I couldn't wait to get to the computer to write about her new album!

For those of you who don't know who Amel is, she had a big hit with Groove Theory: "Tell Me".
Her first solo album was "Infinite Possibilities". I personally enjoyed Infinite Possibilities, however It seemed like a lot of folks didn't really feel that album. One common complaint I have seen about her is her vibrato. That has never bothered me about her but I can see how some people might not be attracted to it. To me it's simply part of her style and part of what makes her Amel.

Her new album is titled Bravebird and I have nothing but absolute praise for it! With 10 more months of music buying to go in 2004, I have no doubt whatsoever that this album will make my top 10 list at the end of the year, and most likely at or towards the top of the list. I would bank money on it. I went into the listening experience thinking I knew what it was gonna sound like and from the moment I popped it in my player I was taken aback at how wrong my expectations were.

Musically this album is stellar. There are so many different styles, and I don't mean conventional styles like R&B, Pop, Rock. These styles are not easily classified but there is a definite vision going on here. Out of the 12 songs, 2 are songs I might have expected from her, the rest were a complete surprise.

Lryically the album is excellent. And let me tell you one of the most surprising aspects of this album. Her vocals. For those of you who are turned off to her because of her vibrato, run out and get this album. I wonder if she has taken some kind of vocal coaching because she almost sounds like a different person on some of these songs. She sounds more controlled but fluid and smooth at the same time. It doesn't sound forced but completely natural.

You can tell she set out to do something special with this album. I honestly feel blessed to be a part of this experience. I am just so proud of what she did here. This album will be spinning in my player and my ears for a long time to come. I can't recommend this album enough.

Bravebird

.
[This message was edited Mon Mar 1 10:56:50 2004 by SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy]

I agree with you. I've been saying that album was hot since mid-January.

Favorite tracks of mine:
Sacred
Beyond
Congo
We Can Be New
Say You Want It All
Bravebird
For Real

JANFAN4L said:

LOL....I had no idea that the album was even out until I stumbled on it in the store over the weekend

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Hey Supa!

Sounds cool. I've been itching for some new music so I'll take your word and purchase it today at Amoeba before going next door to the gym. I own Infinate Possibiites but, quite honestly it never made a big impression. Nice background dinner music and nothing more. Bravebird sounds interesting though...

TheResistor said:

I do understand what you are saying about Infinite Possibilities. Some of it hits me the same way, although overall I really do like that album. The reason I had to post this review is because this new album is so unInfinite Possibilities. It resembles it not at all. It feels intensely personal and very honest. I'm honestly floored by this album and how much Amel removed herself from her past works in search of something that will stand the test of time.

TheResistor said:

I used to think that about Infinite Possibilites. It sat on my shelf until I attentively listened to "Make Me Whole" one day -- that song is beautiful. I fell in love with the sincerity of her lyrics and vocals and put it on repeat for an entire weekend. If I ever get married, I would like to have that song played. "Weather" struck me, too.
[This message was edited Mon Mar 1 13:00:21 2004 by JANFAN4L]

TheResistor said:

Where have you guys been? We talked about it literally the day it came out or before. But thanks for the reminder, I haven't played it for a minute. Her cd has been the only bright spot this season in music. Has anybody heard any songs on the radio? I'm sure radio is going to ignore her again. If Clive Davis signed her, she would be getting her just dues.

Listening right now.... Damn, I absolutely love it!

Keep spreading the word,she's something special!!!

"Sacred" is such a beautiful song. It's almost haunting. This girl really outdid herself with this album.