Customer Reviews

Learning From Falling (1 bonus track)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I don't write reviews often but I made a promise to myself that would promote, defend and testify to the brilliance that is the album "Learning From Falling" by a new sista on the scene Lamya. This Kenyan soul sista has brought beauty and hope into my life. I'm serious. This album is exactly what I have been looking for for a long time in a black female artist. Lamya's voice, style and music is all at once exotic, creative, smart, powerful, gorgeous and sexy! Her sound is uncatogorizable but her music is visionary and wrapped in a passionate and sensual and thoughtful aura. She's a black girl's answer to Kate Bush, Sinead O'connor and Bjork and I'm a huge fan of all three of these incredibly white female vocalists. For those of you who think that's a hard act to follow I believe that if young Lamya sticks to her vision of creating powerful, creative, sensual and thoughtful music she can do anything and even more. If your like me your sick and tired of empty, naive love songs sung by preadolescent Barbie dolls who wouldn't know real passion and creativity if it came up and punched them in their ever showing taut tanned and pierced mid-rifts! So what I love and most appreciate about her album is that homegirl has NO LOVE SONGS! Ok, maybe 2 tracks can be considered love songs but they are deliciously plaintive and smart not filler for feeble minds because homegirl has a lot more on her mind than what He's thinking. She's got a lot to say and I'm happy to listen. The only love song on the album is to her mother "Black Mona Lisa" which has got to be one of the most beautiful ode to African Womanhood I have ver heard. Listening to it you can actually feel Lamya own desperate conversion to self love and affirmation in this ode to her black mother. Every song on this album is a winner! I love Lamya. I can listen to this album over and over and always hear something new and more profound with each chord of the incredible production. Even my boyfriends loves her and our music tastes are very different. Let me first say that whoever doesn't recognized the refreshing brilliance and talent and beauty of Lamya is either . . . or deaf or both! Lamya's music and style is about female empowerment, intelligence and creativity so maybe you guys just don't get it. I have THREE copies of her CD: one for my car, one for stereo and the other for my disc man. I've also bought copies for all my friends because I know they'll love her too! The fact that this incredibly gifted and genuine artist is being slept on by the mainstream has further entrenched my belief that today's popular music has nothing to do with TALENT or ORIGINALITY or BEAUTY and EVERYTHING to do with PACKAGING, LOOKS (even though Lamya is gorgeous!) and UNRELENTING AIRPLAY. Lamya girl, I'm your BIGGEST fan! Thank you for this album! And like the Isley Brother's said, "Don't change, don't change girl...."

I have to say that I picked up this album on four separate occasions before finally convincing myself to actually buy it. I was impressed with all of the advance press praising Lamya for her similarity to Bjork and Kate Bush but I never expected an album so incredibly unique and original. When I first heard Lamya's voice I immediately thought that her style was uncategorizable. "Empires" caught my ear as sweeping and orchestral; it really demands the listener's attention. Then "East of Anywhere" came on with an almost entirely different, soulful, Sade-esque vibe. Her songs are irresistably catchy and you can't help singing along despite their diversity. One might think that since Lamya jumps genres so frequently, the album couldn't possibly be cohesive. This couldn't be farther from the truth-- the songs are always beautifully crafted and original. The middle eastern vibe established in "Empires" pervades the whole record, setting a cool, relaxing tone. Her cover of Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" is heartfelt and lovely; she really makes it her own. Another highlight is "Judas Kiss (Brutus Diss)", a song practically made for singing along in the car. Don't be deterred by Lamya's emerging artist status-- she should be around for a long, promising future.

'Learning From Falling' is a promising debut album from singer/songwriter Lamya, but its been three long years since this first came out and so I can't help but wonder if she'll ever release anything new ever again? I certainly hope so because I thoroughly enjoy these melodies and would hate for her to shove aside the obvious talent she possesses simply because CD sells weren't large enough for her label here to keep her signed, which is probably what happened. Sadly most record companies don't care whether you're a good artist or not--they just want the money rolling in and if the figures don't match up to the dollar signs in their eyes, they'll drop you like a fly...

I don't know much about Lamya and her heritage but aside from these songs having strong electronic influences (it's apparent Nelle Hooper of Esthero had an affect on much of the sound as she was one of the producers present), there's Asian and orchestration flourishes that elevate these otherwise common neo-soul pieces with tablas, sitars, cellos, violins, and guitars thrown in to spice up the mix... I can easily compare Lamya to other musicians of a similar ilk but she does have a unique flare about her that makes her an interesting and fortunate find. Her musical arrangements seem a bit unconventional and that is why I wish she'd take to the studio again because I truthfully feel that she has barely unveiled her capabilities of creating here. Her vocal abilities indeed seem to be limited but she's got plenty of passion to boot and is far better in every sense of the word than most R&B singers being played on the radio both then and now. I discovered Lamya a long time ago with her one and only single to date, "Empires", but the standout tracks to me include "East Of Anywhere", "Black Mona Lisa", "I Get Cravings", "Never's Such A Long Time", "The Woman Who", and her excellent cover of Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" which she has successfully managed to make her own.

