On his debut album,
Wenn Worte Meine Sprache Wären (If Words Were My Language), 26-year-old
Tim Bendzko mixes acoustic instruments with soft R&B beats, offering songs that combine a singer/songwriter approach with the soul-pop of
Xavier Naidoo. The arrangements are low-key, providing much space for
Bendzko's voice, and the rhythms have a simple but effective groove. Produced by Swen Meyer (
Kettcar,
Tomte), the album debuted at the number one spot in the German download charts and at number four in the album charts, while the first single, "Nur Noch Kurz die Welt Retten," was certified gold. ~ Christian Genzel