Infinite Possibilities [ENHANCED]

Amel Larrieux

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004HYM1
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (160 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,131 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > R&B > Neo-Soul

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Amel Larrieux, formerly of mellow duo Groove Theory, unleashes her wholesome musical and personal aspirations on her ear-catching solo debut, Infinite Possibilities. A fusion of hip-hop, groovy R&B, jazz, and Middle Eastern and African rhythms overlaid with the singer's soulful vocal meanderings, the album resonates with the influences of Sade, Innervisions-era Stevie Wonder, and Prince. All the while thoughtful and respectful to God, Larrieux's good-girl vibes are made less ordinary with a multilayered, proficient musical backdrop that deepens with each listen. The single "Get Up" reels the listener in with atmospheric synth notes and Larrieux's beguiling vocals, which spiral into a jazzy tone poem to close the track. "Sweet Misery" is another tune bolstered by her heartfelt vocal expressions, and "Infinite Possibilities" conveys the title's meaning as it builds to its climax of overlapping vocal rounds, dreamy keyboards, reverberating guitar chords, and plugging bass. "Down" is a striking funked-up variation on the piano-bar diva's usual melancholy mood. While not as gutsy as such contemporaries as Macy Gray and Angie Stone, Larrieux's vision for a modern, world-beat-savvy sound gains significance the longer it stays in the player. --Rebecca Robinson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SMOOTH & JAZZY, May 16, 2000

By	Knyte "To The Stars" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

Remember Groove Theory's "Tell Me"? That thumping bass line supporting Amel's beautiful voice? Well, Groove Theory this is not. It's actually better. This album, which is in the family of "neo-soul" like D'Angelo, Maxwell, Sade and Erykah Badu, showcases Amel as a songwriter and singer. While the album is playable from start to finish, there are some songs that stand out. "Ini" is a song about finding beauty within yourself, and the percussion and exotic instruments on this one take you away to clear blue skies on a warm tropical island. Then there's "Get Up", her jazzy first single. She sings, "I know you're down, but when you gon' get up?"...like your best friend trying to get you out of the dumps - and she does it well. The best song is the title track, "Infinite Possibilities", because when she says these words, it's like a soft feather tickling your back during a warm, sweaty massage. Every song is written by Amel, and her husband helps on this one too. The music is pure, and the lyrics wholesome. It's a refreshing change from typical music these days. This ain't sex you down music, it's spiritual, and will de-stress even the worst situations. This album is a requirement. Don't miss out on this one!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amel.......Amel.......Amel........!, April 11, 2000

By	dOc "undergroundmuzic" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

The review I wrote on her single: GET UP {"this song has made me fall in love with her all over again. Type of song to lay back with your "honey" and just loose it all. Nice beat, excellent vocals. If you like N'Dambi, Badu, Fertile Ground, Grenique, Omar....etc, you'll love this one."} does not hold up to what I really think of this CD now. After listening to it everyday for a week in my car going to work , I seemed to have a greater respect for this Goddess who just wants to sing to the world. A track like "Sweet Misery" should be played at high volume and bass levels, eyes closed (not while driving of course) and head nodding to the sweet hypnotizing sound generating from your speakers. "Down" (love this song) is for those jazz heads who appreciate that old school skat jazz sound from back in the day but with a new school twist. Amel has developed into a artist that's appreciated all around the world and it is shown in the people she work with like Groove Theory, Sweetback, and others. She also so laid down a track on the Love Jones Soundtrack that was a favorite of mine as well. The CD is a A++. GET IT!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She ain't down at all, September 20, 2005

By	the muso "Muse" (Johannesburg, RSA) - See all my reviews

As a South African woman, when I first heard Amel's surname, I thought that she was a white Afrikaner women. But as soon as I heard her music, I knew that there was no way she could be that.
She has got so much soul. She sings straight from the heart and that make her work even more exclusive.
Amel captures your heart with her beautifully poetic lyrics and just adds the cherry on top with her amazing voice.
I know almost all the songs on the album and that is because all of them are good enough to hold the centre of attention.
Although this album has been out since '98 it still rocks. I even made a deal with my friend that she will sing Make Me whole the day I get married.
She is a lover, a sister, a fighter and a rebel at heart.
She can even be your best friend.
This album was really a great way to start for her.