Search - Lexi :: Somewhere Different

Lexi takes you somewhere different and Lets You Have it!!

The Red Bull | Michigan, Ohio | 06/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"No less a talent than Lalah Hathaway once said, "Lexi is BAD!" And Lalah ain't never lied...
On her second project for boxer Evander Holyfield's Real Deal label, Lexi serves up another heaping helping of the REAL, inspirational pop/R&B that is her hallmark. She can purr softly a la Miss Jackson ("Not Until") then get nasty and go full-throttle like gospel belters LaShun Pace ("Testify") and Shirley Murdock ("Not the Same"), whose tone, runs and style are very similar to Lexi's.
She can also articulate and milk a melody like her "inspirational" sistren CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams ("Ms. Incognito" and "I Lift My Hands"). But the singer has a distinctive, playful side that is all her own, as evidenced by her Carmen Miranda-inspired accent on "He's Done So Much for Me," which has a slamming "I Dream of Jeannie"-like Latin groove that calls the hips to salsify as Lexi rolls her "R-uhs" and testifies: "He's like love on a wedding day/like chicken after church on Sunday/He's the sugar in my ice-cold Kool Aid/that's it--my point has been made." Indeed. Lexi is bad!
Of course, an inspirational singer must sing words that inspire; Lexi and co-writers Gary Crawford and Michael Allen (the singer's husband and producer) deliver consistently in a variety of settings, notably on the dark and lovely "Ms. Incognito" ("How easily one wanders down/the road/that only leads to regret/the soul will not be quick to forget/one moment with Ms. Incognito"), a waltzy ballad with a lilting melody and a story that speaks to those who've struggled with temptation and "downlow" escapades.
The old school-flavored skating jam "Betcha Miss His Love" also keeps it real and shows compassion for those who've stumble on their spiritual path: "Hey, it's been awhile/since I saw your smile/what's been going on?/I know everybody's heard about your dirt/but they can't throw no stones...betcha miss His love..." All without being preachy. Hmmm. While some might find that disturbing, I reckon that Lexi is not singing to them anyway. But they would want to listen.
While the album is chockful of potential hits for various formats, the centerpiece has to be "Don't You (Tell Me What God Won't Do), a duet with Commissioned member Marcus Cole that is a testament to the sheer power of faith:
Cole sings: "Not long ago/I was broke/couldn't pay my car note/rent was due/had no food/living on I.O.U.s/had to borrow from my people/to get my car from the repo/Couldn't get my hair cut/I had to do it myself..."
Now, who among us hasn't been there?
Lexi counters with her testimony of not being able to conceive and the resultant happy ending, the birth of a baby boy, all while rocking to a beat that recalls Janet Jackson's "I Get So Lonely." The hook urges, nudges, REQUIRES the listener to "stand/raise your hands/lift your voice/and tell Him. 'THANK YOU.'"The song is an extremely well-crafted song that deserves to be an across the board hit (especially in these times).
"I'll Be There" showcases the versatility of Lexi's sweet, powerful instrument - the effect of which is made all the more potent by her impeccable pitch, admirable riff-ability and well-placed moans. She has a way of punctuating notes with a "sizzle" effect that further illustrates just how hot her vocals are.
The praise-and-worshipful "I Lift my Hands" closes the CD with a spiritual bang and tightly-woven, layered harmonies that reach for the soul while Lexi's anointed lead vocal will make the listener want to reach for a hanky. Warning: goosebumps should be expected toward the end...
Lexi's knack for speaking plainly, but intelligently should resonate with people who like to hear positive music with REAL themes and still get their groove on. She shows that gospel artists can be multi-dimensional and illustrates what joy lies at the end of the rainbow when one dares to go somewhere different.
Like Lalah said, "Lexi is bad!"
Since Real Deal is now defunct, this a CD that should be gotten while the getting is good."

This Time Around....

Minah | TX | 04/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mrs. Allen did a wonderful job! From beginning to end, she held those vocals up. I thought "And That's The Way It Is" was a good c.d., but I heard this one, and found that she had kicked it up another notch. You'll find that she does two songs that are accompanied by Marcus Cole of Commissioned...that was a great idea, whoever thought of it. Their voices sound well together. If you want good quality music, purchase this c.d., because that's exactly what you'll get."

SIMPLY THE BEST

Cam'S | METARIE LA. | 03/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS CD IS FOR ALL MUSIC LOVERS,NOT JUST GOSPEL MUSIC LOVERS.LEXI IS DOING IN HER MUSIC WHAT ALL GOSPEL SINGERS SHOULD DO,AND THAT IS,TO REACH THE SECULAR WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL AND INSPIRE THEM TO LISTEN TO JAMMING MUSIC,BUT HOLY LYRICS.THIS CD CONTAINS MUSIC THAT CAN OUT DO TODAYS R&B/POP MUSIC ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.BUT STILL KEEPS IT HOLY.RIGHT NOW,LEXI IS THE BEST FEMALE GOSPEL ARTIST OUT.IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS CD.GET IT,AND THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.I DON'T KNOW IF LEXI CAN OUT DO THIS ONE.BUT I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER NEXT PROJECT TO COME OUT."