Solange Knowles is ready to own her high heel shoes and soar her own way as she declares on her second album, Solange Presents Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams.
Determined to establish her credibility as an artist, Solange co-wrote all 13 tracks, which are brought to life by heavyweight producers, The Neptunes and Mark Ronson.
With creative input by Raphael Saddiq and Q-tip, one would expect a recipe for success.
However, the 60s-and-70s-inspired groove is undermined by adolescent angst, which brings attention to exactly what she is trying to avoid. On the intro track “God Given Name,” Solange sings a breathy, “I’m not becoming expectations, I’m not her and never will be. Two girls gone different directions….I’m no sister/ I’m just my God-given name.”
Solange struggles to make an impact with her decisively different sway.
Citing Dusty Springfield, Minnie Riperton and The Supremes as her inspiration, Solange attempts to approach the microphone with the finesse of a modern day Diana Ross. In some spots she succeeds. Upbeat tracks like “T.O.N.Y” are worthy of a tambourine against the hip, and the self-assured single, “I Decided,” solidifies her vocal talent. But what’s in between blends into a forgettable rhythm except for the awkward techno conclusion “I Decided pt.2,” where her insecurities once again shine through. “I’m obviously a lost girl staring at you” she admits. At times playful, other times serious, Solange’s voice overall lacks the vocal eruption of emotion that is distinctive of soul music.
Where leaders of the genre have the ability to tell a story through song complete with gospel highs and sinful lows, Solange would rather coast along in a vintage Cadillac, that is, in “one ear and out the other” mode. Clearly she is experiencing growing pains that are reflected in the splashy cover art where she can be found scribbling “I will not have a famous family” several times like a punished fifth-grader.
Full of potential, but missing the mark Sol-Angel is one shaky step forward toward a confident crooner worthy of a spotlight of her own.
