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Track Listings
| 1. Down on My Knees |
| 2. Without You |
| 3. Letter by Letter |
| 4. How Many Times? |
| 5. And It's Supposed to Be Love |
| 6. Watching You |
| 7. Only You |
| 8. Help Is Coming |
| 9. These Days |
| 10. Life Is Real |
| 11. What Is Love? |
| 12. Neva Been |
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ayo (her name means "joy" in Nigerian Yoruba) has been on a careening music biz fast track ever since 2006, when her debut release, Joyful, achieved platinum sales in France and several other European countries. The lovely singer-composer-guitarist-pianist was born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a Romanian Roma (Gypsy) mother and, with her husband and son, now divides her time between Paris and New York. Joyful was produced by Grammy award-winner Jay Newland and recorded in New York City in five days flat, under studio-live conditions. This created a relaxed yet urgently charged ambience that underpins the ebb and flow of all 12 tracks. Musically, the tunes incorporate diverse quotes from a polyglot life, such as accordion-laced French bal musette, slouchy Afro-Euro reggae, quietly down-and-dirty R & B-influenced organ riffs, Beatles-eque piano chords, plus subtle strings and over all, a moodily suave acoustic guitar. Ayo's girlishly light but spot-on vocals are sung primarily in English with occasional touches of Nigerian pigeon. She speaks of sexual passion hopeless and fulfilled, family, friendships, and philosophical observations both grim and optimistic; these are young songs from an old soul. The massive success of the present album has led to a television special, Ayo Live in Monte Carlo, which will be aired in the USA on PBS. During it, the young chanteuse performs tunes from Joyful and hobnobs with Princess Stephanie of Monaco, with whom she shares a commitment to children's causes. --Christina Roden
Product Description
Debut album from the German-born vocalist. Ayo's father was Nigerian and her mother was a gipsy. This album, recorded in just five days, features tracks that are both a tribute to her mixed upbringing but also a look at her life, most of which she has spent moving from country to country. Produced by Jay Newland, Joyful features exceptional musicians who effortlessly translate Ayo's musical ideas to flawless performances. Influenced by '60s Pop and R&B as well as Reggae and world music, Ayo brings passion and authority to the bittersweet songs on Joyful. 12 tracks including 'Down On My Knees', 'How Many Times' and 'Without You'. Universal. 2007.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Ana
This is my first review on Amazon.com :-) I have heard song "Down on my knees" on my honey moon in France and it just won't get out of my head. When we got home, I got on Internet and started to search wondering who is this artist... After few mouse clicks, I discovered "Ayo - Joyful"! Great music, great rhythm, great voice! And just few minutes ago, I got her whole album and am still repeating this song, although I liked the others too (after one listening). This will be in my player for days, I'm sure :-)
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By D. Rogo
Format:Audio CD
This is what I call music. I love how the album is a mix of reggae and neo-soul and folk. My favourite tracks are "Down On My Knees", "Without You", "Help is coming" and "Letter by Letter" but the whole album is well-done and emotional. I highly recommend it to all music lovers!
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By B. Mitchell
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
OK, if you want to hear some great music with exceptional lyrics, you need to get your ears on this CD. The production and sound quality are excellent. Ayo reminds me of Sade in that her singing (at least in the English language) is not at the level of a Whitney Houston, but there's something unique and sensual about her voice that makes you keep listening. I also like the fact that she tells stories in her songs. Well done!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't play it all the way through ................
I played the samples, liked the sound, bought the album. I pressed Play, played a few songs, and that was a few songs too many. Read more
Published 21 months ago by MovieMusic
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Most Unique Voice....Luv It!!!!
I have Ayo's other project, Joyful, but I wasn't aware she had release another project, Gravity At Last. I love Ayo's unique voice, that sexy growl is bone chillin'. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Ramblin' Fox
4.0 out of 5 stars
Soulful simplicity
This album is almost perfect. All of the songs are very simple and relaxing. Most of them are about romantic love, one song dedicated to her father about how grateful she is to... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Cuddlebuns
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice, so very nice
So happy to have discovered her. Her tone and the way she delivers her words just sends me. I'm not into the technical side of music. I'm into the aesthetic side of music. Read more
Published on March 15, 2010 by D. SMITH
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just "stumbled" upon Ayo when browsing music on Amazon and after listening to a few samples, I decided to order the CD. LOVEEEEE IT!!!!
Published on December 15, 2009 by mo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing album
Don't remember how I stumbled across this album but it is great. I have heard snipets of her follow up album but I have not liked it as much as this album. Read more
Published on April 26, 2009 by TB
5.0 out of 5 stars
AYO IS A GIFT TO MUSIC FROM GOD
A friend told me about AYO, like most of the underground artist I had never heard of her. Someone mentioned her accent but I think that it gives her voice a unique edge and... Read more
Published on January 1, 2009 by K. Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
relaxing
This cd is good. The music is very relaxing. It has a jazz/blues and reggae feel to it.
Published on November 22, 2008 by Tri H. Dan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joyful by Aye
Very good cd, I like her singing and seems like songs are written maybe by her own experiences in life?
Her voice is unique and her songs and singing are refreshing. Read more
Her voice is unique and her songs and singing are refreshing. Read more
Published on October 13, 2008 by Timothy Fish
5.0 out of 5 stars
Joyfull, yes!
Came across this very talented young lady just following links when browsing one day, liked what we heard. Read more
Published on September 7, 2008 by F. Fischer
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