Solange Knowles has been living in the shadow of her enormously successful older sister, Beyonce, but not anymore. She has quickly gained the respect of many in the industry, and is fast on her way to becoming a star all her own. Regarded by some as the “Black Carrie Bradshaw”, the fashionista is the newest face of Armani, as well a full-time mother, balancing an ever-growing music career. Inspired heavily by artists such as Bjork, Erykah Badu, Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, and soul singers such as Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, Solange delivers a solid sophomore effort with Sol-Angel and The Hadley Street Dreams.
- R I T C H
With the release of her second album, Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams, a followup to her mildly successful debut album Solo Star which went gold in 2003, Solange brought a new sound to an genre that has been stagnant and lacking in creativity that past several years. Although she doesn’t embrace being categorized as merely another R&B act, her album is a testament to the sounds and grooves of 1960’s rhythm and blues; taking its listeners on a smooth journey, filled with feel good anthems like “I Decided” (her first single from the album) and “T.O.N.Y”. Having written all her own material since the age of 13, Solange’s talent is definitely on display. Her sophomore effort is pretty strong to say the least.
The album features a literal dream team of collaborators including Mark Ronson, Cee-Lo, Pharrell, Jack Splash, The Neptunes, the legendary award-winning Lamont Dozier, and Bilal. I thoroughly enjoyed the album. Some tracks, I felt, weren’t as strong as they could have been such as “Dancing In The Dark” & “God Given Name”. Her vocals have gotten much stronger, but at times are still a bit shaky and weak. However, the record is very enjoyable, and definitly something for all music lovers.
The R.A.T TEAM gives it a 3.5/5 stars. Great effort, definitly one to look out for.
Preview the album below:
