Mya:
Moodring

Release Date: 21 July2003

Reviewed By: Fiona McKinson

1. My Love Is Like ... Wo

2. Fallen

3. Why you Gotta Look So Good

4. Step

5. Sophisticated Lady

6. No Sleep Tonight

7. Anatomy 1 on 1

8. Hurry Up

9. Things Come And Go

10. You

11. After The Rain

12. late

13. Whatever Bitch

14. Take This

15 Take A picture

16. Free Fallin'

17. Real Compared To What

Da Brat - Limelight, Luv and Nightclubs
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Maryland's Mya Harrison splashed into the oasis of R&B aged 18 with her infectious self titled debut CD, which scored three top 10 singles, 'It's all about me ft. Sisqo, 'Movin on' and 'My first night with you.' She so impressed the industry that she was asked to guest on 'Ghetto Supastar' for the Bullworth soundtrack. It became a huge hit, as did 'Take me there' - a duet with Blackstreet from the Rugrats soundtrack. Her follow up album 'Fear of flying' witnessed a progression into maturity. The album evoked the hits 'Case of the ex', 'The best of me' and 'Free'. Mya supported the album with a tour, bringing her dynamic energy to audiences world wide.

A risqué side of Mya was exposed on the smash single 'Lady Marmalade', which also featured Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Lil Kim. This number 1 hit from the Oscar winning film Moulin Rouge won the 2002 Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group, and the MTV award for best video of the year.

Mya has sexed it up even more for her third effort 'Moodring'. Like its namesake, the album embodies a variety of moods from seductive to humorous, and each song represents a kaleidoscope of colours. The Production is sheer quality. Understandably it features the likes of Missy Elliott whose mark is prominent. She is joined by Timbaland, Damon Elliott, Knobody, Rockwilder, Omen, Tricky, Jam and Lewis, Ron Fair, and Mya herself. Moodring is an insightful offering. "There are a lot of different emotions and situations on Mood ring", Mya explains,"and that's because I really wanted to show how I feel. Because I'm at a point in my life where I'm comfortable sharing those sides of me. This album has been a playground for me."

Musically Mya pushes herself in directions only hinted at before. Themes range from relationships to spirituality. Mya plays with hip hop beats, smooth soul, banging techno, understated pop and sultry reggae. She engages man of the moment Sean Paul for 'Things come and go' - a cheesy but catchy summer number. The first single is 'My love is like...Wo', produced by Missy. 'Wo' is a grower that witnesses a very assertive Mya. At first, Mya admits, "I didn't like the song, or maybe didn't feel comfortable singing lines like 'My ass is like Wo. But after living with the track for about a year I started changing my mind, and really began to love it. I even came up with the concept for the video!"

Another song that takes Mya into dangerously uncharted territory is the techno fused 'Whatever Bitch.' You'll either love this song or hate it. Is Mya trying too hard to be all things to all people? Apparently it's just a bit of fun designed for the stage and inspired by numerous club dates. Mya and Damon Elliott cooked up this high energy and humorously catty track. "I remember after Damon and I finished the song we drove down the Sunset strip blasting the track and people just stopped and turned their heads!" If that is not your cup of tea maybe one of the three bonus tracks will be more up your street.

As well as musical genres, Mya has also been experimenting with acting, landing roles in both 'Chicago' and the forthcoming 'Havana Nights'. She has several sponsorship deals including one with Coke, and lends her voice to promoting self esteem among young women. As a recording artist there is an integrity about her. Multitalented Mya is worth the investment from both big brands and music lovers alike. She has obviously grown and developed as an artist, and this is evident in her versatile sound. Mya hopes that by listening to the album "Fans will walk with more of a sense of themselves and me." Whether for empowerment or entertainment, this easy listening set is worth a try.

Rating: 4/5

Three Favourite tracks:
1. My Love is like... Wo
5. Sophisticated lady
6. No sleep tonight

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