PORTIA MONIQUE really is something. Travelling far and wide in pursuit of her musical dreams, the young, seriously talented singer- songwriter has built herself upon a dazzlingly unique voice with something very real to say.
Her eponymous self entitled debut album is a perfect summary of that. Produced by REEL PEOPLE, It is the next step of her amazing journey.
Opening track CLOUD IX (‘cloud nine’) provides us with a suitably heavenly starting point, Monique’s love-fuelled vocals soaring on some seriously fluid soul production.
ECSTASY, too, conjures celestial bliss whilst the punchy beats ‘n’ brass of AIN’T SCARED OF YOU offers feistier feeling, yet Monique’s self-assertive song is beautifully uplifting rather than chaotically wild.
That stylish composure is again in evidence on funky sashay NEVER GIVE YOU UP, Monique defending a relationship with emotive sincerity. In turn, one of the album’s later tracks MY LOVE sees the artist in infectiously flirtatious form; a slick R&B-edged booty call pivoting on those swaggering, smartly arranged vocals and harmonies, as much as that irresistible bass bounce.
There are further, brilliant shifts of stylistic gear. Ms Monique summons her inner spoken word poetess on WHO?, coolly firing broadsides at life’s doubters and haters over a minimal, super-slinky flow of congas, upright bass and pert guitar. GRACE is exactly that, all elegant piano progressions, smooth drum shuffles and lush jazz vibin’, and SMILE, a sauntering, happy-go-lucky groove impossible to shirk. Closing number NOBODY, on the other hand, dials up to danceable 4-4 tempo, its mellow yet intensely soulful fusion of Chic- style riffs and epic electric guitar solo driving Monique’s tonsils on to some of this album’s biggest and most memorable moments – a fitting finale.
Produced by REEL PEOPLE main man OLI LAZARUS and regular studio cohort TONI ECONOMIDES over a period of 18 months. The album is well worth the wait and delivers Reel People’s signature blend of organic, free-range soulful groove, whilst allowing Monique to fully express her considerable song-writing and vocal skills, it is an unforgettable, heartfelt outpouring of modern soul goodness. Deeply authentic yet highly accessible it is a record, put simply, not to be missed. PORTIA MONIQUE has truly arrived.
Wonderful series of collaborations showcasing a breadth of soul, rooted in Detroit's rich musical history. Filled with chunky hip-hop and r&b-infused licks, touches of house and breakbeat and a wonderful cast of guest vocalists, it's a really rich album that rewards you on repeated listens. Jason Piper
Stratoaquatic opus ! Immersion and suspension, appeasement and plenitude guaranteed. This album should be reimbursed by social security !... <<< l🦝urent >>>
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