The ladies of R&B/Soul sure have been doing it up this year. Patti, Mariah, Jill, Fantasia, Alicia, Destiny's Child, Faith, Vivian, Leela, Lina, Jaguar, Amerie, Keyshia.....Add one more name to that list--Syleena.
I had absolutely no idea that her record was coming out so soon. Yes, Syleena Johnson's new record Chapter 3: The Flesh was released on Tuesday, September 13th. But I have one question, where was the promotion? Yes, there's been a video in rotation since about June/July for "Hypnotic." And "Another Relationship" has been receiving considerable airplay on urban adult contemporary stations. But other than that, who would've known that Syleena had blessed us with another masterpiece?
So how is the new record? Excellent. Superb. Chapter 3: The Flesh is her best album to date. It's soul for every occasion. The Flesh finds Syleena in her sexiest and most adventurous mood yet--musically, vocally, and lyrically. But she keeps it tasteful on tracks like "Phone Sex" and "Slowly." There's no raunchfest here.
Fans will also be happy to know that her voice (a gritty, sexy, soulful, and emotional instrument) remains at the center of attention. Standouts include the funky, celebratory "He Makes Me Say," an infectious duet with R.Kelly entitled "Special Occasion," and a rousing duet with Anthony Hamilton entitled, "More." Their voices, completely drenched in old school soul music (and gospel), meld beautifully together. Other notable tracks include "Time," "Apartment For Rent," and "Only A Woman."
The Flesh also features several collaborations. Many of which are in sequential order. Besides those already mentioned, there's "Bulls-Eye (Suddenly)" with Common, "Classic Love Song" with Jermaine Dupri, and "Phone Sex" with Twista.
Syleena has successfully brought old school soul sensibilities into a contemporary soul environment. Plus being the daughter of legendary Soul/Blues artist Syl Johnson she just can't help herself. I'm sure with this latest effort she's done her father and her predecessors proud. Now let's see if we can get her a platinum record.
If you haven't already, please check out her previous records Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness and Chapter 2: The Voice.
2 comments:
Selena doesnt really move me ... maybe i need to check her out again
Syleena is one of those artist who doesn't need promotion for me to buy her album. Her voice is just sweet. Her live performances are just that, LIVE. The woman is amazing.
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