Customer Reviews

Acoustic Soul

5 star:		(302)
4 star:		(64)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

After hearing the single "Video" in late February and doing a little bit of web reasearch to figure out who had released such a positive and enjoyable piece of music, I pre-ordered this item from Amazon.com on March 5th. The 22 days until the release date of 3/27/01 were the longest days in my recent memory! When the box arrived at my office just before 10am on 3/28, I popped the cd into the cd-rom drive and got more inspired work done that day in many months past.

In my humble opinion, this is the type of music that feeds the spirit and provides something to share with everyone. Young girls should be encouraged to listen to the message in "Video" and build their self love. Young women who have given up on attracting a good relationship should find hope in "Ready for Love." I can't even say what I want to about what "Brown Skin" can do for folks! The genuis that is Stevie Wonder is documented and celebrated in "Wonderful." Who knew one could weave all of those Stevie Song titles and lyrics into one single song exemplifying such positivity and lyricism! It inspired me to go back and break out "Original Musiquarium" just for old times sake.

If you are looking for something to LISTEN to, not just have as background sound, as you drive your car, study, clean house etc. then I really think you will enjoy India.Arie. ...Peace & blessings fellow music aficionados.

India Arie is truly a breath of fresh air to music. She is truly what you call a real artist in that she writes her own songs and can play one mean guitar. Kinda reminds me of another musical genius songwriting singer named Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds! Finally, an artist not caught up on money, looks, or whatever is in style, but one that is true to God, self and becoming the best of what you can be. "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" is my favorite song on the album. It's something one should listen to every morning before going out into the world. It's simply a faithful song of inspiration that lets you know who you are and what you're capable of achieveing if you only believe in yourself, think and try! "Simple" shows this sista can get your feet moving as she enlightens your mind. "I See God In You" is simply amazing. Simply put this is how I want to feel when I see my divine mate. She sings it from the heart with wisdom and understanding of love and the Creator. Every song on the album is a treasure. India Arie explores Black culture, spirituality and love in such a unique, innovative and fresh way. She'll make you realize where music can and should go. If you're a Musiq Soulchild fan you'll truly love this woman because she's on the same level if not beyond. This is an album of love, self-awareness, and spirituality that will allow you to resonate on being the best you can be, accepting who you are, and being true to yourself. India Arie's voice is soulfully beautiful, and her acoustic guitar skills are sublime. Get this album so you'll always be able to say that you knew of her then, and you'll hold this treasure of a first album "Acoustic Soul"! This is not a commercial album to me, even though it's better than any commercial album released this year. This is truly a gift of spirituality, love and wisdom from India Arie herself to the people of the world! God is Love!!!

I, too, cannot believe that this wonderful performer didn't win a single Grammy. It would seem that the Grammy awards have become like the Academy Awards, not necessarily based on individual merit but on politics. Here's a young woman with boundless talent: a wonderfully sultry voice, great songwriting skill, and the ability to play a number of instruments. Her guitar-playing on this album is simple but entirely appropriate. Worth noting is that one doesn't have to strain to make out the lyrics; she actually enunciates without detracting one bit from the content. This is a wonderful album, filled with personal comments, beliefs, and observations. With hints of Caribbean rhythm, this is contemporary yet timeless music. With any luck, India.Arie will be with us for many years to come. Never strident or grating, always mellow, this is fine music.
Most highly recommended.

Not often does a new artist have me scrambling for their music after seeing them perform live. This has only happen on a few occasions in the past with N'dami, Julie Dexter and Jill Scott, but only come to find out the CD hadn't been released yet. This was in 96 when this little chocolate soul sista had my mouth on the floor from her strong voice that belted through that club. Now it's 2001 and Ms. India Arie has become one of the best new voices in underground soul. A-T-L produced another great artist and Motown Records also found this to be true by signing her to their label. With a guitar as her musical weapon slaying the industry stereo types, this goddess brings words to soul or soul to words like no other. If you didn't get the Bamboozled soundtrack or don't live in Atlanta to here some of her past work.......then............ YOU'RE LATE!!!, Ms Arie is about to introduce the world to their inner soul with song. This CD offers you 15 tracks of beautiful melodies, uplifting words and soothing guitar production. "God In You" ( just the title along makes you wanna hear it) is one of those smooth bass filled tracks that makes you rewind it before it even ends. Back To The Middle" has the feel of a personal vibe to her and just a all around good groove. The track "BROWN SKIN", (in my opinion) I'm seeing as her top selling single off the CD. Many artist have lost the gift of writing from the soul to touch others soul and this is what this track accomplished. You can't compare her to anyone out right now and that's the most appealing thing about her and her sound. To come close in describing her, you have to gather a lot of artist (old and new) to create the sound she brings. Ms Arie is a talented sista and even more explosive live on stage. If any of you reading this get a chance to see her perform, please do. You will be amazed. Another talented artist bringing a big pot of "SOMETHING DIFFERENT" to the table for all to enjoy a bite of.

