6

6.0

UK release date 01.08.2007

Moving away from the poppy kind of R&B they’ve been endorsing of late, Def Jam head towards more soulful pastures with an album designed for grown folks.

With a deep appreciation for harmonies, Chrisette Michele is a singer with roots caked in gospel and jazz. Yielding a little bit of something for everyone, this album includes tracks motivated by acoustic ('Your Joy'), balladry ('Golden') and radio ('Be Ok'). With the only featuring artist being Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Michele’s go-it-alone strategy allows listeners to focus on the only thing that matters here; her. While some of the opening moments fail to set her apart from the average diva, especially on the production side of things, it doesn’t take long for Michele to find her own rhythm. Standing up to be counted, a track guaranteed to set ears on fire is the hip-hop-coated 'Let’s Rock'. The sluggish but funky drum riff and repeated samples compliment Michele’s vocals like a good pair of shoes with a special outfit. Although 'Best Of Me' has an obvious India.Arie influence, Michele chooses to build upon a familiar sound and makes it her own.

The summer has started and this album is a worthy soundtrack to it.
Words Will Lavin