Customer Reviews

Complex Simplicity EP (No More Tears / You'll Never Find / Doin' You)

5 star:		(78)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Teedra Moses's debut album is a sexy urban record with great production and creative writing. One might say a throwback to Mary J Blige (the banging "Out of my head") and even 80's r&b siren Cherelle (the suggestive "Caution")

The lead single "Be your girl" is a laid back groove about a woman going for what she wants. Moses's vocals are similar to an Amerie, but more competent. Her silky duet with Raphael Saadiq "Take me back" is also a nicely crafted piece. Saadiq knows how to work magic with female vocalists.

The confrontational "You better tell her" finds Moses taking a more direct approach regarding a man she is after. The title track is also a winner and tells a message that we all better have a good time while we're still living. Other standouts are the slow jam "No more tears" and the Jadakiss duet "You'll never find (a better woman)"

This great debut by the west coast vocalist is sure to keep you interested weather you play it in your jeep or put in on while you're taking a bubble bath. A funky, laid back, jazzy urban set "Complex Simplicity" is worth your purchase.

I honestly have to say that I didn't have any idea who Teedra Moses was until I saw her video for "Be Your Girl" on BET's Midnight Love. You can easily say that she is a nice looking woman, but I couldn't help but wonder was there any talent behind the beautiful face. One of my friends downloaded a song of hers "You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" with Jadakiss and after hearing how tight that song was, I decided to purchase "Complex Simplicity".

"Be Your Girl" is a nice midtempo song. The video was nice, but the song was something that you can listen to more than once whether the radio plays the song or not. "You'll Never Find ( A Better Woman)" is my favorite song on this CD. Teedra's main producer Paul Poli definitely did her justice with the beat on this track. Jadakiss adds a nice verse to the song as well and this song should be the next single from this CD. I have to agree with reviewer "Kent Browning" because after I listened to this CD twice, Amerie was the first thing that came to my mind, because their voices sound similar. However, although I did enjoy Amerie's "All I Have" CD, you can tell that Teedra played more of a role with what went on with her debut. "Caution" is a nice uptempo jam that will have you trying to find the nearest roller skating rink, with its 80s feel to it. "No More Tears" has Teedra wanting to just chill and be able to deal with the normal things in life and be happy without having to deal with a man that is constantly letting her down and breaking her heart. This track samples one of my favrorite Outkast songs of all time, "Spottieottiedopalicious". After detailing how she doesn't want to deal with the heartache, she then wants a love of her own on "Rescue Me". This would be my favorite slow jam on the CD because the song is well written if it wasn't for "Take Me" with Raphael Saadiq. Teedra and Raphael go back and forth during this song, exchanging verses and lines as Raphael's fans will want to wish for a new CD or will have to go back and listen to their "Instant Vintage" and "All Hits At The House Of Blues" CDs after listening to "Take Me".

Since Teedra Moses is on TVT Records, you knew that Lil Jon would show up on this CD somewhere. He produces "You Better Tell Her", which is an alright track but compared to the other songs on this CD, Lil Jon should have just kept working on his "Crunk Juice" CD. Don't get me wrong the track is OK, but doesn't do justice to the rest of "Complex Simplicity". "Outta My Head" also has an old school feel to it, which will take you back to songs in the past from TLC, Mary J and even Destiny's Child, yes Beyonce and 'em.

"Caught Up" is definitely in my Top 5 on this CD as Teedra and Paul Poli put together an infectious midtempo jam that even compares to something that my favorite Mary J would do. "Last Day" has Teedra speaking on if today was her last day what she would do. She goes into everything in detail but the concept works again for Paul Poli & Teedra. "I Think Of You (Shirley's Song) is a touching tribute to Teedra's mom who passes away. She has a short intro explaining that she was supposed to sing at her mother's funeral, but she was unable to do so because she was so "choked up".

Overall, "Complex Simplicity" shows that Teedra Moses is definitely a talented new artist. Although her music compares to Mary J. Blige and Amerie, who came before her, Teedra displays that she belongs in the r&b game. If you are into r&b music, then I would say that this is a good buy for you.

James' Top 5

1) You'll Never Find (A Better Woman) w/Jadakiss
2) Be Your Girl
3) Take Me w/Raphael Saadiq
4) Caught Up
5) I Think Of You (Shirley's Song)

Almost every review on this board has said the same thing, so you already know that this album is great and you need to go pick it up right now. I particularly like the songs that throw it back to the 80's R&B that I miss so much! Unfortunately R&B right now is all about beats and overproduction, it's all so mundane and boring. Out of that comes Teedra, a breath of fresh air. My favorite songs are Caution, Complex Simplicity, and Caught Up. When I listen to those songs my mind immediately drifts off to the late 80's with all it's incredible music and I can't help but long for days gone by. It's unfortunate that's she's not getting the promotion she deserves. But I've seen other artists (ex: Maxwell) sell out shows with hardly any support from radio/MTV/BET. So fans/admirers keep supporting her, be her "street team" and tell other people about her music. I had never heard of her, not even one song, but the sheer enthusiasm of the guy working at the record store compelled me to buy it and I wasn't disappointed. I just hope that her current "under the radar" status doesn't deter her or TVT records so that they would try to change her sound, because it's obvious by the amount/content of reviews on this board, she has created a base of life-long fans! Much respect to Teedra!

Ok, I'm not a big R&B fan, I'd rather listen to rap. BUT, one of my friends turned me on to this CD and whenever I am in the mood to listen to R&B, THIS IS IT!
She speaks on a variety of topics that I'm sure you will be able to relate to or at the very least understand. Great vocalist.
You rarely find a cd that you can play from start to end without skipping wack tracks. With this cd, I can play every song, hell, I even go back and play some of them again.
I love this cd and wish that she would come out with more!

Give a young, sexy lady a mic, stir repeatedly, bake at 450 degrees and see what you get. Most of the time, you end up with a hot dish of nothing, but Teedra Moses is no run of the mill diva. Blessed with a rapturous voice, at one point warm and honey kissed, other times filled with street sass and passion, makes Moses versatile indeed. 'Complex Simplicity', released on independent label TVT ( their roster includes Yin Yang Twins, Pitbull, and Jacki-O) may seem an odd place for this young flower, but Teedra can keep it gangsta herself. Complex Simplicity is great because instead of filler, or those awful interludes, she opts for quality soul numbers and by the time the CD stops playing, you feel you have experienced something great. It's decidedly fresh, blending hip-hop elements, jazzy stylings, and lush arrangements, and at this point in time, R&B needs all the freshness it can get.

Moses injects her well-composed songs with honest lyrics that paint a portrait of a young woman who grew up too fast, but learned a lot along the way. 'Complex Simplicity', an amazing, chilled up-tempo track vibes with uplifting lyrics and Teedra's humble vocals. 'Take Me', feat. Raphael Saddiq, is a lush, retro slow burner that unfolds as a street fairytale. It's pure heaven, indeed... Teedra whispers lyrical passion on 'Backstroke', a groovy slow-jam meant for grown folks only.

There are of course many other standouts. Teedra takes it to the streets on 'You Better Tell Her', a hip-hop, crunk influenced number that has Teedra declaring "Cuz daddy, i'm too cute to fight... you better get that [...] told tonight..."

Moses is what R&B is all about. Earthy, warm, funky, and soulful, and it's all here. Her voice is beautiful, down to earth, humanly, seductive and honest. This album is one of the best of 2004. Don't believe me? Just cop it and hear for yourself.

This album was so overlooked its unbelievable and sad. Its just as sad as Faith Evans 3rd album that was overlooked as well. This woman has amazing talent with a voice and looks to match. All the songs on here are certified gold and have a great sound, but these are the hand picked fav's...

1) Be your girl (first single)
2) You'll never find ft.Jadakiss (second single)
3) You better tell her (3rd single,also featured on t-moble caller tunes)
4)Caution
5)Complex Simplicity
6)For a lifetime
7)Caught up
8)My last day

Teedra Moses is worth supporting,hopefully she will make a housefold name for herself.Check out this album, you will not be dissapointed.

If you don't have this album you definitely need to add it to your collection. I generally dont write reviews about cd's, but I couldnt let Teedra slip by without giving her props. I have a 6 disc changer in my car and Complex Simplicity is always in the rotation! This is an excellent collection of sultry r&b tracks. She has a great mix of upbeat and mellow tempo relationship songs that we all can relate to. This is a winner from beginning to end, with the exception of 1 or 2 songs. The only problem I have with this masterpeice is that her label's promotions team didnt push her the way they should have. This should be multi-platinum album by now. Its definitely the best r&b cd of the year!

With R&B stars such as Alicia Keys and Usher skyrocketing to the top of the charts, and even with seasoned veterans like R. Kelly and Boyz II Men dropping albums left and right, I find it refreshing to run across those artists lost in the shuffle whose cds may stay in the "New Releases" a-frame at the front of the store for a few days compared to the heavyweights in the industry.

What Teedra Moses offers with her cd, Complex Simplicity, is a funky, bass-driven ride through the life of a sista who isn't afraid to bear her soul, but at the same time, puts several folks in their place and tells them what she will and won't put up with.

The best part about this cd is the lyrical content, where Teedra remains brutally honest throughout the entire album. In the first track - Be Your Girl - listeners are introduced to the sultry songtress expressing her desire to be with a certain fella, while proving that her feelings are way more than a silly crush. In the third track - Caution - she warns unsuspecting men that if they aren't careful, they would easily succomb to her game...that is, if she wanted them to.

Ms. Moses also shines on several other tracks, including You'll Never Find (w/ Jadakiss), Backstroke, and Caught Up. In track 7 - Take Me, w/ Raphael Saadiq - Teedra longs for the feelings she experienced when she first fell in love with her man. Raphael more than adequately captures the same emotions and feelings over a mid-tempo groove laced with guitars and soft, soothing and mellow notes from violins. What results is a smooth and sexy jam that will more than likely have you calling up ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends and asking them to stop by for a "chat." The last track - I Think of You (Shirley's Song) - is a beautiful dedication to her late mother, where she sings a gospel hymn that she wanted to sing at her mother's funeral, plus a very loving upbeat song of remembrance and thanks.

If there was one thing I could say that was bad about this album, it would be that most of the songs have the same feel to them. They involve a lot of bumps and thumps from bass drums, and a few of the songs seem sampled from. This album definately has a more of a hip-hop feel than R&B vibe offered by a lot of other female vocalists, but Teedra's charisma, delivery, and singing ability will definately get you moving and bobbing your head while singing your heart out. Teedra's ability to have you ooh-ing and ahh-ing one second, and blushing while covering your ears the next minute sets her out amongst her counterparts (Amerie, Houston, et al), and she comes off as being that fine and sexy girl that stayed down the street from you who finally broke into the music business. All in all, Complex Simplicity is one great album and it was worth the money :-D

One reviewer called Teedra Moses' Complex Simplicity the best album of 2004. I'd go a step further and say it is one of the handful of classic albums produced this decade and it is also one of the best R&B female debuts of all time. With this effort, Teedra reveals an artistry unsurpassed by most of her peers and created the type of album I still listen to regularly (and I'm being modest; I listen to Teedra almost daily) nearly four years after its release. Is this album worth purchasing? Emphatically, yes, for several reasons.

Teedra Moses introduces herself with this album with an intriguing voice, mood and juxtaposition. Her voice is best described as "pretty." She can sing, a rarity these days, but her voice never stretches or overpowers. It simply floats. Her voice is as clear as a bell and gracefully dances over every single track; I'd compare it to Deniece Williams or perhaps Amel Larrieux, but her voice is all her own. Most impressive about her voice on this album, though, are the omnipresent, hypnotic background vocals. They adorn each track and stir these mesmerizing melodies into the songs. I've never heard anything quite like it. As for Teedra's mood, it's a funny thing. You come across people who call her soulful, and some who call her gritty. She's both. She joins the sisterhood established by women like Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu who give us soul and sass; Teedra is all the best of R&B's soulful nostalgia entangled with a formidable dose of street swagger. She walks the fine line between soul and hip-hop. And therein lays the juxtaposition. The title introduces it and the album builds upon the theme. Complex Simplicity. The album presents Teedra, in all her sincerity, as a woman who, like most people, is full of contradictions. The album is a classic not because it does so much to defy the current trends in music. It does exactly what your Beyonces, Keyshias, Monicas, Ciaras, Fergies, Alicias, etc do; she just does it better. She takes the same old themes and subjects we've heard a thousand times before, but adds an element of depth to them that makes them seem all the more fresh and entertaining. I'll explain this with the tracks.

"Be Your Girl", the first song, is the first song I ever heard from Teedra. It is a great song, too, subtle in the way it slightly reminds me of Groove Theory's classic from 1995 "Tell Me" or some Mary J. Blige song from around the same period (kudos to Poli Paul for the sound of this song and the rest). I immediately understood why reviewers talk about Teedra having that touch of "old school" in her sound. The song is your basic "I've got a crush on you" song but, the more you listen to it and fall in love with those pleasant background vocals, the more you begin to wonder is Teedra talking to the object of her affection, or herself? She presents herself as a shy girl in this song afraid to speak up and show her feelings. Yet, a couple of tracks later on "Caution", all of that hesitation dissipates and transforms into a stunning swagger that's teasing and effervescent. Poli again throws back on the production, this time recalling `80s songbird Cherrelle, while Teedra appears to be hyping herself and her merits up while singing, "I lick my lips and then I think about how good it is to be me/So to date me must be hot." Her logic is persuasive. The song is fun and playful and, while not being one of my immediate favorites, I grew to love it.

One of my favorite tracks is "Rescue Me." Soft and smooth in production but, again, the subject matter is familiar ground on which to tread. Teedra has been hurt in the past but is ready for a new love, someone to "rescue" her from loneliness, giving the song a tinge of fairy tale happily-ever-after effect. But there are two things that make this song absolutely amazing to me. One is the opening to the second verse: "He ain't gotta be no gangsta/He ain't gotta be no balla/Baby, if we're strugglin'/I'll ride with you `til we rise". Wait, what? Did she just articulate a sweet principle diametrically opposed to VIRTUALLY EVER OTHER R&B song? I mean, how many times have we heard singers explain that a man is only attractive if he has money and he's a thug, preferably if he has a record and has been shot at least 4 times? I was so struck by Teedra's line because it shows a level of emotional maturity and good sense that is untapped by most R&B singers. The second thing that makes "Rescue Me" amazing is that wondrous melody. Once you hear the bridge, the way she sings it, you must concede that Teedra constructs a melody finer than just about anyone out there.

"You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" was a song it took me a while to respect, but I eventually did. This time, Teedra is in love with a hustler and narrates the trials inherent in their union, a "ghetto love affair", mainly his taking her for granted and neglect. Best line: "Tell me what you know about your man giving gifts/to compensate for all his s***." It's also great because, throughout the song, Teedra acknowledges that she's a fool to deal with this man; she's a good woman, but she too can make mistakes and give in to fruitless relationships. Which brings us to another "ghetto love affair", or something of the sort, a few tracks later. "You Better Tell Her" is the most illogical "hood" song on the album. I don't really want to like it, honestly, with Teedra on the brink of violence with another female who disrespects her, which compels her to confront her lover and admonish him NOT to stop cheating, but to make sure that his mistresses never to cross the line of decency and discretion. As Teedra deludes herself, avoiding conversations as to what actually exists between her man and the other woman, she wants no part in "these silly chicken games" she herself perpetuates with her absurdity. Who does not see the hilarity of the "too cute to fight" line? But what defense stands against that catchy melody and Teedra's brashness contrasting her sweet voice? The drama of it all compensates for Lil Jon's lackluster production. Poli Paul does a much better job on "Backstroke" which deals with a similar situation, Teedra being nonsensical and foolish. But, like in her song with Jadakiss, she acknowledges it all and argues with herself because of it. She stays involved with a man she does not really want, except for the sex. "It keeps me yearning you," she breathes on the sultry track, which is one of the catchiest and radio-friendly (I curse you, TVT!) on the album.

My other favorite song on the album swings the pendulum back toward the side of emotional depth and maturity. One of my favorite artists/producers makes an appearance on the track, "Take Me", which is likely the best duet since Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo professed their love for one another back in 1998. Raphael Saadiq produces an incredible track (the bass guitar and the strings are just phenomenal here) and he and Teedra alternately sing about a relationship whose initial fire time has quenched. They'd like to take their relationship (marriage?) back to the day when they first fell in love and renew their passions. It's delicate and soft, Teedra taking the lead and driving the song with a very melodic, love-inducing chorus. It's clear the chemistry here is compelling, making a modern day Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell pair who collaborated again on Raphael's album, creating "Chic" and "I Want You Back" (both excellent).

"Caught Up" also relies on nice guitar elements as Teedra sings about her interest in a guy. The melody and the background vocals make a very nice, sing-along mid-tempo that could have done well on radio (I curse you again, TVT). "No More Tears" is another favorite complete with a clever interpolation of Outkast's "Spottieottiedopalicious" as Teedra refuses to waste another tear or ounce of energy on a loser. All this as she makes references to her questionable recreational activities ("sipping, puffin, passin") as well as a concession she "rocks" to her own enjoyable music. She enjoys herself as well on "Complex Simplicity", a nice `80s inspired tune that juxtaposes party activities ("bounce, oh with me tonight/get low with me tonight") with mature insights to life ("You can't spend your life/Being in fear of all that may be/You gotta press on, you gotta be free/you gotta breathe"). Clearly, Teedra is a girl who can get down at a party and who is sometimes pensive, capable of pondering the questions of the world. Thankfully, she makes music for people who do both as well.

The album nears its end with three nice songs. One is "For a Lifetime", one of the best songs on the album. The mid-tempo is for all those who are fearful that they will never find love and who guard themselves against new possibilities because of their pasts hurts. Probably one of her most well-written, Teedra explains poetically, "Sure as all that breathe will die/And showers fall from April skies/A heart that's pure won't be denied." And here, you know she's singing to the listener, giving advice like a friend, but she is probably also speaking to herself, convincing herself that true love is possible even for her. Amazing. "Last Day" is probably the most original of the album's tracks, at least in terms of subject matter. I've never heard an R&B artist wonder aloud about what they would do if today was their last day on earth, but Teedra apparently has and discloses her plans to us. Again revealing the juxtapositions in her nature, she talks about wanting to party with friends and spend her last living moment getting "blown out" by her lover; then, as if to correct herself and get serious, she tells us she'd spend the day on the beach relaxing with her two sons and praying to the Lord. Finally, "I Think of You (Shirley's Song)" is Teedra's tribute to her deceased mother who, if the opening gospel song tells anything, gave Teedra her voice. A few artists have dedicated songs to their parents and family (Teedra also talks about her sons and siblings), but Teedra's voice floats prettily over a track as she is encouraged by her mother's strength in life and comforted by the cessation of her earthly pains. She takes on the humble role of daughter here, who still has a lot to learn about life but sincerely loves her mother and family. Teedra's mother must have been a great woman with a huge impact on her daughter, as her presence is found on a few of the album's tracks (this one, "Complex Simplicity" and "Last Day").

If you can't tell by now, I love this album. I neglected "Outta My Head" because it's the only track I skip. Teedra Moses deserves every word of this lengthy review and, even more, any new fan to her music. Unfortunately overlooked for less impressive artists, she's the best R&B artist to emerge in this decade. Yes, I said it. Buy her album and taste and see the underground phenomenon for yourself. Also check out Teedra's mixtapes and unreleased tracks. She's so good, her leftovers are better than most people's actual albums. "Closer", "Take My Love Away", "Wassup", "You Already Know" and others further reveal Complex Simplicity is no fluke and Teedra Moses is truly brilliant.

I love this artist. She is so under rated and she should be in the spot light. This album is without a doubt a R&B classic. I had the album before and I had to buy a copy for my friend. Buy and copy and spread the word Teedra Moses is the best and this album is one of the better albums I have purchased, you literally can put it in and just let it play.