The second album from Germany’s premier soul artist Joy Denalane, ‘Born & Raised’ has high expectations. The success of her debut hit ‘Mamani’ has earned her comparisons to such greats as Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige, but despite the critical acclaim, Joy remains humble and deeply rooted in her native Berlin.

‘Born & Raised’ showcases Joy’s vocal ability to the highest of standards and her decision to record this LP in English will undoubtedly attract music fans from a far wider scope than her German-language debut.

Language differences aside, Joy’s second album, produced almost entirely by her husband Max Herre, is a breath of fresh air. Her love and devotion to her art is obvious through her music, and on tracks like the beautifully penned title track, Joy namechecks the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, paying tribute to her as she sings: “Hip hop soul was the brand new rage/Became my real love with Mary J.”

Joy draws her listeners in with her soulful and soothing vocals, like on the powerful ‘Stranger In This Land’ or the more gospel feel of ‘Start Over’. From songs about loved ones lost and found to socially aware tracks, Joy manages to keep her audience enthralled throughout.

She brings in a couple of well-known American collaborators on ‘Change’ with Lupe Fiasco and the one and only Raekwon on her remake of ‘Heaven Or Hell’, giving the album more of an international appeal – not that she really needs it. Nevertheless, Lupe’s appearance on the opening track is a welcome one, as is the Wu-Tang wonder on ‘Heaven Or Hell’, a cut Joy successfully makes her own with a little throwback to the 1994 classic.

But Joy’s true worth is shown on songs like ‘One In A Million’ and ‘7 Year Itch’, while the jazzy ‘Soweto ’76 –‘06’ hints at yet more musical influences Joy’s yet to really put on display. A few more sprinklings of this and she’ll have a real masterpiece on her hands.

As it stands, ‘Born & Raised’ is still an astoundingly good album, but with a few more like ‘Soweto’, she’ll have music lovers hanging onto her every word.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Top three tracks:

4) Heaven Or Hell (ft. Raekwon)

11) Born & Raised

14) Soweto ’76 – ‘06