Pretty In Pink: N'Dambi, Me'Shell Bring Color, Substance & Soul
October 16, 2009
Soulful songbirds N'dambi and Me'Shell Ndegeocello deserves a hand for trying to become more than just one kind of an artist in an industry where too many performers seem happy to play the game and sing one-dimensional songs for mainstream appeal. Their sound is deeply rooted in soul, but their albums are the antithesis to anything that radio and video outlets are defining todat as R&B/soul music. And these ladies are not your atypical R&B chicks -- they are honest in their songwriting and not afraid to move beyond your expectations of them.
After years of releasing albums independently, N'dambi makes her major label debut with her third disc Pink Elephant on the refurbished Stax Records label. The Dallas songbird tapped veteran producer Leon Sylvers III (Gladys Knight, BLACKstreet, Lakeside) who provides a musical soundbed that perfectly balances traditional R&B with today's contemporary sound. Retro-soul hasn't felt this good since Erykah Badu's Baduism. (Interestingly enough, N'dambi was a background singer for Erykah, a fellow Texan.)
A perfect example of that musical symmetry can be heard on "The One," which flips the late Isaac Hayes' 1969 classic "Walk On By" into a ballad about discovering her one true love. On "The World Is a Beat," the song's production is reminiscent of '80s Prince (Sign O' Times), as N'dambi sings a sour note about the music industry.
Elsewhere on Pink Elephant, N'dambi croons about the ups and downs of falling in and out of love. On the cautionary "L.I.E.," she tells the tale of a married man who is having an affair with another women across town. "What It Takes" boasts a funky guitar riff as N'dambi confides to her significant other that no matter the obstacles their love will conquer all. "Sugar don't fret, do only what you can, I promise, it won't make you less a man," she confides in him. On "Ooh Baby," she yearns for a former flame. And on the set's first single, "Can't Hardly Wait," she makes plans to kick an inconsiderate boyfriend to the curb.
N'dambi's honest lyrics on love and relationships is a revelation. Those looking for an artist with heart and soul should gravitate to Pink Elephant.
N'dambi -- "The One"
N'dambi -- "What It Takes"
N'dambi -- "Ooh Baby"
@Twitter | MySpace | iTunes | "Can't Hardly Wait" (Music Video)
Me'Shell Ndegeocello is a mercurial artist who has never been afraid to explore outside the confines of R&B. 16 years after her 1993 debut LP Plantation Lullabies, her music is still full of melancholy and self-doubt, which may have deter many of her fans from fully embracing her work.
"At the end of the day/Nobody wants to be alone," Me'Shell reflects on the introspective track "Mass Transit," from her soulful and atmospheric eighth effort Devil's Halo. Much like the song, the album boasts a few tunes that are stark visions of love, hope and intolerance. On "Bright Shining Morning," Me'Shell sings of a woman's struggles to make it in Hollywood but to no avail. "No, there is no encore," Me'Shell quips at the end of the track as if she is wagging her index finger to her listeners. On "Slaughter," she warns that falling in love with her could be deadly.
Not everything is doom and gloom on Devil's Halo. The standout track on the LP is her reinterpretation of Ready for the World's 1986 Quiet-Storm staple "Love You Down." The haunting and beautiful soundscape fits perfectly with the 41-year-old singer-guitarist's sensual contralto. It's undoubtedly one of the most sensual tracks this year outside of Maxwell's "Pretty Wings." Another standout is "Die Young," in which Me'Shell self-loathes over thunderous drums and spacey keyboard synths. And racial and sexual politics are underlaid in the reggae-flavored track "White Girl."
At 37 minutes, Devil's Halo is relatively brief. Still, Me'Shell Ndegeocello's vocals and music is a volatile mix that should lead to repeat listens if audiences open their minds and their souls.
Me'Shell Ndegeocello -- "Love You Down"
Props to The Couch Sessions
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