Search - Taja Sevelle :: Toys Of Vanity

Taja's Turn

Armando M. Mesa | Chandler, AZ | 03/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sadly, this is one overlooked and underrated artist in the music industry!Toys of Vanity is a remarkable project that contained a hybrid of light alternative meets smooth R & B/hip-hop (though vocally and musically her material sounds nothing like Alanis Morrisette or Mary J. Blige). For harsh critics who expect Taja to still sound or write music like a Prince protogee from her Paisley Park era need to realize that she has moved in a more matured direction. She is almost comparable to a Teena Marie for the 90's and forward ( I did say almost). Though her lyrics are sometimes cryptic, one can tell that much thought and passion for the writing went into the project with the best of intentions; Nothing is mediocre or inconsistent.This is not your typical top 40 pop or R&B album.Yet, the style is very up-to-date and familiar. Taja Sevelle has taken an almost introspective angle with this. Songs are laidback yet not comatose. This c.d. is highly recommended for those wanting something slightly different from the Alanis Morrisette clones or the Mary J. Blige wannabe divas;Afterall, Taja was before any of these ladies back in the 80's..."

Very elaborate work of art with a dark and mysterious feel

Arish | PhOenix , aZ | 02/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a prime example that the music industry and record buying public doesn't appreaciate artistic music. This unique blend of soft rock, trip hop, drum n bass mixed into a Hip hop R&B formula is a mesmerizing blend! I love this album to death and it is a shame that til this day it hasn't been discovered by most. Taja Sevelle was a Prince Protege, and honestly I thought she was untalented just as most of the peaple from his camp. But she definitely proved me and everyone else wrong with this project...This album is a lyrical dark and gothic experience which follows a certain mood throughout. This is a work of art and a mastery of dark creativity. This album is timeless and I don't think there will be another that will create the atmosphere this one did. I don't know for sure if it is still available. But if it isn't that is even sadder than Noone acknowleging this masterpiece. I don't understand how so much ...gets embraced and played and supported. When artist like Taja put there full creativity and heart and soul into efforts like this. If you can find this masterpiece please make the effort to do so. This is a creative effort in conjunction with R.J Rice the producer of POE's first album, which was also very good. Just as so many artist that may never get to do another great project I think Taja is in the list because of lack of support. ...I&I -creepy rock song with a hellified groove *****2. Us -Beautiful soft rock *****3. Wake before I die - Trip Hop *****4. A lot Like You - Good cruizing summer Hip hop Vibe *****5. I feel - Mid tempo with a drum n bass kick *****6. Making Love to the air - Very mystical Trip Hop overtone with a hiphop beat. *****7. Toys of Vanity - Song with a Hip hop vibe with Dark overtones.*****8. Sub Conscious Me- Good Hip hop rock vibe with a strong Dallas Austin/Prince feel.*****"Those are my favorites and the High points on the cd in my opinion. The rest of the cd it great as well!"... Taja is a blend of 3 different styles which makes this lp unique!Arish"

Stand Out

Arish | 06/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This, like Taja's previous two albums stand out from the rest of the same old stuff female artists. The lyrics are highly original and thought provoking. Taja's voice as always is amazing"