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| Teedra Moses "Complex Simplicity" CD Review |
Teedra Moses debut album "Complex Simplicity" is simply one of the best R&B albums of 2004. Although it didn't make as big of a stir as it should have on the charts those who have gotten a hold of this album know that what they have found is a diamond amongst the many coals that are lining the shelves of your local record store.
How this record did not make the top of the charts is still a mystery to me. With her smooth soulful voice and drama filled lyrics Teedra Moses unfolds her story of love, life, death and betrayal and bears open her soul for all to see. She shows us her seductive side on songs like "Backstroke" and "Rescue Me" while also showing that she has been a woman scorned in "You'll Never Find" featuring hip-hops Jadakiss adding a touch of "ghetto flavor" that often accompanies such R&B tracks. With a tear jerking, heart felt tribute to her mother in "Shirley's Song" you see a daughter's devotion and heartache at the loss of such an important person. Teedra Moses holds nothing back and that is what makes this such a great album.
Technically speaking the production is top of the line. Produced by some of the finest in the industry (Paul Poli, Raphael Saadiq, Jonathan Smith, and Teedra herself) they add some sounds that are a little bit old school without ever sounding "old." She has managed to mix the urban and pop sounds to create a wonderful masterpiece that is still capable of top 40 success. She mixes subtle bass lines with smooth keyboard sounds that accompany her ever so smooth and seductive vocals. She pushes the envelope with lines such as "Sometimes I even touch myself imagining your pleasure baby" however when placed against the flowing melody she pushes the line yet isn't obscene or in your face, which in today's society is very rare.
The bottom line is that Teedra Moses is one of R&B's most talented yet under exposed artists and if you're smart you will run out to your local record store and buy this album. You will call your local radio station and tell the station manager to start playing her songs because unlike some of the played out, generic pop that they play she actually deserves to be on the top of the charts.
Teedra Moses is on TVT Records. Her music is available at the usual outlets or online at Amazon.com. You can visit Teedra online at the official Teedra Moses website.
Review by Melissa Deskovic - © 2005 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved. |
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