Better the second time around!
Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 10/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ayo is a singer/songwriter of Nigerian/Romanian heritage (her name is Nigerian - Yoruba) and "Gravity at last" is her sophomore disc. Her debut disc "Joyful", a hybrid of Folk/Soul/Reggae which while rather patchy, shone with moments of brilliance (like the stunning ballad "What is love").
All kinks seem to have been ironed out on her sophomore disc (she especially seems to have worked on her rather off-putting accent) and she continues in the musical direction set by her debut.
Opening is the sunny "I am not afraid", horn peppered with a light Afro-beat feel. "Maybe (Ayo blues)" as it's name implies, is a Blues-tinged lament of love lost, while the single "Slow slow (run run)" sounds very much like something Bob Marley would do. "Better days" is a haunting piano ballad, while "Sometimes" is acoustic with organ flourishes. "Love and hate" is another lovely soulful acoustic ballad peppered with organ, and "Get out of my way" is a beautiful lilting Reggae-tinged song with soothing harmonies.
The autobiographical "Mother" talks about the painful and strained relationship she has with her drug addicted mother which led to her spending years with foster parents. Sombre yet beautiful! Closing is the hymnal "Thank you" in which she counts her blessings and thanks God.
The album was recorded live, and this is translated into the energy and organic feel of the songs. beautiful!!"
Not as good as the first album but still good
FrogThinker | MA USA | 01/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This new album does not have the naivete and fragility that was found in her first album but there are still a lot of good songs. The lyrics are still very good but the music lacks creativity."
Pure Musical Enjoyment
D. West | Los Gatos, CA United States | 12/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I guess I have David Letterman to thank for Ayo; or at least the one responsible for booking musical guests on the show (Paul?). I first heard/saw Ayo about a year ago on Late Night where she performed "Down on My Knees." I was totally taken by her and immediately wanted to hear the entire CD. I was not disappointed by anything; and whereas another reviewer called her on her accent, I totally love it, and everything on the first, and this new CD "Gravity At Last" (especially the blues piece :) )
Ayo is one the most interesting, wonderful singers I've heard in ages, I just wish she would come on tour in my area."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1