'Learning From Falling' isn't perfect (I could have lived without the ridiculous "Full Frontal Fridays") but overall this is a commendable album that has a lot to offer. My only regret is having waited so long to buy this overlooked gem.

I can see how those expecting the next Alicia Keys/Erykah Badu/Jill Scott hybrid would be highly disappointed. Lamya's music lies far closer to the Kate Bush/Bjork/Dido axis than the aforementioned artists. And do we really need another "neo-soul
diva" a la Keys, Scott, Angie Stone,etc.? Granted, they all show flashes of true brilliance, but it's nice to know that's not the only tack being followed these days. LEARNING FROM FALLING draws from literally a multitude of influences--the

striking opener "Empires" is a gorgeous cross of Bjork soundscapes coupled with Kate Bush-like vocals(and yes, the hype on the song is well-justified--it's that good). If nothing else here lives up to the musical loopiness and originality of that track, the rest of the album manages to argue successfully that this woman is one to watch--also worthwhile are "East Of Anywhere", "Black Mona Lisa", and "Never Enough". Again, if you're looking for the next big thing in neo-soul, look elsewhere. If, however, you're looking for a sterling combination of pop, trip-hop, and world influences that falls way outside the cookie-cutter mentality of today's musical landscape, pick this up and you will not be disappointed.

Lamya's new CD "Learning From Falling" has got to be my new favorite CD! She's a new artist that I heard about on Mtv.com. When I saw her perform on the Jay Leno Show I was immediately interested. Her music and lyrics kept me hook throughout her performances and I wanted to hear more. I went out and bought her CD and was surprised how I love every one of her songs. She's is very talented and writes all her lyrics. She's very soulful and her album always puts me in a good mood. I love all of her songs but my favorites have to me Empire, Black Mona Lisa, and Never Enough. This CD makes you feel good about yourself and keeps you entertained. She has a beautiful voice and reminds me of other artists such as India Arie and Dido. I recommend this CD to everyone! No one should be without this CD!

Lamaya's debut CD is masterpiece. Her Trip-Hop flavored, Middle Eastern-tinged R&B/neo-Soul is more than just innovative or unique - it is HOT. Her beautiful music is accompanied by some of the most complex and literate lyrics I've heard in a long time.
This CD is for fans of everyone from India.Arie to Björk. I put this CD up there with the super-under-rated debuts of Mystic, Lina, Jaguar Wright, Ms. Dynamite, and Kelis.

If you like the somg 'Empires', which I do, buy the single. The rest of the album doesn't measure up. Her voice is fantastic, more Macy Gray than Kate Bush or Bjork, but the songs are dull dull dull.

When,I first heard this album,back in 2002B.D. I thought,"Lamya" was some kind of "freak"for singing over and over again:"Bring me men" I thought,maybe she was DESPERATE!! O.K. everybody,I'm just being(extremely)silly!!!Seriously,though,I wasn't impressed(to put it nicely)with it initially!!Back then,I was,an ultra-ignorant thug,who liked to listen to "gangsta"rap,and commercialized R&B(that consisted of men-bashing,materialism,women bragging on their physical assets etc..)whilst running rampant through the streets' of Detroit...Like,I stated earlier,in this review,that was B.D.(Before Discomfiture)read:MASSIVE stroke!!!After,I emerged(a changed man)from,a comatose state,barely alive,I began,to appreciate good music,peaceful living,and family...Around 2004,I,really started to "feel"Lamyas' music,and now,she's at the top of my list,of ingenius and "lady-like"female artist!!"East of Anywhere"and "Never Enough"are good"clean"and thoughtful songs' that most of the,listless,ladies' of this day and age,would be hard-pressed,to come up with!!!An album,without constant references,to materialism,"bling" and sex,is hard to come by,in these times!!But Lamya PROOVES,that such content,is NOT necessary,to make an EXCELLENT album!!!That,it took,me being"slowed-down"and mellowed out(by a life disconcerting calamity)to appreciate Lamyas'"classy"and intelligent contribution,to the music scene was a shame!!But,nevertheless,I REALLY enjoy her NOW,and would love the chance,to see her perform LIVE in concert one day..I love Lamyas'music so much,I wish she had a sweatshirt(and kullcap)with that,COOL "Learning From Falling album cover,logo on it,available,so I could "rep"Lamya,as I stroll through Detroit!!This album,is a modern-day CLASSIC!!

