Customer Reviews

Break of Dawn

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Goapele last night at BB King's in NYC and she was amazing. Hush is my favorite new song I heard last night. I can barely put into words how wonderful her voice and energy was last night. You need beautiful music-you need Break of Dawn.

I was worried when I saw there were only 9 tracks, 2 of which I'd already heard. For better or worse, this leaves very little margin for error, but Goapele pulled it off! Each track is meticulously laid out and executed to perfection. I can't wait to see her perform these new songs live.

If you like India Arie, Jill Scott, John legend and other neo-soul artist you will love her sound. And the album only contains very strong tracks.

Missed her in NY, but it would be fun to catch her in a small club before she graduates to bigger venues.

I've been a Goapele fan since her debut - love her voice and the lyrics of her music. This collection is very short, clocking in at about 40 minutes and of the 9 tracks, I dislike 1 and think another is just ok. This is certainly her most accessible collection and with a little radio play I'm sure she'd attract new fans but radio being what it is hopefully word of mouth can help.

The tracks I really like & have on repeat:

HUSH - a beautiful lullaby for her child
PLAY - sexy lyrics, slinky production
BREAK OF DAWN - catchy uptempo track
TEARS ON MY PILLOW - gorgeous production, love the organ playing in the background
UNDERTOW - not quite slow enough to be classified a ballad but really plaintive lyrics about having love for someone you know is bad for you but getting caught in the "undertow"
MONEY - the use of distorted vocals & the lyrics about money not being as important as real love make this an interesting track
MILK & HONEY - another mid-tempo gem

The ok track: PIECES - while pretty, I just haven't connected with this one yet

The track I dislike: RIGHT HERE - there is too much going on production wise and it drowns out Goapele's voice

This is my first time ever posting on Amazon, but I had to give a shout out to this album. I've listen to her past albums with only a few songs that I actually like, but this album is my all time favorite of hers.

One of her best albums yet. A great buy if you're a fan of neo-soul, R&B or just great music in general. I played this album at a party and everyone added this to their wish list. Soulful, rich, and engaging.

I was a little concerned because there are only 9 tracks on this CD but Goapele does an outstanding job with each track. My absolute favorite is track 3 Undertow. I highly recommend this CD as you will find quality music that showcases her talen and not over production that distracts from the quality of each song. Goapele is an artist that everyone should hear.

We love you Goapele !!!! Keep coming out with hits girl. We can see you've put time into your work. Truly respectable album. Love the dimensions.

I've been a fan of Goapele since she hit the national stage back in 2002 with Even Closer. This third album was definitely worth the wait -- and I think I have a even better appreciation of her style and voice after recently seeing her perform at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. What a talent! Her songs have such depth and meaning that one would tend to get lost in them.

I would highly recommend downloading this album, grabbing a couple bottles of wine, some candles and chill out on a Friday night -- just taking in the music and the woman who has been able to show that true R&B/Soul doesn't need any extra tidbits or dressing up -- just pure, organic love and soul.

California singer Goapele has been around a number of years before recording her debut. As the lone R&B singer in the hip hop collective the Hieroglyphics (Souls Of Mischief, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Casual), she has made a few appearances here and there on a couple of their recordings. When she released her debut "Closer" in late 2001, she released it on her family owned indie label Skyblaze Recordings. A year later, she was picked up by Columbia Records to reissue her debut, which was retooled with a couple of new songs and retitled as "Even Closer". She released the first single "Closer"- a song which was later covered by rapper Drake on his "Comeback Season" mixtape. By the time she released her major label debut of all new material "Change It All", the album was underpromoted by Columbia and she left the label after a few years. After laying low for over five years, she relased her third album "Break Of Dawn" on the indie hip hop label Decon Records which was co-founded by music video director Jason Goldwatch (best known for Dilated Peoples' "Worst Comes To Worst" and The Roots' "Dear God 2.0").

On this new album, she reunited with longtime producer Bedrock for the first single "Milk & Honey". However, noticeably absent is her other longtime producer Jeff Bhasker- who these days is working with Kanye West. She recruits new producers such as former Raphael Saadiq collaborator Bobby Ozuna (of Jake & The Phatman production fame) on the ballad "Tears On My Pillow". She also works with a couple of Southern hip hop producers such as Yelawolf's producer Malay ("Undertow", the title track "Break Of Dawn" and the Prince sounding ode to disinterest in material things "Money") and Drumma Boy on the song "Right Here". She also works with former Alicia Keys collaborator Kerry "Krucial" Brothers on the song about a single mother's dedication to her child on "Hush". Overall, while "Break Of Dawn" is a solid record from Goapele, her about-face sound change can be jarring on the first listen, but is really entertaining when the album is spun a couple of times. Despite the fact that it's only nine songs long, it's actually worth checking out.