Reviewed by Tony Cummings

IN THE MAINSTREAM

More than one critic has noted that several of the leading divas in the neo-soul movement (Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Angie Stone for instance) have left some clues that they may, in fact, be believers. Fans obsessed with spotting Christians in the mainstream may come to add India Arie to that list. Ever since Ms Arie catapulted into the bigtime with her multi-platinum debut 'Acoustic Soul' she's been a critic's darling. But the fine song on that album "I See God In You" also made clear India's interest in spiritual matters. This, her follow up from 2002, has another gem "God Is Real", one of the most hauntingly wistful songs of the year. If you've yet to catch up on this young lady's particular musical approach, let me explain that, as with her debut, there is a deft blend between the organic (acoustic guitars feature on many tracks) and the technical (occasional samples and examples of the mixer's art). Handclaps and finger snaps drive many of the tracks while India's voice is a wondrous thing indeed, oozing soul in every swoop and swerve yet never engaging in the OTT theatrics of some divas. A class act, let's pray Ms Arie doesn't become another spiritual casualty so often produced by the cutthroat, ego-bloated world of mainstream R&B.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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