Although she started her musical career fifteen years ago, at the tender age of fifteen, it's taken some time for Solange to hit her stride. Early albums saw the youthful singer in awe of her big sister (Beyonce for the three people in the world who didn't know, and Barry), trying in vain to emulate the glistening R&B of Bey, Kelly and Michelle. As she matured, Solange explored fashion, first as a model, then as a designer with her House Of Deréon fashion line, gradually defining her own aesthetic and identity in the process. All of which means, that in 2k16, Solange is ready to mark her mark on the musical map with a career defining, world changing LP of boundary pushing soul. While the charts are filled with the throbbing basslines and skittering hats of trap and EDM, Solange has served up an organic, original set of sincere and spiritual soul built on warm bass, delicate piano and inspired synth melodies. Then there's her voice; intimate, crystal clear and packed with emotion, perfectly narating the struggles of life in the modern world. One minute into "Cranes In The Sky" and I was nearly in tears, it is SUBLIME. Visually, sonically and thematically unique, this is a perfect LP of accessible RnB and fully deserves its place as a future classic. You WILL remember where you were the first time you heard this, and you'll fall deeper in love with every subsequent listen.
STAFF COMMENTS
Patrick says: The younger Knowles sister bursts out Beyonce’s shadow with a sublime LP of serious, sensitive soul and precise, on point RnB. Populist and artistic, this has all the hallmarks of an enduring classic.
TRACK LISTING
1. Rise
2. Weary
3. Interlude: The Glory Is In You
4. Cranes In The Sky
5. Interlude: Dad Was Mad
6. Mad - Solange Feat. Lil Wayne
7. Don't You Wait
8. Interlude: Tina Taught Me
9. Don't Touch My Hair - Solange Feat. Sampha
10. Interlude: This Moment
11. Where Do We Go
12. Interlude: For Us By Us
13. F.U.B.U. - Solange Feat. The Dream And BJ The Chicago Kid
14. Borderline (An Ode To Self Care) - Solange Feat. Q-Tip / Solange
15. Interlude: I Got So Much Magic, You Can Have It - Solange Feat. Kelly Rowland And Nia Andrews
16. Junie
17. Interlude: No Limits
18. Don't Wish Me Well
19. Interlude: Pedestals
20. Scales - Solange Feat. Kelela
21. Closing: The Chosen Ones