Pieces of Me

October 3rd, 2011

Label: Verve Music Group (UMI Recordings)

Release Date: June 14, 2011

A two-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Ledisi is what many would call “a breath of fresh air” in the music industry. She is a true artist at heart, who voices her feelings, experiences, and lessons through her music. One of the more sophisticated R&B talents out there, she brings an alternative, free-spirited flare to the contemporary music scene. Since her beginnings in 1995, Ledisi has been on an upward slope toward artistic growth and musical acclaim.

With her impressive vocal range and sassy vibrato, Ledisi has once again graced the top of the Billboard charts. Her most recent album, Pieces of Me, shows all her different “facets”—sensual, strong, flirtatious, and fun-loving. Ledisi is quite the eclectic artist, making each song unique with its own flavor and style. For instance, “Shine” has a slight reggae/island rhythm with a jazzy vocal deliverance, while the song “BGYT” (Be Good to Yourself) is a throwback to‘50s style rhythm and blues. Though each song is different, the rhythms and beats on the majority of them are backed by strong percussion. Vibrant vocal runs, from high falsettos to low sultry slurs, and dynamic harmonies are found throughout the album, illustrating that Ledisi makes no attempt to inhibit her vocal ability. Her wide vocal range is quite impressive in the way that she holds all of the notes and intervals together.

Following is the video of the title track (courtesy of The Verve Music Group):

This album shows that Ledisi is more than what is on the outside. She makes it known that she has a lot to offer both emotionally, socially, and vocally. Listeners will get a real kick out of this album. If contemporary R&B and Neo-Soul is your forte, then Pieces of Me will definitely tickle your fancy.

Reviewed by Mr. DeVol Tyson II (follow him on twitter: @il_virtuoso)

Share/Bookmark

Review Genre(s): Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Funk