Amel Larrieux blend of music works well
With an individual and unique style both physically and musically, Groove Theory alumna, Amel Larrieux is the next hot, R&B singer.
In her new album Bravebird, Amel blends R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz and folk. Each track is unique yet relaxing. She embraces passion and pain through her songs by addressing female issues.
The track, “For Real” opens with a sense of innocence that prepares you for a soft and comforting atmosphere. In the track, “Beyond,” Amel’s voice gently hums to you giving the song a Southern feel.
When she reaches a high note, Amel’s strong voice resembles Mariah Carey’s, which gives the album a trendy flavor.
Amel Larrieux has been featured in magazines such as Essence, Jane, Vibe and Mademoiselle.
Her unique and natural look has been shown off in the Coach anniversary print campaign. And, you might recognize her voice from Coca-Cola’s “Real” campaign.
Her new CD, Bravebird, is definitely worth the buy. It is set to be released this month.
-Tanya Jabcynski
Clarion Entertainment Reporter
Ani DiFranco dives into new album
POLITICS, feminism and vintage reel-to-reel equipment combine to produce Ani DiFranco’s latest work of angst, Educated Guess.
DiFranco is one of the most driven artists today, and she truly deserves the title “artist.” Perhaps the best term for her work would be melodic poetry. Besides writing her own lyrics for Educated Guess, DiFranco played all the instruments, sang both lead and backing vocals, and single-handedly did all of her own recording and mixing.
Educated Guess was recorded on vintage reel-to-reel equipment, which is reflected in the design on the CD.
In several tracks, passing trains and falling rain can clearly be heard underneath the music, as the album was recorded in a shotgun shack in the
Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans and in DiFranco’s home in Buffalo, NY.
Her distinctive guitar-picking and jazz-infused vocals mix seamlessly with spoken-word tracks like “Grand Canyon,” in which DiFranco attempts to tackle her oft-misunderstood relationship between patriotism and political dissent.
DiFranco has been independent from the start of her career. Rather than wait for a major label to sign her, she created her own record label, Righteous Babe.
Over the years, Righteous Babe has released 16 of DiFranco’s albums and the music of several other eclectic-folk-punk artists.
From the light guitar melody of “Swim” to DiFranco’s dismayed crooning in “Animal,” Educated Guess passes through a wide range of emotions and sentiments.
Nevertheless, although her grip of the politics of relationships remains as strong as ever, several of DiFranco’s political pieces seem to degenerate into wholesale griping.
The CD, which is nestled in a beautifully designed case, is accompanied by a booklet featuring two previously unseen poems of DiFranco’s. Alongside the lyrics are poignant pictures, created by DiFranco out of Sharpie markers and White Out.
All in all, this CD is very well done, reflecting the incredible amount of time and sweat invested by Ani DiFranco. Find a copy, and give this righteous babe a listen.
-Laura Johnson
Clarion Entertainment Reporter
The Strokes’ second album lives up to fans’ expectations
The Strokes have returned with their new album Room On Fire. After their amazing debut album Is This It released in 2001.
The group went into the studios with a lot of pressure built up. Many bands can’t handle the expectations that come with producing a good follow up album.
The Strokes have not fallen into this category. The new album is spectacular and not only meets but exceeds expectations.
So how did the Strokes avoid falling into the pit that many bands do when making there sophomore album? They went with what worked.
The group, composed of Nick Valensi, Albert Hammond Jr., Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti, knows what worked for them the first time around, and they decided to stick with it for the most part.
They also kept the same producer, Gordon Raphael. The sound of the album is unmistakably the Strokes.
Room On Fire is however by no means a carbon copy of Is This It. There is more variation with sound and songwriting than on the first album.
The group has definitely expanded its musical horizons. This is evident in songs like “12:51”, the first single.
There are no keyboards or drum machines used, which is surprising considering some of the sounds Valensi and Hammond produce on their guitars.
Some songs such as “Under Control” have a very soulful sound to them. Others like “What Ever Happened?” are more rock and upbeat in tempo.
The entire album is strong from start to finish, it never misses a beat.
This young group that emerged from New York a few years ago has seemed to weather the growing pains of a young successful band, and are stronger as a result of it.
Don’t be surprised if the best of the Strokes is yet to come, these guys are just getting warmed up.
-David Young
Clarion Entertainment Editor
