this one girl That simply rocks my world And who is always Got my head in a whirl So when the clock strikes Upon that midnight hour And when our hearts beat As one we’ll have the power And when we glide I’ll Savor every time ‘Cause a girl like her Is only one of a kind So tonight I will ask on bended knee Can she save for me this last dance? ‘Cause tomorrow there is no guarantee We will have this one chance CHORUS ‘Cause I know That when your eyes glow There’s a spark In you that seems to show And that spark Is something irresistible So let’s do Something unpredictable Tonight is the night when Our own world will begin And when we are dancing The world will be glancing VERSE II I got this one shot And I'mma make it all mine I got this one night And it’ll be very fine And on my right arm I got my girl by my side I fear no harm ‘Cause I possess all the charm I’ll turn around and Look my girl in the eyes And I feel lucky That I got her as my prize And when we cut loose With her I’ll make this one truce That if we groove we’ll Never ever lose So tonight I will ask on bended knee Can she save for me this last dance? ‘Cause tomorrow there is no guarantee We will have this one chance [Chorus] BRIDGE The last dance (the last dance) Save it for me The last dance (the last dance) Save it for me So tonight I will ask on bended knee Can she save for me this last dance? ‘Cause tomorrow there is no guarantee We will have this one chance [Chorus]
10.
Nothing But A Memory 03:42
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"NOTHING BUT A MEMORY" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I You tried to hide Behind those lies In you the truth Has all but died But I don’t think it’s You I despise Because you opened Up my eyes CHORUS And you’re nothing but a memory And it’s a wrap as far as I can see And you gon’ reap the things that you have sown And retribution gon’ come for your treachery VERSE II Back then I called You my true friend And now we see The bitter end I thought I could Confide in you But now I just Resign to truth [Chorus] INSTRUMENTAL BREAK [Chorus]
11.
All That You Want Me to Be 04:55
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"ALL THAT YOU WANT ME TO BE" OFFICIAL LYRICS VERSE I It seems like yesterday when you loved me Now all I can do is sigh And it seems like yesterday when you left me Now all I can do is cry Here and now I promise I won’t let you down And here and now I thought we were safe and sound Heaven bound ‘Cause love we’d found Now we’ve drowned CHORUS But I just wanna be All that you want me to be And settle all the things that I Could not say There’s a fire burning in me bright Telling me to go right Back to the place where I belong— In home VERSE II It seems like yesterday when you told me What today seem like lies ‘Cause right here and now is when I told me I’d carry on without you by and by But here and now You promised you won’t let me down And here and now I thought we were safe and sound Heaven bound ‘Cause love we’d found Now we’ve drowned [Chorus] BRIDGE I always knew there was an us And I always knew there could be trust If we learn how to trust in us I can be all you want me to be For you and me [Chorus] OUTRO It seems like yesterday when we quit love But today I’m willing to give another try

about

"The Art of Céran" is the debut full-length studio album by Céran, and the record is mainly a Pop/R&B album with elements of soul, funk, jazz, balladry, as well as others. With the lone exception of the track "Reality's Reverie," which was recorded at the home studio in Edward "Teddy"/"TFitz" Fitzgibbons' native Mission Hills, Kansas, recording sessions for all of the album's songs took place at Céran's home studio in his native Kansas City, Missouri, between December 2010 and July 2012. The album was made available for professional review upon its initially limited self-release on September 4, 2012, and the record went on to receive a rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5) from Omro, Wisconsin-based music critic Matthew Forss of "Review You CD Reviews," with Forss comparing Céran's vocals, dance melodies, and arrangements to 1980s- and early 1990s-era Michael Jackson. In regard to the songwriting process, lyrical themes on the album include amity, emotional turbulence, heartbreak, inner-confidence, introspection, nostalgia, optimism, self-reflection, social consciousness, wistfulness, among others. Regarding the album's commercial performance, sales for the album accrued in multiple international markets including domestically in the United States as well as abroad in Germany with further streams accruing also in Germany and the United States in addition to Canada, Japan, and Mexico ensuing the album's worldwide commercial self-release on February 5, 2013, and the album spawned four promotional singles including "The Occident," "Nothing But A Memory," "Reality's Reverie" (feat. TFitz), as well as "Why Can't I Live in Your Heart." To this day, "The Art of Céran" stands behind only "Verity" and remains as Céran's secondmost critical and commercial success in his four-album catalog.

Genres: Adult contemporary, Americana, Baroque pop, Contemporary Christian music (CCM), Contemporary R&B, Country pop, Dance-pop, Doo-wop, Easy listening, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), Folktronica, Four-on-the-floor, Funk, Hip-hop, House, Kansas City jazz, Lounge, Motown, Neoclassical, Neo soul, New Jack Swing, Pop, Pop soul, Pop standard, Post-disco, R&B, Rap-sung collaboration, Soft rock, Soul, Teen pop

Total time: 49:28

"Missouri-based Céran is the product of a rich ethnic heritage stemming from African-American, Creole, Cherokee, German, and French lineages. "The Art Of Céran" celebrates a specific and introspective set of songs covering soul, pop, jazz, and ballad genres with a classic nod to R&B elements from the 1950s and 60s, but a more modern element exists in some of the tunes. The eleven-track release showcases Céran's latest musical creations with a powerful voice, danceable beats, and a soulful, yet humble, swagger."

~Matthew Forss of Omro, WI (Review You CD Reviews)

“The Occident” [very well] could be considered the high point of the album, working boogie elements into an up-tempo house track. Meaty bass synth lines and over-the-top orchestral hits contribute to make this cut a future dance hit. Céran is free and fierce on this selection, picking up on Michael Jackson’s vocal flair during the song’s conclusion with a stellar chord progression and killer vocal harmonies.”

~Jason Randall Smith of Mount Vernon, NY (Review You CD Reviews)

“Reality's Reverie” convincingly shifts the focus to '80s R&B, the song's elements handled with a delicate touch. Harp plucks and synthesizer sheen are sprayed over electronic drum sequences, complete with a tender-voiced guest rap [performed by TFitz] and apropos Top 40-phrased lyrics."

~Jason Randall Smith of Mount Vernon, NY (Review You CD Reviews)

“All That You Want Me to Be” ends “The Art of Céran” on an appropriately anthematic note, as Céran offers a series of caressingly beautiful insinuations – all without ever losing his grip on the song's broader theme."

~Nick DeRiso of New Orleans, LA (Review You CD Reviews)

"On a positive note, Céran succeeds with creating a moving set of eleven songs that traverse the worlds of R&B, soul, dance, and pop. Still, Céran makes a valiant effort with "The Art Of Céran."

~Matthew Forss of Omro, WI (Review You CD Reviews)

credits

released September 4, 2012

All songs were written, composed, arranged, orchestrated, sung, and produced by Céran [Carlton Dubois McClain], with the exception of "Reality's Reverie," which was co-arranged and co-produced with a guest rap verse from Edward "Teddy"/“TFitz” Fitzgibbons.

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Céran Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri-native, Carlton Dubois McClain, who performs musically under the mononym, Céran, is an award-winning, critically-acclaimed, and global-selling Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, pianist, guitarist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, record producer, and recording artist.

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/ceranmusic ... more

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