oNe

When I bought the Maxisingle to Chico DeBarge's "Playa Hater", there were about 5 song snippets on the CD from a singer that I had no idea who she was. Then I was watching BET and I later found out that this singer was India Arie. After hearing "Video" and "Brown Skin", I knew that I would make a purchase as soon as this CD came out. Once I heard the whole CD, three people came to mind: Dionne Farris, Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Amel Larrieux. I also had to break out the "Love Jones" soundtrack so that I could listen to "Hopeless" By Dionne Farris. The overall vibe of this CD is amazing. From beginning to end, India Arie impresses me and she also shows that she is very versatile with her song and music selections. Instead of following the trend of most r&b music of today, India Arie chooses to uplift people through her music instead of talking about how she is mad because her man is creeping, etc. She reminds me of Amel Larrieux and Jill Scott in that aspect. Other gems on this CD include "Nature", "Always In My Head", "Promises", "I See God In You" and "Strength, Courage & Wisdom". However, the best song on this CD and what can qualify right now as probably one of or if not the best song of 2001 so far has to be "Ready For Love". This is definitely one of the best put together slow songs that I have heard in a long time. She bears all of her heart and soul in less than 5 minutes. I would pay the full price of the CD just for this song alone. It's good to see that young women actually have something they can listen to that is encouraging and uplifting for a change. People like India Arie, Jill Scott, Musiq, and Erykah Badu will keep soul music around for a long time. Believe me, once you have heard this CD one time, you'll be glad that you added this classic in your collection.

Many like to compare her to Tracy Chapman, Me'shell N, or Erykah Badu but India.Arie proves on her debut album that she does have a truly unique "message to share with" us all.

Her lyrics are a testament to the trials of loving, and the difficulties in discovering self-love and self-awareness. Her first release, Video is a tribute to every woman who has forgotten how to look in the mirror and see the beauty. Back to the Middle reminds us all how we get caught up in the struggle of every day life as we strive for those goals and achievements. Unfortunately, we soon forget the true motive and impetus behind our actions; therefore, only by "coming back to the middle will we ever reach the top."

Brown Skin is a sensuous exploration of the sheer beauty of the body and the joy that comes from loving.

Time and again, India's lovely melodies and perceptive lyrics reteach us how beautiful the "Simple" things in life truly are--it's up to us to make sure we don't lose sight of that beauty.

I never would have thought that I could EVER listen to a cd as much as I have listened to Alicia Keys or Jill Scott, but this sistagirl from the ATL has done it! From her debut, "Video" to "Wonderful," her tribute to Stevie Wonder, india.arie provides mellow, thought provoking music that continues to play in your head even when the cd is no longer playing. I literally just lose myself in the music. Her sultry "Brown Skin" is what intially made me buy the album, but there is so much more. "I See God in You" is a truly beautifully written song, and "Ready for Love" is an emotional ballad that everyone can feel or relate to. It's hard to say which song is the best, since all represent an amazing effort on her part to provide her listeners with only the best. Clearly, india.arie has more soul than one can ever imagine. Her voice is smooth and her energy is refreshing. Whether it is an uptempo song full of inspiration (Strength, Courage & Wisdom) or a slow jam (Beautiful), trust me, this woman will have you feeling music like you never have before. Like she says in "In my Head," "I am but a vessel, so I sing." And girl, you are doing an amazingly good job of it!

i first heard india arie when she came out on the bamboozled soundtrack with 'in my head' and 'can i walk with you,' and from those first listens i knew she had talent. she's since gone on to blow up with 'video,' and from listening to the rest of this album, it looks like miss india arie has staying power. she has a gorgeous...soulful sound mixed with funk and smooth r&b, holding her own against neo-soul artists such as amel larrieux, angie stone, macy gray, erykah badu, and the superb jill scott. her positive messages of identity, strength, spirituality, & faith make her a definite treasure in today's radio hip-hop/r&b market of 'money, cash...dubs, sippin' crystal,' etc. some highlights include:

'simple' - simply sublime & my favorite track on the album. exquisite lyricism layered over an edgy beat.
'video' - just about everyone's heard this already. positivity at its best.
'butterfly' - sultry & funky. the epitome of neo-soul.

I've been anticipating the release of this album since the Bamboozled Soundtrack teased me with what was sure to be a rising, shining star.

India Arie's individuality, creativity, lyrical abilities combined with the uncanny talent of her strumming on a guitar sets her way out in front of the rest.

I'm gonna tell y'all I am really becoming hopeful that real musicians and real singer/songwriters are making a come back. A well needed and desired comeback.

Only India can sing about the color complex and yet submit it as a love song on "Brown skin" ----- up against your brown skin, I need some every now and then. Thats Love Girl....Thats Love.

Track 2 - Video (this is my favorite of all), is dedicated to all of us ladies who chose natural beauty over store bought, media injections. Biggups to my dreadlocked, happy to be nappy queens. We are appreciated.

Ready to Love - is spoken from her heart...been there done that, now Im ready to love.

Other favorites are "Always in my Head", the danceable and fun track "Part of my life" and "Beautiful".

Like your last track Stevie Wonderful.......Indie U R Wonderful, Beautiful and thank you for blessing us with the newness of YOU.

ACOUSTIC SOUL introduces a new singer with a fresh voice and a fresh prospective. Her voice is rich and clean enough not to need all the musical override and remix that have come to be acceptable in the popular music business. In addition to clear and melodious pipes, India Arie sings the songs that today's woman should hear. The tune, VIDEO, clears says that she doesn't look like the girls in the music video. But more importantly, it says she's happy that she doesn't. The songs show a high level of self-acceptance and self-celebration. Her rendition of BROWN SKIN offers a kind of sensuality that makes you want to play that track over and over. Then she gives gratitude and tribute to the musicians from which she has gathered her style.
This CD offers active dance music and tremendous mood music. It's truly well worth the purchase.