By Fawn Renee

Marsha Ambrosius is a rare talent. She writes, sings, and produces records independently. Her work is so refreshing, authentic, and alluring that even without a mainstream radio hit, her debut album has become one of the most highly anticipated R&B releases of 2010. While fans wait in anticipation of her debut Late Nights & Early Mornings, the former Floetry songstress gives the masses something to chew on with her latest mixtape, Yours Sincerely.

The intro sets the tone for the mixtape, as Marsha addresses fans and thanks them for their support in her London accent, with the signature Philly innuendos.  The intro then leads into easily one of the best songs on the EP, “Let Me Go.” On this track we feel Ambrosius’ sensuality as she begs her counterpart not to hold back, but to let her experience all that his love and sexuality has to offer.  The melodies, as usual, are flawless, and Marsha’s songwriting is still top notch. Hard to believe it was composed on Apple’s Garageband and Motif alone.

A while back Ambrosius released “Put It On Repeat” through her Twitter page. The song met with mixed reviews from fans.  Here she fondles with the idea of becoming the floecist as she admits, “Put it on repeat was my excuse to do a 16.” The track features Marsha’s trademark vocals — lightness mixed with a very unique vibrato and her trademark lyrical skills.

“She Don’t Matter,” admittedly one of Marsha’s favorite tracks on the tape, is a ballsy proclamation about what she has to offer, contrary to the opposition. The ad libs on the song are phenomenal, something Marsha has become revered for. Similarly, on “This Love,” which features long lost R&B crooner Glenn Lewis, Marsha ad libs atop Lewis’ velvety vocals emoting the feelings present in her lyrics.  While many speculate about Marsha “covering” the song, previously found on Lewis’ debut album World Outside My Window, Marsha lets it be known that she wrote the lyrics that people loved then and love now on this mixtape. Not hard to believe, given her track record which includes writing , as well as performing, one of the last great songs by the King of Pop. 

Yours Sincerely closes with “Take Care.” Her pitchy verses and melodious chorus mix together seamlessly with the laidback groove. An alternate version is found on her previous mixtape, entitled Yours Truly; still, fans will likely fall in love with this original version all over again.

All eyes are on Marsha Ambrosius as she gears up for the release of her debut album in June. While Yours Sincerely doesn’t tap into half of Marsha’s potential as either a songwriter or vocalist, it is enough to keep fans on the edge of their seat with anticipation. She is slated to release the album’s first official single in the first week of April, until then, at Marsha’s advisement, “put it on repeat.”
3.75 out of 5

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