This is one of my favorite albums EVER!
The music speaks for itself, so I will address the "haters".
Lamya DOES have a 5 octave range, she just uses her vocal skill more tastefully than say...Mariah Carey, and you can hear her high notes on the background at the end of "Black Mona Lisa" remix, the beginning of "Never enough" and the bridge of "I get cravings" as she sings "I get cravings....." in her whistle register.
Secondly, yes, the lyrics are complicated and most likely unintelligent people will not get them, so it doesn't surprise me most people don't grasp them.
Anyways, Lamya is a fabulous artist that deserves recognition and success awarded to far less talented songwritters and singers (Alicia Keys).

"Never Enough"is the most PASSIONATE song,that I've heard since Jennifer Holidays'emotion-filled"I Am Telling You"...Lamya virtually spills her guts(and wears her heart,on BOTH sleeves)on this song!!from the(sad)opening,lines:"This,does not affect you",you SAY,"It's not against you",YOU say:"It's MY problem"...to the chilling:"You suck,my"blood",and you bleed me DRY!(You just gotta HEAR,the sheer,EMOTION,Lamya crams into the word"dry"to really appreciate this line!! Continued,later with:"How MUCH blood,will QUENCH your"thirst"?!?" More heart-wrenching lines include the convincingly sang:"I,think I would DIE for you!"and"I would THROW myself on a BURNING FLAME for you!"(picture Lamya hopping up upon a PYRE!!)My favorite(MOST,emotion-filled)line is"HEY,and those are MY,dreams'heading for an Overdose!!!"Lamya,perfectly conveys the PAIN,of the(tragic)situation,with that,single line there!! I cant leave out,the touching"Let you"booze"away,the best of my TENDER,years" These following lines(about making yourself,completely,and totally VULNERABLE,to someone,KNOWING,that you're "asking"for GREAT emotional hurt)are DEEEEEP:"I would RIP my HEART out,and LAY it on the GROUND before you!!" "I would BARE,my naked,THROAT,to your "blade"of pain!! Before,I list the lyrics,for the ENTIRE,song I'll just assume,that everyone gets my point:This should be nominated for:"Song of the DECADE"!! lamya sings this,as if she's actually,experienced,this delimma FIRSTHAND(I,hope NOT)which,leaves,me wondering,what WAS,her inspiration,for this soul-stirring song..Lamya sounds SO pitiful(and undone)when she declares:"Boy,like a TOY,you cast me aside....I tried,I tried,I tried"...."Finally,she comes off as(utterly)defeated at the songs end with:"Mmm,Mmm,I just don't know..." These following lines from"Judas Kiss"are GREAT:"You "dress me up" in your,LIES!!!"What a beautiful fabrication it was,and it is so SAD,to say:"I wear it WELL!!" On this song Lamya EXUDES real emotion with:"Ohhh,you give me that Judas kissing...But there must be something missing..like a HEART,like a SOUL,how could you be,how could you be..so COLD?!?" Lamya sounds so sad at the songs'end with:"I...I don't DESERVE this!!" "Full Frontal Fridays"has cleverly placed lyrics such as:"Same old picture in a BRAND-NEW frame".."NEW rules,age-old game".."DOUBLE the pressure,HALF the pleasure"and the tounge-in-cheek:"Douching-for-Dollars",Bimbo-to-scholar"!! "I Get Cravings"is a song with lyrical content that gave me a NEW perspective on my former desire to "give up" on living,with this statement that initially SEEMS to be contradictory,but when one really contemplates it,it makes perfect sense:"No,I DON'T wanna DIE,I just don't wanna LIVE anymore.." "I change my face,when I'm TOLD,from NEMESIS,to the genesis of a "good-girl" On "The Woman Who"this is the STANDOUT line(that's saying a,LOT,because of the numerous clever lines,on this track!):"From UNDERSTUDY,in the dress rehearsal....To the LEAD,in a role-reversal!" These are some of the most clever lyrics'that,I've ever heard,on(or off)an album!!"Bed,I Never Made,is an excellent song,in its'own right,with its'catchy beat,fantastic vocals,and powerful lines:(Sitting in the clutter,of a roomful of ya dirty thoughts..You had me in a bad bind,brain-washed,CONFINED" "Living in the "projects"of your mind,under a"canopy"of your,JEALOUSY!!" "I had a life,behind the promise of,Serendipity,UNTIL,you fixed me in these parenthesis")but it's(almost)futile,to try and stand out,under the shadow of"Never Enough"...Lamya,should be a household name,for this,ASTOUNDING,album!!However,todays' "industry"couldn't recognize TRUE talent,if it was growing,on the tip of its' nose!!"Learning"is a MONUMENTAL(15 star) effort regardless!!

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