Turn Me Loose [CD/DVD]

Ledisi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 18, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Verve Forecast
• ASIN: B002E2M5LO
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #175,001 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Runnin'

2. Everything Changes

3. Turn Me Loose

4. Higher Than This

5. Alone

6. Love Never Changes

7. Please Stay

8. Knockin'

9. Say No

10. Goin' thru Changes

11. I Need Love

12. Trippin'

13. The Answer to Why

14. Them Changes

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Ledisi wanted to make a few bold artistic changes this time out. But just before she started work on her sophomore Verve release, Turn Me Loose, she hit a wall. The singer-songwriter had a bad case of writer's block that stretched for six months. Ledisi was petrified as she tried to figure out how to follow up her 2007 Verve debut, Lost & Found. The album garnered strong reviews and two Grammy® nominations, including one for best new artist.

"It was the pressure of coming back after all the success with Lost & Found and trying to figure out, 'Who am I? Who is Ledisi now?'" says the New Orleans native. "Before, I wondered do people get me. Now it's like, 'Ok, we know you. What are you gonna do now?'" A friend gave Ledisi an album to check out, hoping the music would start the creative juices flowing again. It was Buddy Miles' 1970 soul-rock classic, Them Changes. "I had never heard it before," Ledisi says. "Once I heard it, I wanted to be able to be free on the new album. On my previous album, I was contained a little bit. But I said on my next project that I was going to be off the chain vocally. I promised to be more honest and talk about stuff that people don't like to talk about. I've always done that. But on this album, I went for everything." Inspired by the freewheeling music of Buddy Miles, Ledisi now had a direction. But she decided to push herself even further by reaching out to different collaborators, something she hadn't done before.

"Usually, I just come in, like 'I want this. Take that out,'" Ledisi says. "This time, I laid back a little more and that was new for me. I wanted to go for the ride. It was frustrating, because everybody had different energies and I had to adjust. They weren't crazy. I felt crazy," she says, laughing. "But I made myself go through the different changes." Acclaim from Lost & Found boosted Ledisi's profile in the industry. So she was able to secure some of urban music's most respected producers, including Grammy® winners Raphael Saadiq and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

She also reunited with producer Rex Rideout, who contributed greatly to the sound of Lost & Found. But for Turn Me Loose, Ledisi didn't want to play it safe. With help from the four other producers (Ivan & Carvin, Chief Xcel, Chucky Thompson & Fyre Dept), the artist braided brilliant strains of the different sounds she loved while growing up in Oakland, Calif. Rock, blues, classic soul, funk and hip-hop are all fused together throughout Turn Me Loose. Ledisi often merges the old with the new. The funky title track, for instance, updates the sassy grooves of vintage Stax. As a tribute to Buddy Miles, Ledisi does a cover of "Them Changes" as a bonus track on the new album. The artist flirts with different genres throughout, but her elastic, Chaka Khan-influenced vocals still anchor everything. The approach comes close to matching the let-it-all-go energy of her stage shows. The process of working with different collaborators was challenging initially but ultimately rewarding. "Every step I made, I fought it," Ledisi says, shaking her head. "But I still made the step. I never wrote songs with different people. But what I found is that it's nice. Where I left off, somebody else took over."

On working with Chucky Thompson, perhaps best known for his productions with Mary J. Blige, on the edgy "Everything Changes": "Chucky is like a music box. You can just open him up and all kinds of styles pop out. It was like working in somebody's basement. I love his whole connection with streets and what folks are listening to in the clubs."

On working with the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on the passion-drenched "Higher Than This": "When you work with them, the song is custom-made to your body and spirit. I feel like I went through college of music and graduated." Lost & Found may have been Ledisi's well-received introduction to the mainstream, and Turn Me Loose is sure to break even more ground. But she is far from an overnight sensation. Born in New Orleans, Ledisi Young (her given name meaning "to bring forth" in Nigerian) has been singing professionally for much of her life. She started at age 8, fronting the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. Her mother, also a singer who performed in local bands, was an early inspiration. Ledisi's family relocated to Oakland, California, and it was there that she seriously pursued a career in music.

The artist later formed her own band, Anibade, whose sound mixed classic soul and hard-hitting funk with jazzy overtones. She eventually released two indie albums: 2001's Soulsinger and 2003's Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue. Both became underground sensations and led to opening dates for the likes of Chaka Khan.

Although Ledisi was a seasoned artist before joining Verve, she says she is still finding herself musically. Turn Me Loose is a turning point in her artistic evolution. "During the making of this record, I was asking myself, 'How do I maintain the listeners I have now and be myself as I today? That was the struggle. But I knew I needed to stretch myself and be more open to different people."

