Syleena Johnson:
Chapter 2: The Voice - Jive Records.

Release date: 26 November, 2002

Album review by: Keya Modessa

1. Voice, The/Intro

2. Faithful To You

3. Now That I Got You

4. Dear You

5. Guess What

6. I'm Gon' Cry

7. Is That You

8. Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go

9. If You Play Your Cards Right

10. No Words

11. So Willingly

12. Guitars Of The Heart (Happy)

13. I Believe In Love

14. Outtro

15. Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go - (remix, featuring Busta Rhymes/Rampage/Sham/Spliff)

16. Untitled (hidden track)

"Stand up if u want to be seen, reach out so you can capture your dreams, cry out if you want be heard, it told me to be strong and take heed of my word." (The Voice). The first enlightening words taken from the intro of a remarkable album. Chapter 2: The Voice - a title which many of you may not be familiar with. The album belongs to Chicago-based chanteuse Syleena Johnson, daughter of legendary blues soul man Syl Johnson who had hits with songs like "Take Me to the River."

Johnson's shimmering smoky voice is unique, but the most concise way of describing her style is mid-tempo soul, meets contemporary RnB, combined with the good old-fashioned blues (no doubt inspired by her father). The name of Syleena's debut album, released in 2001, through Jive Records was entitled, 'Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness', the raw honesty of a story, which the gifted singer/songwriter had lived through.

In her second project however, Chapter 2: The Voice, the 25-year-old soulstress puts the heartache to one side and presents the listener with a variety of sounds, beats and feelings. What's striking about this album is how Johnson has steered away from the traits of contemporary RnB artists. She has incorporated a personal style blissfully drenched with 'rhythm & blues' - without sticking to the overused RnB 'pop' element, which so many artists follow. Her mature talent brings back that classic quality.

The Voice has allowed Johnson to collaborate with the likes of Carvin Haggins and Ivan who are best known for their work with Jill Scott and Musiq and the results come ringing out in songs like "No Words" and "I'm Gonna Cry" which insanely at 3 minutes 30 seconds, did not seem long enough. Chapter 2 takes the listener on a groove-funk based journey where strength in Syleena's own instrument 'The Voice' is as much to do with finding the strength in our own individual lives; '…take heed of my word'.

Syleena's powerful womanly vocals take us through her spiritual and personal self. As her voice soars the music remains refreshingly chilled and cool. "Now That I Got You" is a good example. It's soothing in the right places and sexual in other ways. 'Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go' is a sweaty mix of pure sexuality and lust. Co-written with R.Kelly, the track's club remix features some of hip-hops top names Busta Rhymes, Rampage, Sham and Spliff Star from the infamous Flipmode Squad. Its filled with Syleena's sexy husky, and very suggestively seductive voice. 'Tonight I'm gonna get aggressive so don't you dare put up a fight, tonight I'm gonna put it on you baby. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.' - enough said!

Favourite Track:

4. Dear You
6. I'm Gonna Cry
15. Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go (Remix)

Return to Latest Reviews or select review by artist or Soundtrack, A-Z.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z