INDIA ARIE
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationships
Universal
· Third album brings with it some positive vibes.
India Arie is back with her third album and a fresh new basket of songs brimming with positive vibes. The 31-year-old whose name was inspired by Mahatma Ghandi has an unwaveringly happy style, focusing closely on life and love, and this record is an extension and elaboration of her joyous approach to music.
It sounds much like her Grammy award winning debut effort, Acoustic Soul. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Her inspiring strumming and powerful voice made the album widely popular. Testimony celebrates feminine independence, her belief in God and the ability to heal from deep heartache.
Her cover of Don Henley’s "The Heart of the Matter," lends the song fresh life. Her honey-drenched voice makes it palatable. "Private Party" is an invitation to take care of number one and not fuss too much about what everyone else is doing, while the encouraging anthem "There’s Hope" points out that the best things in life are free. Her voice still drips with vitality and passion and her lyrics are simple yet effective.
This is goddess music, but her sincerity makes it resonate.
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