Let loose and let her hypnotic cadence move you in this spectacular alternative R&B album. HYPNOS feels like you’ve been pulled into a tight embrace with your best friend on the dancefloor. Take the self-love track ‘Inside Out’ as an example, “I wonder why suddenly I can fly, No one can shake me now, And there were times you’d take me high to break me down, Then I’d come back around.” Her final single Xtasy was later remixed with rapper Doechii and producer KAYTRANADA, pumping a steady electric beat. Not only is it beautifully composed but the lyrics were written to move you as much as the beat. One of the many things to love about this album is the storytelling. Both singers share a relaxed and ethereal energy that has created a sadly soft tale of a lovers parting. Lenae’s first single ‘Skin Tight’ with Steve Lacy is a dream combination. It is an alternative R&B album of balmy harmonies and perfectly selected features. HYPNOS captures the stunning versability of Ravyn Lenae’s alluring voice, which is both delicate and otherworldly.
The recognisable swag of Robert Glasper is featured on ‘Still Wonder’ which feels more layered than some of the other tracks which seem purposely exposed, perhaps a nod to the ever-changing journey of love itself. She details the pain of love in ‘ Too Bad I Forget’, before moving on in ‘Love Again’ – carried by a romantic acoustic guitar. The quintessence of soft modern R&B, it’s easy to sink into Isley’s voice like a cloud and let the album whisper stories of love to you.
Most notably on Alex Isley’s 2020 hit, Good & Plenty. We should note that this power producer-singer duo have made musical magic many times before. In her joint album with producer Jack Dine, Alex Isley’s songs blend seamlessly into one another to produce what is surely one of the best Soul / R&B albums of 2022. Her Father was legendary singer Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers, and her Grandmother an opera singer – it’s clear to see how these influences shape her music today. Jazz Studies graduate and classically trained artist Alex Isley grew up immersed in music. This is definitely one of 2022’s best albums period. And it’s a delightful listen whilst doing that. Overall this album tells us that sometimes the person in the way of your own joy is yourself. Untidy Soul has no particular journey but much like the title it is a compilation of various thoughts and feelings. ‘Love by You’ a song filled with promises of being someone’s relief, and ‘East Detroit’ where over the steady and seductive bass, he pines for an old lover. Love is explored throughout the album, such as the playful song ‘ Chicken Wings’, a plea for good company and food. There is a continuous influence of Jazz from the background adlibs to the sounds of trumpeter Keyon Harrold on ‘Still Broke’, a tale about getting lost in money only to end up cashless and friendless. For fans of a young John Legend, Samm’s raspy voice is perfectly complemented by the gospel influences and melodious choirs on tracks like ‘8:16’ and ‘ Joy’. Now at 28, he has released an elegantly soulful and infectiously uplifting debut album.
Playing the drums at four he then picked up the piano and guitar in his teens. Church was one of Samm Henshaw’s first introductions into music.
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