Search - Josephine Sincere :: Feels So Good

Could This Be The Next Big Name Outa Philly?

colby | Philadelphia, PA USA | 05/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to Josephine Sincere's CD, I continue to be amazed at how the city continues to turn out first-rate artists (Jill Scott, The Roots, Bilal, Floetry...). Add this sixteen year old singer to that mix. I listen to a LOT of music, and this CD is the real thing. It's sometimes hard to believe that she's still in high school when you hear her seasoned vocals on songs like "If U Take Your Luv" and "Fels So Good." The two things to listen for on this CD are the way Josephine immerses herself into each song and performs them with a sense of believability and emotion that singers her age shouldn't be able to do. A perfect example of this is on the songs "Mamma" and "Jane" -- both powerful songs! The other thing to listen for are the cleverly-crafted songs. There are a variety of styles and elements of soul, old-school jazz, and hip-hop, but there is also a sense of continuity to the songs. Contrary to what some might think, not all Philly artists are on the neo-soul vibe. Her album to me is simply good R&B. Her voice is strong, emotive, and has character, and she sounds wonderful throughout. This is an EXCELLENT album! I rate this CD second only to Donnie's ("Colored Section") as the absolute BEST two R&B CDs this year."

Wow! Very impressive debut for the 16 year-old!

Shelly | Decatur, GA. U.S.A. | 05/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up a copy of this CD because of all of the hype about it, and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. This young lady sounds gooooood (reminds me of Lauryn Hill), and to be so young, her controlled voice is all the more impressive. The real beauty of this CD are the songs and how she brings them to life. Her rendition the often-recorded classic "Killing Me Softly" is worth the $(...) alone. The arrangement is kinda different, too, which makes this song special. I also like the fact that she is not singing teenie-bopper music or "rapper R&B" (such as 3LW, Ashanti, etc.).The song, "Mamma" brought tears to my eyes, because, as the daughter of a single mother, I related to it 100%. "Feels So Good," "If," "Walk on By," and "I Wish" are equally wonderful. But the troubling single "Jane" is a mini-masterwork. If you like Lauren Hill and even Jill Scott, I'm sure you'll enjoy Josephine's CD. It's not perfect, but it's the best CD I've purchase so far this year."

A promosing new talent, a strong debut CD

Derrick Ravelo, Music Editor TMT | New Hyde Park, NY (USA) | 05/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It seems anymore that when I receive CDs to review from Philadelphia I feel a certain level of eager anticipation as I place the CD into my stereo to listen. The reason is because Philly is producing so much inspiring music these days. The new CD by Philly newcomer, Josephine Sincere, did not disappoint.The combination of solid song writing, real instrumentation (on many songs), and a wonderfully gifted young vocalist meld to give birth to one of the overall strongest discs I've reviewed in a while. There is a certain flow to the CD that mimics the shape of sound itself: The opening salvo of "Feels So Good" and "Killing Me Softly" smoothly gives way to a more mellow segment of the disc centered around a true gem of a song entitled, "If You Take Your Love." THIS, is Philly Soul! The tempo of the CD picks up again with a more urban feel from "He's Mine" and the ode to Philadelphia, "I Wish."Possibly the most marketable and thought-provoking cut on the CD is "Jane" featuring former Rush Associated Labels (as in Russell Simmons) emcee RuggedNess. Don't get the wrong idea. Just because the song is "marketable" doesn't mean it's not hot -- it is...ta def. And so is this CD."