After Turn Me Loose was completed, Ledisi had a personal epiphany. "You know, I realized that I'm never gonna fit into a box and it's OK, "the artist says. "All I need to do is focus on my music and just go with it. Go with that freedom voice, the voice that goes, 'Ahhhh.'"

Product Description

Limited CD/DVD edition includes a bonus DVD that contains behind the scenes footage, videos, a liver performance and more. 2009 album from the Grammy Award-nominated vocalist featuring songs produced by Raphael Saadiq, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Chief XCel, Chucky Thompson, Rex Rideout and others. Although Ledisi was a seasoned artist before joining Verve, she says she is still finding herself musically. Turn Me Loose is a turning point in her artistic evolution. "During the making of this record, I was asking myself, 'How do I maintain the listeners I have now and be myself as I today? That was the struggle. But I knew I needed to stretch myself and be more open to different people." Features the first single 'Goin' Thru Changes'.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Diverse Tracks, A Very "Live" Sound & and Amazing Singer- 1 of the Best CDs of the Year ! August 18, 2009

By Gary Berman

Format:Audio CD

Ledisi hits it out of the park with this CD ! The range of tracks and diversity of vibes on this CD is amazing. IF you like R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock/Blues, a Motown sound, or even slow jams, this CD has it ALL ! IF you have ever seen Ledisi Live, this CD captures the energy and vibe of her live concert. Each track sounds great, with real instruments and Ledisi's voice in top form on every track, but its the Rock edged Blues tunes that really blew me away. Her song "Knockin" is just hard core Blues/Rock, and I had never heard her sing this type of song before. Also her remake of " Them Changes " was another fave....kinda reminds me of Tina Turner with her power and soul on that song. The opening track "Runnin" with its head bopping beat, and Ledisi's strong and soulful voice gives you a taste of what you are in for on the rest of the CD. I wish that track was longer ! Other Stand Outs are "Higher the This" which sounds similiar to something that Mary J Blige would sing. There are a few mid tempo groove tracks, like "Alone", " Lover Never Changes", " Please Stay", & " Say No" . The song "Trippin" has a nice Reggae vibe to it. Also a really nice slow ballad " The Answer to Why" has some great orchestration, and sounds like it could be on the soundtrack for a movie. This CD has it ALL, and is sure to be one of the hottest CDs of the Year !

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Follow-up Album to LOST & FOUND; 4 stars August 21, 2009

By Michael Brent Faulkner, Jr. VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Ledisi was practically an unknown artist until her 2007 album Lost & Found was nominated for two Grammy awards (Best New Artist, Best R&B Album). While she failed to win, the exposure certainly heightened her profile as an R&B singer. Calling Ledisi's second 'high profile' album 'anticipated' might be a bit of an overstatement, particularly given this stagnant economy in the music business, but it is certainly big for the previously unknown singer. LOST & FOUND was a fine album by all means, though it was "quieter" than the funkier Turn Me Loose, which shows a more ignited, even more vocally viable Ledisi. With this electrifying combination, TURN ME LOOSE is easily one of the best R&B albums of 2009, right up there with the likes Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night and most likely Whitney Houston's forthcoming I Look to You.

The album opens up with the brief, but funky "Runnin'" in which Ledisi instantly shows off her pipes. The songwriting is solid as is the production - and instant difference and departure from LOST & FOUND. "Everything Changes" keeps up the pace, adding funky horns to the mix. The production is still funkier than anything appearing on LOST & FOUND, marking a departure and experimentation on Ledisi's part. As always, the starlet sings rings around a number of her contemporaries. "Turn Me Loose", the title track is one of the funkiest of the album, hearkening old school 1960s/70s soul, though not sounding like an anachronism (aka an outdated throwback).... Sure, "Turn Me Loose" would only do well on Adult R&B/Adult Contemporary radio as opposed to pop stations, but that certainly doesn't downgrade the freshness or the grand quality of this track.

As for "Higher Than This", it isn't only adult R&B at its finest, it also lays well for the hip-hop circuit with slightly fresher, more contemporary production than say "Turn Me Loose". No, it isn't the overt "hip-hop" that has pervaded radio (I mean that respectfully of course), but it does sound more directed toward a slightly younger audience - particularly in comparison to say "Alright" from Lost & Found. Ledisi sings exceptionally here, giving one of her most poignant, strong performances of TURN ME LOOSE. "Higher Than This" is just a well written, R&B song. "Alone" proves to be as well written as everything else showcasing Ledisi's prodigious pipes and more sound production work. "Love Never Changes" features a chord-progression the likes of an Al Green southern-styled soul tune. Again, it is another solid listen and nowhere near being filler.

