Amazing (2010)
Rafiya is living proof that singing with soul doesn’t require overwrought vocals, barely-there attire and bombastic, auto-tuned tracks that seem to be created only to become a ringtone, not a long-lasting or meaningful hit. In fact, if the cover doesn’t offer enough of a hint, she’s practically the polar opposite. Amazing is an eloquent, acoustic collection of […]
The Imagine Project (2010)
It would not surprise me if the many of the fans of Pink, John Legend and India Arie never heard of Herbie Hancock. However, it’s clear that all of those performers knew who Hancock was, and they jumped at the chance to collaborate the Grammy Award winning pianist. At the very least, those vocalists knew […]
Through My Eyes (2010)
Gabrielle Hurtt gets inspirational on the first third of Through My Eyes, her new CD. She asserts her independence and individuality on the funky "Shine" and tells the nosy folk to mind their business on "Don’t Judge Me" because with help from above she’s going to always be heading in the right direction. That is […]
The Word Remains (2010)
Reality shows, including talent competitions, have ruled our television sets since the millennium began. Some of the currently stars like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson were born from the humble beginnings of television musical competitions. Gospel Dream, birthed by Bishop Paul S. Morton, was first seen on the Gospel Music Channel in 2003. SoulTracks […]
Ridin’ Solo (2010)
For Keith Sweat, the release of his 1987 debut did more than put the New York native’s artistic stamp on R&B’s burgeoning New Jack era; unbeknownst to us, it signaled his intent to both create hit songs and to create a lasting impact in the music industry. It was both confident and prophetic, considering that […]
Carry Me Home (2010)
Keeping with the latest renaissance of updating proven music traditions with a pinch of pop, the Chicago-based band, The Right Now, isn’t afraid to also get down with a little soul. On their new album Carry Me Home, they surround themselves with live instrumentation, a juicy organ, bluesy guitar plunks and a sweet horn section […]
The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) (2010)
Janelle Monáe isn’t riding the conventional lanes of pop music and she knows it. The first single jumping out of her official national debut, The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III), is "Tightrope," a slice of Godfather soul and a sprinkle of Outkast spice. It’s a cut above the Amy Winehouse retro soul stuff, but if […]
Heart and Soul (2010)
It is difficult for many pop fans to remember that there was a time when Kenny G was considered cool. For quite a few years KG has been treated with the kind of sarcastic contempt than Barry Manilow faced in the years that followed his commercial peak, and largely for the same reason: he was […]
W.ants W.orld W.omen (Advance Review) (2010)
Balancing materialism, societal consciousness and the one-on-one love movement: it’s a struggle for anyone in this world, but multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and soul crooner Dwele skillfully illustrates each aspect in his fourth and most ambitious release yet, W.ants W.orld W.omen. The cover probably says it all: three very divergent photos of Dwele spliced together as one, […]
Mississippi’s Daughter (2010)
Most people have heard the encouraging saying: "Home is where the heart is." Gabbie McGee’s southern charm can be attributed to the deep roots of her native Mississippi . The admiration for the family that raised her and people who shaped her life is manifested on McGee’s sophomore disc, Mississippi’s Daughter. Her tribute to the […]
