frank favano

 This album represents an excellent starting point for discovering the Roots, and I warmly recommend it to all lovers of original and never banal sounds.

 Hats off to this band which, over its long career, has managed to give dignity to a genre like hip-hop that often falls into predictability.

Phrenology, released in 2002 by The Roots, is praised for its rich blend of hip-hop, soul, funk, and rock elements. The album features notable collaborations and showcases the band's musical innovation and lyrical depth. It is highly recommended as an excellent introduction to The Roots' distinctive style and enduring impact on hip-hop. The reviewer expresses heartfelt admiration for the band's creativity and influence. Listen to Phrenology and experience The Roots' innovative fusion of hip-hop and soul today!

 "+ Justments is another successful effort by Bill Withers who... has managed to tell us in music stories of everyday life with heart in hand like one of us."

 "His vocals are also striking, lacking the range of his contemporaries, yet able to transmit great emotions."

The review revisits Bill Withers' 1974 album + Justments, highlighting its soulful storytelling and warm arrangements. While less known than his previous works, it offers standout tracks like 'You' and 'Green Grass' that showcase Withers' unique vocal style and emotional depth. The reviewer encourages both novices and seasoned fans to rediscover this impressive gem of classic black music. Dive into Bill Withers' soulful + Justments and experience classic 70s black music warmth today!

 Amel Larrieux stands out for her class and her magical, velvety vocals reminiscent of great soul-singers of the past.

 "Bravebird" is an album that can enchant those who already appreciate artists like Erykah Badu, Meshell Ndegèocello, or Sade.

Amel Larrieux's 2004 album Bravebird showcases her enchanting voice and blends soul, funk, and folk elements. The album addresses social issues while maintaining an optimistic mood. It appeals to fans of artists like Erykah Badu and Sade with its sophisticated and heartfelt sound. Bravebird stands out amid the 2000s music scene for its depth and class. Listen to Amel Larrieux's Bravebird and experience timeless soulful elegance today!

 Maxwell gifts us a classy debut with complex yet immediate arrangements and not at all trivial lyrics.

 The album is a '90s update of the soul tradition of the legendary '70s and is enriched by contributions from historic musicians.

Maxwell's 1996 debut, Urban Hang Suite, is praised as a seminal neo-soul album that updates 70s soul with rich textures and sensual grooves. Featuring collaborations with legendary musicians, it blends funky and velvety tracks highlighted by Maxwell's falsetto. In a 90s landscape dominated by gangsta rap and pop ballads, this album stands out for its elegance, complexity, and timeless appeal. It is recommended alongside D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar as a cornerstone of neo-soul. Listen to Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite now and experience the essence of neo-soul excellence.

 Add ingredients like intimacy, poetry, and sensuality combined with jazz, hip-hop, and spoken-word and you’ll get this work.

 If you’re looking for an album that gives you relaxation after a hard day, well, this album is for you.

Floetry's debut album Floetic is a celebrated neo-soul work combining jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, and poetic intimacy. The duo's chemistry shines through tracks like "Say Yes" and "Butterflies." Praised for its smooth sound and deep lyricism, Floetic offers a relaxing musical retreat. Fans of soulful, poetic music will find much to admire here. Listen to Floetry’s Floetic now for a soulful blend of poetry and neo-soul magic.

 If you thought hip-hop was just sampled beats, well, with this band you can think again, here there is music played with real instruments.

 Each track speaks for itself thanks to the talent of the Roots, whose discography I warmly recommend to you, really varied and amazing.

The review praises The Roots' album Things Fall Apart as a groundbreaking hip-hop record that blends live instruments with thoughtful lyrics. It highlights standout tracks featuring collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu and Common and emphasizes the band’s role as innovative musicians in a genre often dominated by clichés. The reviewer warmly recommends the album and the band's diverse discography. Dive into The Roots' Things Fall Apart and experience a soulful, live-instrument hip-hop journey today!

 Her music is free, from labels and the rigid rules of the music market.

 Plantation Lullabies can be considered an album that anticipates the so-called neo-soul trend.

Meshell Ndegéocello's 1993 debut album Plantation Lullabies stands out as a free-spirited blend of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soulful lyrics. Signed by Madonna's Maverick label, this album anticipates the neo-soul movement with its poetic exploration of love, social issues, and Afrocentric themes. Praised for its originality and versatility, it remains a landmark work for lovers of quality black music. The album’s rich textures and genre-defying sounds established Meshell as a respected artist in contemporary music. Listen to Plantation Lullabies today and explore Meshell Ndegéocello’s genre-defying soulful debut!

 Will revives the splendor of crooners of the past.

 'A Dream Fulfilled shows us a Will Downing in great shape who, thanks to his warm voice full of pathos, updates the black tradition to the ’90s.'

Will Downing's 1991 album 'A Dream Fulfilled' revives the elegance of 90s smooth jazz infused R&B. Featuring rich instrumentation and passionate vocals, the album balances synthesized sounds with classic jazz elements. Highlights include soulful covers and standout tracks blending gospel and doo-wop. A perfect recommendation for fans of Anita Baker and similar artists. Discover the timeless charm of Will Downing’s 'A Dream Fulfilled'—listen now and experience the perfect blend of smooth jazz and soulful R&B.

 The unexpectedly romantic tone, Vandross’s vocal genius, make the album enjoyable to listen to and allow us to rediscover the art of this unforgettable artist.

 Thanks to the magical touch of bassist Marcus Miller and keyboardist Nat Adderley Jr., Luther gives us a classy album.

Luther Vandross' 1982 album 'Forever, For Always, For Love' is celebrated for its romantic ballads and skillful arrangements. Standouts include covers and original tracks elevated by Vandross' vocal prowess and the contributions of renowned musicians. The album fits perfectly within the Quiet Storm genre, showcasing an enduring classic sound that still resonates today. Listen to Luther Vandross' timeless classic and experience the soulful magic of 'Forever, For Always, For Love' today!

 Thanks to her versatile vocals, rich in pathos, and the skillful production by Michael J. Powell, Anita created an everlasting masterpiece.

 "Rapture" is the ideal album and is also a great starting point to discover the art of Anita Baker.

Anita Baker's 1986 album Rapture stands out as a masterful blend of soul, jazz, and pop during a time dominated by electronic new wave. The album showcases her smooth, versatile vocals and sophisticated production by Michael J. Powell. Highlight tracks like "Sweet Love" and "You Bring Me Joy" exemplify her unique style that honors tradition while innovating. Rapture serves as an essential introduction to the elegant soul music of the 80s. Listen to Anita Baker's Rapture and experience the soulful elegance and jazz fusion that defined 80s romance.