Ledisi | Pieces of Me
Album Review: Ledisi | Pieces of Me
by Brent Faulkner
In today’s R&B world, many artists on the ‘wrong side’ of Top 40 find themselves trying to compromise or ‘bridge the gap’ to become part of the radio fold. Ledisi’s fifth studio effort, 2011’s Pieces of Me is no different. On Pieces of Me, the incredibly gifted singer explores her identity and exudes ‘more of her personality’ for both her fans’ sake and radio. Overall, the results are positive and Ledisi is able to show her versatility and range. The argument or counterargument might be, why should an artist so esteemed and talented as Ledisi try to conform to commercial guidelines that may not showcase her full range of talents? Essentially, that would be the flaw of Pieces of Me - it is a solid effort, but some of the material lacks the greatness of Ledisi’s previous works 2007’s Lost & Found or 2009’s Turn Me Loose because it tries to conform more to popular standards. Indeed, there is no Tina Turner-like rocker like “Knockin’” from Turn Me Loose, but the ‘Nawlins’ singer definitely ‘holds it down.’
“Pieces of Me” is a fine cut from Ledisi. Produced and co-written with Chuck Harmony & Claude Kelly, “Pieces of Me” is to Ledisi what “Bittersweet” was to Fantasia. An instant adult contemporary R&B hit, “Pieces” is a superb way to open the album and Ledisi vocally sounds fierce. Reuniting with Rex Rideout producing (and co-writing), “So Into You” is just as solid, with grand production work and solid songwriting. Ledisi handles all vocal duties, including backgrounds, and sounds absolutely marvelous. The soulful guitar/electric piano driven sound is a perfect fit for this soulful vocalist. “Bravo” may be the biggest concession of Ledisi, finding the singer channeling some of the gimmickry of modern adult-contemporary R&B. While she sounds solid and pulls this cut off, the Claude Kelly/John Webb cut seems more suited for say Monica, Jennifer Hudson, or Fantasia than Ledisi. Regardless, Ledisi ‘sings her face off.’
“Stay Together” is a fine duet between Jaheim and Ledisi. Rex Rideout once again handles production duties giving the track a similar sound to “So Into You” and some of Ledisi’s earlier material. “Coffee” trumps it, however, with its clever sampling of Grover Washington, Jr.’s “Black Frost.” “Coffee” truly allows for Ledisi to show off her jazzy and bluesy influenced side, which is superb. “Hate Me” changes the pace, shifting to a soulful six groove for the first time. The use of keyboards, bass, guitar, and horns makes this track a fine listen. Again, Ledisi’s bluesier side is exhibited throughout a neo-soul cut such as this.
“Shut Up,” a Mike City/Ledisi songwriting and production collaboration yields a fine outcome with a diverse sound in comparison to other cuts. Ledisi’s vocals are much more tame and controlled on this cut, a contrast to her more overt turns on many of the other cuts. That said, it works perfectly, further affirming Ledisi’s range as a musician. “Shine” is another credible cut, notable for its production, while “I Miss You Now” is an absolutely gorgeous adult contemporary cut. The low-key vibe may be what sticks out with “I Miss You Now”; Ledisi lets the soulfulness ‘churn.’
“BGTY,” which stands for “be good to yourself” is another winner, adding neo-soul producer/songwriter Salaam Remi to the mix (Jazmine Sullivan “Bust Your Windows,” etc.) The old school vibe works perfectly with Ledisi’s throwback vocals and allows a more overt Ledisi to shine, contrasting the cool, calm, collected nature of “I Miss You Now.” “Raise Up” features funky production work, but lacks the extra spark that a cut like “Knockin’” from album Turn Me Loose possessed. Closer “I Gotta Get To You” is perhaps a bit too slow and the slightest bit underwhelming, but as always Ledisi sounds solid.
Overall, Pieces of Me is another solid addition to Ledisi’s discography. Hard core fans may revolve more to Ledisi’s earlier work given there’s more of an element of raw soul than some of the cuts of this effort. One thing’s for sure, flaws aside, Ledisi’s vocal talents shine throughout the ‘sunshine and the rain.’ Pieces of Me is no different.
Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 6/21/2011 3:12 PM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Video
Tags: Rhythm And Blues Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Video
Tags: Rhythm And Blues Music Videos
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