Despite the solidity of tunes like "Alone" or "Love Never Changes" and the soulful "Stay" that would've been perfect on Solange's Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, it is a track like the should-of-been-first-single "Knockin'" that truly steals the show. I have never heard Ledisi quite as energized or as contemporary on this R&B-rocker. I think to myself as a music enthusiast, 'why would you choose the good, but "been-there-done-that" 'Goin' Thru Changes' over such a kick-butt track as "Knockin'? The production is the best of the entire album, the background vocals during the refrain are an exceptional touch, and Ledisi sounds awesome. 5 star track, ladies and gentlemen.

"Say No" may not be equal to the greatness of "Knockin'", but it lays as well as everything does for the most part on TURN ME LOOSE. "Goin' Thru Changes" is good (not diminishing it), though I think adult R&B fans have heard this type of song more than once, which takes away from it slightly. It was a good choice for a first single, but it isn't necessarily better than "Alright" or "Think of You" from LOST & FOUND. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, I believe "Knockin'" easily 'beasts' a track like "Goin' Thru Changes".

"I Need Love" finds Ledisi again over a more contemporary backdrop with swirling synths and "big drums". Wisely, the drums don't grow as big as say a Ryan Tedder production (known for 'big' drums) where it might have sounded a bit ill-fitting with Ledisi. "I Need Love" isn't the best of TURN ME LOOSE, but it also isn't filler. "Trippin'" similarly isn't the best of TURN ME LOOSE, but it is certainly interesting if nothing else. The production is placed somewhere between the contemporary and a throwback to classic soul. "The Answer To Why" returns Ledisi back to more adult-contemporary helmed R&B, supported by acoustic guitar and strings. Again, I don't connect with "The Answer To Why" as much as the very best of the album, but I do think Ledisi sounds great. The album closes "funkily" with the fantastic "Them Changes", which proves to be worth the wait. A track like "Them Changes" could have easily appeared on a Prince, Chaka Khan, or Aretha Franklin album.

Overall, TURN ME LOOSE is a great album. There is very little to criticize. The biggest thing is that Ledisi is better when she is funky and allowed to show off her prodigious vocals. 4 stars; I hope that Ledisi receives a Grammy nomination once again. Read more ›

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Album - Even Better Live! August 18, 2009

By Blknomad2k

Format:MP3 Music

I purchased Turn Me Loose earlier today and was immediately hooked. Alone, Knockin' and Goin' Thru Changes alone made the album worth the money. Ledisi really cranked it up a notch on this album. There are jams to rock out to as well as rock with your boo.

As an added bonus, Ledisi held an album release performance at DC's National Harbour today. The show was delayed over an hour due to some rain; however, once the rain stopped Ledisi turned it out. She ripped through her latest CD and had us singing the words like the album had been out for weeks instead of hours. Not to mention she gave us a few bonus songs from her last album.

This sista is the real deal on recordings and in person. Check her out!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Diverse Tracks, A Very "Live" Sound & and Amazing Singer- 1 of the Best CDs of the Year ! August 18, 2009

By Gary Berman

Format:Audio CD

Ledisi hits it out of the park with this CD ! The range of tracks and diversity of vibes on this CD is amazing. IF you like R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock/Blues, a Motown sound, or even slow jams, this CD has it ALL ! IF you have ever seen Ledisi Live, this CD captures the energy and vibe of her live concert. Each track sounds great, with real instruments and Ledisi's voice in top form on every track, but its the Rock edged Blues tunes that really blew me away. Her song "Knockin" is just hard core Blues/Rock, and I had never heard her sing this type of song before. Also her remake of " Them Changes " was another fave....kinda reminds me of Tina Turner with her power and soul on that song. The opening track "Runnin" with its head bopping beat, and Ledisi's strong and soulful voice gives you a taste of what you are in for on the rest of the CD. I wish that track was longer ! Other Stand Outs are "Higher the This" which sounds similiar to something that Mary J Blige would sing. There are a few mid tempo groove tracks, like "Alone", " Lover Never Changes", " Please Stay", & " Say No" . The song "Trippin" has a nice Reggae vibe to it. Also a really nice slow ballad " The Answer to Why" has some great orchestration, and sounds like it could be on the soundtrack for a movie. This CD has it ALL, and is sure to be one of the hottest CDs of the Year !