Two-time Grammy award winner and 16-time Grammy nominee INDIA.ARIE returns with her 4th career album, Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics, marking the return of her signature brand of “acoustic soul.”
India is back and thank goodness for those comfortably refreshing acoustics that we’ve grown to love. The new album is the medicinal offerings that seem to lift us up when we’re down and express the feelings we can’t seem to put into words. The up-beat seems island influenced as it gives thanks to the person in your life that takes care of you most. Not only will you love it, but it might make you pick up the special someone and just say “thanks.”
The current single “Chocolate High (ft. Musiq)” is a sugary serene escapade that will either leave you in a state of euphoria or with a toothache. Yes it’s cute and touching but a little heavy in the sweetness. “River Rose” moves at an unhurried pace and as reasonable as it is, it’s still a tad tedious. “Long Goodbye” plays on Arie’s signature bare piano keys and lyrics. Stripped of any over-produced instruments, this classic offering is more than a healthy helping of lovers on two different wavelengths and why it doesn’t seem to work; even though neither can ever seem to break free.
The good thing about Arie is that she’ll always teach you something whether you want it or not. Her griot-like appeal is what makes songs like “The Cure” which tells the story of a woman using a man “like her father” to fill a void. Yes we all know that’s a recipe for disaster but listen up anyway. In the lyrical enfolds you’ll find that the “worst disease in the world is not Cancer or AIDS” but hate. Listen up for “Yellow” which is a childlike crush worthy tune that’s as happy as the pastel title.
All in all, India doesn’t shy away from who she is as an artist which is what we love the most. You might have to be older than 21 to really get into Testimony: Volume 2 but if you can grab onto some of the deeper concepts if you’re not careful you might just learn something.
Of the album, India.Arie says:
“This is the first album that really represents me vocally, lyrically, sonically. In my last album, my goal was to express the emotion and the vision musically, along with the words. I accomplished that on this album. It’s an unhindered expression.”
Make sure to check out India’s official myspace page to preview the full album and of course make sure to go out and support her latest release.
i like Indie!
i love her song, chocolate high!
all i can say is YEEEEESSSS!!!!
LATIFAH? DID I MISS YOUR INTRO AS A STAFF MEMBER…
NICE WRITE UP
Can’t wait to cop this album!! India.Arie always delivers the goods!!
If Chocolate high is any indication of the quality of the album, then I can’t wait to get it.
The album is divine. Different but still India. I’m so appreciative of the music she supplies to the world.
Now, that’s how an album review is written. No offense to Brian, but I could never get into his reviews. I could tell from the first paragraph that he was not the reviewer here. Thanks Latifah.
Looking forward to listening to India.Aries latest offering.
Man 16 Nods and only TWO Wins!!?? Thats a damn shame!!!
I just love India…her originality shines through in her music, in these musical times where everyone is copying the latest fad, whether it be autotune or a catchy dance…she sticks to what she knows, what she is good at! If only more artists did this, people would never have started talking about how music has died!!
India is naturally beautiful….love the pic…Can’t wait to get the album
All of her albums are dope and I think I will really love and enjoy this latest album.I love her 1st single “Chocolate High”featuring Musiq who is amazing.India Arie has a charm about herself that just shines through in her music.Her voice is so strong but gentle at the same time.I’m so glad that she’s back and is still making soulful music.
She is beautiful
India’s 1st CD is a classic, the CD is just perfect from I’m Ready To Love to Str, Courage and Wisdom, it should have taken every grammy.
can’t wait to hear this one, India doesn’t do HIGH NOTES, she doesn’t act ghetto and she doesn’t booty shake (no offense Mariah, Keyshia or Beyonce), her music is about passion, soul and love.
and i’d have it no other way
Is this released today?
Nice review. Latifah ought to become a full time member of CL.
Cant wait to buy this! Is it out in the UK yet?
The most thorough and refreshing album review I’ve ever read on this site – great job Latifah!
I CAN GENUINELY SAY THAT INDIA LOOKS PRETTY! A DEFINATE UPGRADE FROM HER EARLIER DAYS!
she looks great…all her music is wonderful…
I missed India Arie… I was at the taping of the VH1 Soul Stage and she sounded awesome. Smooth and sultry sharing some old and new songs. I love Therapy w/Gramps Morgan their voices mesh well together. She’s been gone two years too long!
India is very pretty in person pictures don’t do her justice… and she is loc free sporting a low cut ceasar and looks great with her new look!
