By Fawn Renee
Solange Knowles has had a hard road establishing herself as a solo star, with her status as the token “black sheep” of the Knowles clan. Unlike her iconic big sister, Beyonce, who has followed the rules by the letter, Solange’s life has been a conundrum of highs and lows in love, life and career. These trials haven’t made Solange the most beloved sister, but has, perhaps, made her the more musically challenging and inventive sister. Solange’s relevance outside of her lineage became concrete with her sophomore release, Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, a refreshingly artistic concept album with a soulful backdrop. Now we find the soul angel testing her wings again with True, an ambitious EP with an eclectic sound and nostalgic concepts.
The foundation of True showcases Solange’s experimentation at its best, thanks in large part to her collaboration with Devonte’ “Blood Orange” Hynes. The EP, which features seven succinct tracks about love, loss and ultimatums, is drenched in 80s pop/rock production, complete with programmed drums, cheesy Hans Zimmer synths and soul-less bass; a framework that at its best, allows Solange to be creative with her writing and vocals, and soar to new heights.
Lead single “Losing You,” is the undeniable star of the project, with its mnemonic brand of urban pop and melodic vocals, reminiscent of Janet Jackson in her heyday. Much of the album follows this formula, but misses the mark when it stifles Solange’s vocal capacity and depth. There are times where her and Hynes’ chemistry produces nothing short of magic. On “Lovers in The Parking Lot,” Solange’s transparency as a writer and strength as a vocalist shine through as she sings, “Maybe I lost you, but I was not done having my fun/ Played around with your heart, now I’m playing around in the dark.” Other standout tracks on the album include “Bad Girls” and “Some Things Never Seem to F*cking Work.” These songs feature a Solange with purpose on True, where the remainder comprises aimless experiment.
Solange’s talent is undeniable, and while True isn’t cutting-edge, it shows imagination and growth; something lacking in mainstream pop and R&B today, particularly among female artists. Hopefully Solange can catch her stride and recover the missing pieces on her full-length LP, due out in 2013.
Out of 5
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