REVIEW: Amel Larrieux, Infinite Possibilities (Epic/550 Music)
- Jianda Johnson
First coming to light in the ensemble Groove Theory, Amel Larrieux's sonic undulations ground themselves firmly in old school, classic Soul (think: Marvin, Aretha) and modern day music alternatives (Trip Hop, Drum and Bass, genre-mixing). Playful, insightful and rhapsodic, Infinite Possibilities is an exemplary debut piece.
The Blues-trodden strains of "Sweet Misery" personify the yin and yang vibe this undercover diva exudes, and it only gets better from there. "INI," despairing over two-dimensional standards of beauty, transcends the song's regretful truths with lyrical, soothing vocals and instrumentation (including the tabla). "Every time one of us goes down/it's like looking at my/own blood on the ground," Larrieux bemoans -- somehow graceful even in the throes of a tragic narrative.
"Get Up," a rousing call to arms, and "Down," a mystical Jazz excursion, seamlessly lead us through chic, majestic landscapes. "Shine" is Larrieux's most courageous vocal effort, as she mixes Indian vocal inflections with power-packed R&B and Gospel influences. In "Shine," Larrieux chants, "I'm stronger than/I've ever been/got to be to survive." True, that. The multicultural elements in Infinite Possibilities literally travel with you, all over the map.
If this soulful songbird intended to make a strong, deeply down "first-impression" with her solo effort, she's definitely succeeded. This album is radio friendly, warm and rewarding -- aurally and spiritually.
