Dawn Robinson, the sunrise of En Vogue, has definitely found a niche in Lucy Pearl, the new trio she created with Raphael Saadiq (Tony Toni Tone) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest). We don't know how long this group will perform together, but one thing's for sure, the strength of their individual resumes assures their success as a group.
The album's soft-as-silk vocals glide over resonant melodies and animated tracks, creating a diverse musical collage. Humor abounds on "Can't Stand Your Mother," as Robinson and Saadiq form a duet, singing of their disheartened feelings towards each other's mother. On the brief "Ask Of You," Robinson's velvety vocals lace a fattened track which adds a complementary twist to the R&B hit. The lively musical mechanics of "Dance Tonight," the debut single, incite energy and prompt one to sing along. And the guitar strings of "Hollywood" add a subtle rock feel to the track--Robinson's tamed vocals tone down its intensity, heightening its appeal. The only tune to include outsiders is "You," which features Q-Tip and Snoop Dogg.
If this CD were a dish, it would be a goulash of sounds--a thick stew of rhythmic flows and savory blend of soulful spices--that simmers over funky, dancing flames.
All recordings courtesy of Pookie/Beyond. ΓÇ£CanΓÇÖt Stand Your MotherΓÇ¥ written by R. Saadiq, D. Robinson, C. Owens; courtesy of Ugmoe Music/Tenom Music (ASCAP)/Watermelon Girl Music/Stratinum Songs/Ensign Music Corporation (BMI). ΓÇ£Dance TonightΓÇ¥ written by R. Saadiq, A. Muhammad, D. Robinson; courtesy of Ugmoe Music (ASCAP)/ Watermelon Girl Music/Stratinum Songs/Ensign Music Corporation (BMI). ΓÇ£HollywoodΓÇ¥ written by R. Saadiq, A. Muhammad, D. Robinson, C. Owens, A. Collins, G. Rossington, R. Van Zant; courtesy of Ugmoe Music/Cool Abdul/Tenom Music (ASCAP)/Watermelon Girl Music/Stratinum Songs/Ensign Music Corporation (BMI)/Universal-Duchess Music Corp./Get Loose Music, Inc. (BMI).
