Tell It Like It Is

Stephanie McKay | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 7, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Muthas of Invention
• ASIN: B001AH0COQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #313,652 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Recognised internationally for her work with the likes of TALIB KWELI, KELIS, MOS DEF, AMP FIDDLER, ROY HARGROVE, ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO and BROOKLYN FUNK ESSENTIALS, Stephanie came to the attention of Australian audiences last year for her work with local hip-hop producer KATALYST - laying her striking vocals over his indie radio smash, "Say What You Feel", and embarking with him on two national tours in support of his Triple J Feature Album 'What's Happening'. Releasing her first album 'McKay' in 2003 in collaboration with PORTISHEAD's GEOFF BARROW, Stephanie McKay's new album 'Tell It Like It Is' sees the Bronxborn singer/songwriter work with local musicians to produce an album that wraps up classic soul, seventies funk-rock and old-school hip hop influences into one vibrant outpouring. Sometimes romantic and at others acutely topical, 'Tell It Like It Is' is an album full of strong performances and great song-writing. The album is packed with classic gems from the feel-good joy of the KATAYST produced lead single "Jackson Avenue", to the outrageously funky, horn-fired groove of "Kinky". The hip hop influenced "Oh Yeah" is a wind-in-the hair celebration with a cool groove, while a newly-incarnated version of the KATALYST co-written "Say What You Feel" appears in all its glory. R&B sensation ANTHONY HAMILTON appears on the smooth but perfectly pitched duet "Where Did Our Love Go?" resulting in an absolute gem of a ballad, while the album finishes with a refreshingly original take on WILLY MASON's youth anthem for the 21st century, "Oxygen". --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Larger than life performance, February 8, 2009

By 

Bas Van Der Veen (Gent,Belgium) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tell It Like It Is (Audio CD)

Amazing singer, wonderful lyrics and the sound hits you right where it should. Stephanie is here to stay for a long time. Sweet and powerful, music with a sting. Wow!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Contemporary Old School Gem!, December 14, 2008

By 

M.E. Smith "lilgracie" (Athens, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tell It Like It Is (MP3 Download)

I am extremely happy to review this gem by McKay - and at this price, consider it a 'steal': you will be hard pressed to get a better album at this price. For those wanting a funky old school yet contemporary sound held together by a powerful voice this is the album. This is the kind of album that goes back to old school (there's some funk, some '80s beats from back in the day and more) , reminiscing about the old days on "Jackson Avenue", making you want to dance but also reflect on love ("Where Did our love go"), or like her first album ("McKay" - also GREAT and highly recommended!), making you reflect on the most pressing issues in our society (Tell It Like It Is, Money, This Letter): teenage pregnancy, economic woes, families under fire, the dangers facing the young men in our community or the emotional effects on the war and the families awaiting their loved ones' return. If it sounds heavy, don't fear: many times it's the songs you most end up dancing to that make you also listen and think. It's all held together by McKay's voice: powerful, mature, emotional yet tender when it needs to be. But she doesn't end by just telling us about the problems we face, but by sharing her vision for a better future: it's the complete package. So in the midst of all the other CD's that want to take you back to the old school - McKay is here to "Tell it like it is" with the message and the music to back it up. It's the real deal, you can't ask for more.