ALBUM REVIEW: Joy Denalane
- Posted on July 10, 2007 4:38 PM
- 0 comments
Joy Denalane: Born & Raised
Nesola Records, released 18 June 2007
This is the second album by Germany’s premier soul artist, and her first in English. Produced by husband, Max Herre, it features a good mix of Soul, Funk and a hint of Gospel produced and performed to a very high standard. With the help of American collaborators such as Lupe Fiasco and Raekwon, this album offers a rich selection of fine songs with exceptional, and often autobiographical, lyrics.
The more upbeat soul offerings are complimented by many brilliant ballads such as “Be Real”, “7 Year Itch” and “Caught Up”, while she softens up on numbers like “One In A Million”, “Sometimes Love” and the sexy “Something Stirring Up” performed with Governor. The lyrics get into the love groove quite a lot, but also touch on her life, past and present, as well as subjects such as materialism in the music business (tell me about it) on “For The Love” and world politics on the gospel influenced “Soweto ’76-’06. She even rocks a bit on “Despite It All”.
This album is Joy Denalane’s first attempt to expand her fan base outside Germany, and she most certainly deserves to succeed. If you like good Soul sounds with above average lyrics as a bonus, check out this album and her website and you will not be disappointed.
Review by Peter Coulston
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