The long-awaited Stax Records debut from the stirring soul singer! On this exciting new album, N'dambi ingeniously distills soul-deep inspiration into a sensual style of elegance and power, making her a fundamental new a... more »ddition to the Stax legacy.« less
The long-awaited Stax Records debut from the stirring soul singer! On this exciting new album, N'dambi ingeniously distills soul-deep inspiration into a sensual style of elegance and power, making her a fundamental new addition to the Stax legacy.
"N'Dambi is one of the most creative and talented singers/musicians of our time. She seems to be ever-changing, still, each and every song, each note is tastefully chosen. Her songs are not ruminative, compulsive or dragging, she's flexible, brilliant, her voice raw, full of emotion. Her blue notes are incredible, the songcraft on the album is exceptional. This cd is a definite milestone in soul and blues history, you'll see that. N'Dambi doesn't do "retro", this is fresh and genuinely satisfying. The songs are no nonsense, they don't imitate others, they avoid the major label industry characteristics.
There is no song titled "Pink elephant" on it - the album as a whole is the pink elephant, that is, the thing that you try to suppress but cannot, it keeps popping up in your mind. And the music on this painfully beautiful album is just like that - you cannot get it off your mind.
And no filler, guys - that's very rare.
A cohesive effort but versatile enough to be stimulating, not a safe one, though it may easily appeal to anyone interested in all the depths of good music. Her soul and blues is organic, unusual, complex and anxious, still, the melodies are sophisticated and catchy and not awkward. No impersonation, no "let's be ultrahip" sweat, no Winehouse- or Ledisi- or Badu- complexes, this is a truly great and highly musical album.
I feel like this is the album I've been waiting for for ages."
The best album of 2009
Jana | 10/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a huge fan of N'Dambi and I hope that with this album she finally gets recognition that she deserves. N'Dambi is definitely very talented artist and this album is very soulful and sounds very refreshing when compared to the same formula songs that we keep hearing these days. For me, this is the best album I've heard this year and I'm sure I'll keep listening to it for years. There are no fillers and it's difficult to choose my favorite songs as all of them are great, but I'll try - Nobody Jones, Mind Blowing, Take It Out, Can't Hardly Wait, The World Is A Beat, Imitator. I highly recommend this album to all lovers of soul music, you won't be disappointed."
This is what R&B should sound like.
Timothy J. Taylor | Pikesville, MD | 10/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently stumbled across D'Ambi on the internet on another site that features independent artists. I had NEVER heard of her, but was pleasantly surprised when I heard her sing. I immediately fell in love with her voice. Now, here I am ten days later with her new CD added to my collection.
This album is truly one of the best albums out on the market. This is a nice CD to drive to, or to cuddle up with someone special and just enjoy the music of D'Ambi. This CD is SOLID from start to finish. Her vocal delivery is superb on EACH AND EVERY song.
Here are a few of my favorites: (1) L.I.E. (great funky tune), (2) Can't Hardly Wait (captivating groove), and (3) Nobody Jones; the whole CD is slammin, but these are the songs that continuously play in my head after the CD has stopped. If you like good R&B (not the stuff on radio today by the clones), this is the CD for you. You will not be disappointed."
Nice work by a beautiful brown babe!
M. Bell | Atlanta, GA | 11/15/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you that don't know, N'Dambi is not really a new artist. She has had two prior indie CDs that she self-produced while being one of Erykah Badu's background singers. Her Stax label release
was one I couldn't hardly wait to hear. It is fresh, mellow and tastefully naughty R & B without sounding like another mirror of Beyonce' or whomever else gets way too much radio airplay. N'Dambi is the full package. A true talent with natural beauty. I love her Angela Davis inspired afro. This throwback sistah has got pipes! Her voice is unique. It is smooth, sassy and one not easy to imitate. Being original is a rarity. N'Dambi will get to be a household name soon enough. This outing is just her first major indication of greatest to come.
"
Some of the Best R&B in a Long, Long Time
WayneInSF | California | 10/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the best R&B albums to come down the pike in a decade. No electronic slides of the voice, and none of the annoying vocal olympics that are so prominent in today's pop music. This is just straight ahead, soulful R&B, updated for the 21st century. N'Dambi ingeniously combines soul-deep inspiration and a sensual style of elegance and power. She is a name to be watched on the music scene.
Album was produced by the legendary Leon F. Sylvers, III, and features a couple of tracks that he co-wrote with another up and comer: Leon F. Sylvers, IV. The result is a most excellent album.
Best cuts: "L.I.E.," "Nobody Jones," "Can't Hardly Wait," "The World Is a Beat""