(February 23, 2023) It seems the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, is still committed to pouring out their tradition for love songs and reincarnations of that irresistible Philly soul. A close glimpse inside the newer generation of musicians and singers like Toy Taha, who grew up on the vocal tapestry of Phyllis Hyman, Patti LaBelle and Rachelle Ferrell, exposes this bit of good news.
Combined with her poetic readiness and expanding her palette of influences from the likes of Prince, Beyoncé, Amel Larrieux, Teena Marie and Me’Shell Ndegeocello, the Philly singer-songwriter is pushing forward with new music showcasing a fusion of R&B, jazz and yes, the exotica of late-night Quiet Storm ballads.
Leading the set is the lead single, “Suite EFX.” Produced by the Grammy-winning beatmaker Dreamlife (NAS, Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, Snoop), this dreamy track explores sensual hypnotic soundscapes that — according to Taha — empowers women’s sensuality and passion. In a recent press statement, the song is best described as being about “releasing your vulnerability during an intimate rendezvous with your significant other.”
It definitely achieves such a goal. Inside the vibes created by Dreamlife and Taha’s steamy vocals, you’re transported to the ‘Red Shoe Diaries’ energy and midnight jazz-soul that dominated songs like Chante Moore’s “Wey U,” Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place” and Jill Scott’s “The Fact Is (I Need You).”
Listen to the new track below and let us know if you’re digging the “sweet effects” from Toy Taha.
By J Matthew Cobb
Toy Taha – “Sweet EFX”
