Customer Reviews

Joyful

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Her name means Joy in Yoruba, and therefore it seems apt that Ayo's debut album is a joy to listen to. Her music has cross-cultural appeal, possibly due to the melting-pot of influences in her background. The German singer has a Nigerian father and a Romanian Gypsy mother, giving her the stunning looks which match her voice.
She ended up in foster homes when her parents divorced; once she was even kidnapped by her father.
Which is perhaps why her music is so calm and smooth - after that kind of upbringing you're unlikely to want to rock hard.
This album was recorded in New York and produced by Jay Newland (who produced Norah Jones), and it tells stories of gypsy life and heart break.
After gaining huge success in France and having already won over the hearts and charts of Europe (Top Twenty in Germany; Platinum in France, big sales in U.K.) Ayo is now set to take over the US.
Her roots define her and threads of soul, folk, afro beat and reggae weave through her songs.It is no wonder she calls herself an African Gypsy.
Ayo is an artist with a magnetic character and a stunning vocal, which has echoes of both Lauryn Hill and Tracy Chapman in it.
She's been compared also to Sade and Corinne Bailey Rae, although she probably needs to find a few more tunes and hooks to rise above the creamy surface. Still, there's enough here (including the delicate power of her voice) to suggest Ayo could be that rare thing - a German R&B star.
Musically she covers everything from African folk, reggae and of course oodles of soul.
The record draws on influences as diverse as Pink Floyd, Fela Kuti and Prince Suni Ade all favourites of her occasionally DJing father - and mixes words in Pidgin, the street language of Lagos, with the seductive sound of the B3 organ and slide guitar.
Soulful tracks such as debut single "Down on My Knees" suggest that she shouldn't have too much trouble finding fans.
Her forte is also the glistening folk-soul of the beautiful "Without You".
Give this album a couple of listenings and you too may be bowing to Ayo.
A wonderful talent and a brilliant example of modern soul with a twist of world music.

Born & Raised
M'Bem di Fora

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!

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 :-)

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!

Ayo is definitely a unique new voice on the music landscape. Her lyrics are autobiographical & heartfelt which meshes well with the relaxed/chill vibe of the whole album. This album successfully features elements of reggae, samba & neo-soul.

I can't compare her vocally to any other singers because she had a unique style but if you're an ecclectic listener who has given artists like Rhian Benson, Lamya, Aya or Corrine Bailey Rae a chance then you'd definitely enjoy hearing Ayo.

I'm sure that as I listen to this album over time, my list of favorite tracks will grow but right now the ones that stand out to me are:

WITHOUT YOU - an open letter to her father, it's beautifully spare

AND IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE LOVE - nice cover with sambaesque elements

LIFE IS REAL - beautiful lyrics & one of the few uptempo arrangements

NEVA BEEN - beautiful love song

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'. Her lyrics are heartfelt which goes well with her acoustic guitar. This is another exemplary project by her. Currently my favorite tracks are I Am Not Afraid, Love And Hate, and Better Days, I sure my favorite list will grow over time.... This is music at it finest with talented musicians...no computers here!!!

As Sade is oceanic and earthy, Ayo is air. Her style, like her biracial elder, is sensuous and musically grounded, sweet and a bit melancholy. This album is lovely for twilight listening. In a world run over with soul wannabes, Ayo joins the ranks of those few authentic singer/songwriter/musicians who put truth, heart and beauty into their music. Give yourself a gift and buy this album!

a very talented and intresting artist with a great voice one to watch out for.

Ayo is a refreshing change from all of the headaches of the world. Her voice takes you away to a happy place. Her idealistic sentiment on "Help is Coming" makes you believe you can do something to ease the suffering. I have not listened to a cd constantly ever & this is on repeat!

I found Ayo on a social music site and I swear she has a gorgeous voice but the lyrics are amazing too. This album you can listen to from start to finish. I have given it to my girlfriend and she loves it too.