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With a richly textured and soul-nourishing album, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis discovery Angel Grant is not quite like any artist you have heard before. This beautiful young vocalist brings a thoughtful centeredness to her lyrics, which explore the nature of spirituality as well as the ebb and flow of relationships in the real world. Further, her music ranges from soulful retro-R&B to alternative rock to jazz-infused riffs to soft ballad set pieces. Combined with the purity of her sultry soprano, the effect of this Angel Grant project is a uniquely organic listening experience that lines the mind with lingering visual images and surprising self-revelations.
The essence of Angel is perhaps clearest in the thought-provoking first single, "Lil' Red Boat." Set against a tender mid-tempo melody, Angel sings of self-determination and faith in terms of a solo voyage on sometimes troubled waters. The price of freedom is high, but she assures us that it is always worth it, that one can always get back to shore.
"Album" incorporates a wide range of ideas and sounds. With "Hey You," Angel turns this affectionate greeting into a playful anthem. "Om" acknowledges the peaceful power of meditation, of which Angel is a devotee. The stunning "Illusions" positions Angel as not only a perceptive lyricist, but an alternative-rock artist able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Fiona Apple or Alana Davis. "Knockin'" is a funny riff on the object of a new attraction, who may or may not have the brains to go with his beauty. And with a new-age pop sensibility, Angel professes "I'm In Love With You" via a gorgeous ballad embellished with classic harmonica fills by none other than Stevie Wonder. "Anyway" fuses rock and funk into a shadowy groove to educate a slick-talking player. The gorgeous "Whenever You Cry" gives Angel a canvas on which to paint a sensitive portrait about the world's ills in the full range of her voice.
The Album's style is sure to draw comparisons to other divas of the rhythm alternative movement, such as Erykah Badu, Brigette McWilliams, Ambersunshower, and Adriana Evans. But Angel's unique metaphysical perspective and unusual melodies set her apart as a compelling artist.
Much in the spirit of her heavenly name, Angel casts a musical spell that is peaceful, philosophic, and even gently humorous. This is an artist whose heart is open to all positivity and love available in the world; with warmth and skill, Angel conveys that vision through the delicious variety of compositions on her debut "Album." With your first listen, you'll feel the breeze.
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