Voyage to India

India.Arie

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 24, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B00006ISBT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (172 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,239 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
India Arie seems comfortable in her own body. She told us as much on both "Video" and "Brown Skin" from her stunning debut album, Acoustic Soul, which celebrated the diversity of feminine beauty, self-acceptance, and spirituality. She addresses similar themes on her second outing, although much of her original soul-scouring fire is gone. While she still preaches self-empowerment, many of her lyrics veer toward the trite, and that's not where we expected to go on this Voyage to India. In fact, there are very few self-revelatory moments like the ones on Soul. Arie seems bent on journeying to the center of womankind's mind, rather than unearthing more of her own autobiography, casting herself as adviser to the disempowered. But that is not where Arie shines. When she strips her voice down to its unvarnished essence--leaving all the imperfections in the mix--she is a lithe, ethereal presence. She's capable of raising chills, as when she sings of a man who foretells his death on "Good Man." Or on "Complicated Man," where she lets her voice run ragged, brimming with raw emotion while describing her imperfect love. Despite some glibness, this is still a voyage worth taking. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Genuine soul music from a masterjammer, September 24, 2002

By	Karl Miller "kemspeaks" (Phoenixville, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

India.Arie came out of nowhere about 18 months ago to capture the ears, and hopes of her listeners with a genuinely original approach to soul music. Using quiet instrumentation amd upbeat heartfelt lyrics, she made a clear impression with her debut. "Voyage To India" confirms that India's approach to music is vital.
This album could be called "Acoustic Soul, Part 2" for there is no clear deviation from the debut. India's songs remain acoustic guitar based, and her lyrics could make up a couple of weeks of "Oprah", but in this case, that is a plus. Listening to a joyful lilt like "Little Things", you are reminded of how great soul music can be. It's a beautiful song, from it's let's keep it simple message through it's borrowing of Rufus's "Hollywood" to lay down an accompanying beat.
"God Is Real" lets India loose on a spiritual jam that is both hummable and intelligent. "Can I Walk With You", the closest thing to a genuine toe-tapper, quietly bops along while offering up praise and inspiration. And "Good Man", a personal favorite, tells a beautiful story of love and rememberence against an acoustic backdrop that is perfect for its lyrics.
India's 2nd album may not suprise you like "Acoustic Soul" did, for other female soulsters have taken up with their guitars in the wake of India's success. But if you enjoy simple, spritual tunes with soft yet smart instrumentation, then this album belongs in your collection.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprise, October 3, 2002

By	Y. Kenton (St. Louis, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After hearing "Little Things" (a song that makes you go, of yeah) on the radio, I eagerly anticipated the entire "Voyage" CD.

I can say I instantly liked "Talk to Her" (which is my favorite and "Slow Down". I agree that these songs may come across as preachy, but it's something that many of us may need to hear. So much of today's music doesn't have any message at all, so it's always good to hear a song that does. This is one of the things that I love about Ms. India's music.

Surprisingly, it took me a while to decide what I actually thought of India's sophomore effort, especially given that I still listen to "Acoustic Soul" at least twice a week.

The one thing that I truly like about this CD is that India is doing her own thing and doing it different than she did it before. I believe this is another showcase of her talent, a true artist (which we don't see many of these days). Now that I've listened to this several times I can say it is a "Beautiful Surpise" (which is also another great song on the CD).

It's different from Acoustic, but a very welcomed addition to my CD collection.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One 'Voyage' you shouldn't miss!!, October 12, 2002

By	Amin (Palo Alto, CA United States) - See all my reviews

I must admit I love India.arie. Her voice, mind, and soul are natural beauties. Her debut, "Acoustic Soul" was a refreshing blend of old-school soul with some jazzy and newer production qualities. What struck me was her honesty and the fact that the music was so real! She writes her own stuff, plays guitar, and, man, does she sing! When she got the recognition she deserved with 7 Grammy nods, I had hope for the music industry. When she went home empty-handed I couldn't help feeling for her, she's so down to earth and thru that I felt like she was a friend of mine. The strength that she has displayed is unbelievable. With "Voyage to India" she sill remains true to herself. The album's sound is more complex and her vocals are plain amazing. The first issued single "Little Things" is pure ear candy and carries a message without forcing it upon the listener. It is probably refering to the Grammy's almost rejection of her. The three interludes are like poems that strig the voyage together. My other favorites are 'Talk to Her' (almost a jam with solid vocals), 'Slow Down' (I think it's the most pop track on the album, very infectious), 'Can I Walk with You' (very sweet, but keeps it real), 'The One' (I like the LA LALA LALA LA thing), 'Complicated Melody' (it's so earthy and ORIGINAL)...GOD! I like all the tracks! They all have a great honosty and beat to them. India is here to stay and has truly grown on this release (even though its been like a year since her last). I highly recommend this album to any soul or quiet storm fan. If you're new to India, her first is a better intro, this is her voyage's continuation; lets hope it keeps going! INDIA.ARIE deserved a whole lot of respect for preserving her integrity and sharing her talent with the world!