I love the soul of her music. She really is the truth!
Just one correction Latifah.. The song title is “River RISE” not “rose”.
She is so Pretty in the picture above. Very nice photo.
I loved her last CD. I cant wait to buy this one. I like the new single she has out. I saw the video the other day.
Off to youtube to listen to some of the old India Arie songs while at work (ready for love is my favorite)….
India’s music is very nice until you meet her and want an autograph. My sister idolizes this woman, so imagine how I felt when a friend and I encountered Ms. Arie in a Barnes and Noble one afternoon. She was at a table with a friend, and I was in the CD dept when my friend told me she in there. Without thinking twice, I reached for a $18.99 overpriced CD and prompty paid for it and then walked towards Ms. Arie’s table. She saw me and my friend coming towards her, so she did the, “roll her eyes up and over to the left” as if to say, Oh gawd, an annoying fan. Being aware of her facial-gesture, I went on to greet her and politely asked if she would sign my sister’s CD because her Bday was coming up. She signed it, I thanked her and as I walked away, I cheerfully let her know that by no means have I personally ever purchased any of her music (because I prefer Jill Scott, and told her so!), but I’d make sure my sister got the CD.
@Lis
India must have been having a bad day b/c I’ve met her before and she was very cool and down to earth. A friend of mine went to a barbeque in ATL where she was there and she said she was actually very nice also.
I’d like to give a great big ol’ BOOOOOOOOO to the whole Grammy system. For India to only have two after her MASTERPIECES (albums 1&2) is a travesty. They also robbed Jazmine Sullivan this year (5nods=0 wins). Here’s a question- Why is
it that they love to reward white people who sound black (Adele, Duffy)) rather than the genuine article (Jazmine, India)?
genuine article (
CL Thx 4this review.
Latifah: U new 2 the CL staff ? Welcome!
@ Lis: I dont believe this. If this did happen I apologise.
IA was very nice when I met her in DC/Bmore ,so I find it very hard 2 believe that she rolled her eyes.
Also, if u really did “cheerfully” tell her “I dont buy your music, I only bought this cd so I could give it 2 my sisiter” that was VERY RUDE OF U LIS ! U sound like u have a problem.
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24. Lis Tuesday, February 10, 2009 /
India’s music is very nice until you meet her and want an autograph. My sister idolizes this woman, so imagine how I felt when a friend and I encountered Ms. Arie in a Barnes and Noble one afternoon. She was at a table with a friend, and I was in the CD dept when my friend told me she in there. Without thinking twice, I reached for a $18.99 overpriced CD and prompty paid for it and then walked towards Ms. Arie’s table. She saw me and my friend coming towards her, so she did the, “roll her eyes up and over to the left” as if to say, Oh gawd, an annoying fan. Being aware of her facial-gesture, I went on to greet her and politely asked if she would sign my sister’s CD because her Bday was coming up. She signed it, I thanked her and as I walked away, I cheerfully let her know that by no means have I personally ever purchased any of her music (because I prefer Jill Scott, and told her so!), but I’d make sure my sister got the CD.
TO #25 I completely agree, but i think it also has to do with commercial success. If Jazmine had went at least gold…she probably would have gotten at least one. However, India’s first album went gold and she lost all her nominations. Its just another way for whites to profit off our music..its been going on for decades now.
whatever!!
Love India!
whatanalbum?!?!?! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! LONG GOODBYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
something about her just errkks me uugghh ….neva really liked her.
India is a pretty woman. I love seeing dark skin women that are celebs. There aren’t very many. I love the inspiration she gives young people. My neice had a self esteem issue & it was broken when India-Irie came out with the song she could only be me, comething like that (her first song). Any who I’m sure this album will be a good one.
While I dont care for Chocolate High, I do love Therapy. I got that on my myspace now.. That song is just beautifully written, down to the beat. I love it. I love her and her style of music. She’s wonderful.
I just thought her and Musiq coulda done a better song together, being as to how they are 2 of my most fav artists.
i luv india.arie…she’s what black women supposed to be like…REAL (all real)…no make-up, weave, etc….this woman shows alot of confidence w/out falling into the “cookie-cutter” society…she’s what makes us REAL black women luv ourselves…thanks india!
I am a huge India.Arie fan her music has really helped me in my life:
“Strength, Courage & Wisdom”
“Get it Together”
“Wings of Forgiveness”
“I Choose”
SO HAPPY FOR HER!!!
I love india..i wish the song beautiful flower was on the album!!!