This Summer, there's a new singer out, and his soul-stirring debut single is creeping up the charts. The singer is Noel Gourdin (pronounced Gor-deen), the song is "The River," a beautiful ballad about a man returning home to his true love. Signed to Epic Records, singer-songwriter Noel Gourdin released his debut album, After My Time, to critical acclaim.

The first time I heard "The River", I was drafting a blog post for next day, and Vh1 Soul was playing on my TV. As I searched for pictures to accompany the post, I heard the first lines of "The River" and I looked up. I watched the entire video and wrote down Noel's name and the song title - I had to add that song to my music collection. It was on repeat on my iPod the next day.

Noel Gourdin is a Boston, Massachusetts native. At 25-years-old, he has been compared to Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye -two of the greatest soul singers of all time. Comedian Steve Harvey declared the song one of his favorites on his syndicated morning show. But, you don't have to take anyone else's word for it, listen to the song, or watch the video, and hear what the fuss is about for yourself.

Watch The River by Noel Gourdin

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I held my breath when they dipped my head and I came up shiny and new
Found out about love in the back of my Impala where they laid my Grandfather too
Down by the River where Black folks gather after Sunday service is through
How the river runs to the ocean, I'll be running right back to you
-The River

"The River" brings to mind thoughts of love, of family, of Church - all thoughts of comfort. The album, After My Time, lives up to the standard set by the debut single as well. After My Time is available in stores and on iTunes now. Hear more from Noel Gourdin at www.myspace.com/noelgourdin.