Complex Simplicity by Teedra Moses: CD Review
The Most Underrated Artist in R&B
The first few songs hook you. Her most popular song, the midtempo "Be Your Girl," has typical R&B lyrics of unrequited love from a girl too shy, but its the playground-like main hooks and the fantastically blended multitracked vocals that will keep this song repeating over and over in your head. "Backstroke" is soulful, poetic and brimming with sensuality and a vibrating bass line. "No More Tears" is another standout track with its slick production and relaxed feeling.
The next songs just reel you into this sultry singer. Teedra has an exquisite duet with Raphael Saadiq in the amazing "Take Me." Sporting a detailed construction, Teedra shows more of her vocal range and Raphael meshes very well while overpowering. "Complex Simplicity" is a kickback to the Janet Jackson era of Hip-Hop with this smooth, club song. "For A Lifetime" is the stand-out ballad on this album, with the harp-filled background, haunting production and beautiful lyrics.
Some may fault her for lack of variance in her styles, but as much as she excels when she slows it down, her street-cred talent shines when the album borders the line of hip-hop. Produced by Lil' Jon, "You Better Tell Her" is filled with attitude and has a lot of radio-single potential, despite the song being absolutely too long. Her song with Jadakiss, "You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" is infectuous and edgy. Unfortunately, "Outta My Head" does not work with its thugged-out production and is easily the weakest song on the album. The song is generic, skippable and half-hearted.
No, Ms. Moses does not feature rap artists on almost half her songs. Yes, she has a raw talent that needs little production adjustments. She, however, will most likely fall into a category of amazing, but heavily slept on, R&B artists joining Tweet and Jerzee Monet. With her new album, The Young Lioness, hitting stands this year in later 2007, hopefully Teedra Moses will rise among stature and sales past the less talented, like Ashanti.
Grade : A+
Download : Be Your Girl, No More Tears, Backstroke, Take Me (Feat. Raphael Saadiq), You Better Tell Her
Skip It : Nothing!
Published by Cullen Park
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- Teedra Moses has written songs for Macy Gray and Christina Milian, but this is her first solo album.
- Complex Simplicity has songs that range from sultry soul to smooth, club songs.
- Her first single, Be Your Girl, is a standout song with its addictive hooks and playful beat.
1 Comments
Post a CommentSounds like my kind of music. Will check it out.