WHISPERIN & HOLLERIN REVIEW

Our Rating: 9 out of 10! By the time I hit “Complicated,” with Zanya Laurence cooing in a most heavenly fashion, there was no turning back. It meant that this would be a record that I would continue to return to, to drink from its waters again and again.

Laurence is a young talent with an obvious affection for classy, soulful artists such as Alicia Keys and the disappearing act known as Lauryn Hill. But Laurence holds her own, blessed with a rich, sultry voice that is no pale imitation of her idols. Best yet, she is remarkably disciplined; she doesn’t attempt to sing outside of her range. However, the real strength of an artist is really judged from their songs. We have already established that Laurence can sing, and she can definitely do that well. But what about the tunes? Are they memorable or engaging? Yes.

“Down & Out” and “A Long Road” pulsate with a throbbing beat that only a strong, confident voice can create an emotional impact with. And, sure enough, Laurence does; her vocals not only capture the feelings of the lyrics but the groove of the music as well. She makes it sound so easy, and it’s soothing sailing for the ears. The glowing “Sunday” is carried by jazzy textures and soaring vocals. “Sunday” is already worth the price of admission alone; fortunately, there are 15 more to seek delight from.

Author: Adam Harrington

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FEAR OF A RAP PLANET REVIEW

Zanya Laurence reaches Alicia Keys highs on ‘Soul Theory…’

Reviewed by Howie Mitchell

The widespread influence of Alicia Keys cannot be measured anymore; however, only the artists who step beyond the conventions of R&B could be considered rightful heirs to her throne. Thankfully, Zanya Laurence is someone who is seemingly inspired more by Keys’ creative ambitions than her trademark style. That is how the best musicians develop, to absorb what has gone before and make it your own.

Like Keys, Laurence delivers a diverse menu, mostly light R&B sprinkled by smooth jazz, acoustic pop, and neo-soul. On “This Is My Life,” Laurence’s passionate voice forms an intimate bond with the piano, nearly becoming a single instrument. Her singing is both sweet and bittersweet, sometimes playful as on “Lose My #.” I find myself becoming most attracted to the unplugged charms of “Sunday” and “It Won’t Be Easy,” as the acoustic guitars offer a rain-drop ambience to Laurence’s voice that is absolutely lovely. The driving “Rhythm” is as close to hip-hop as Laurence gets here but this slickly produced and well-crafted R&B CD will have fans of the genre in a slow-jam buzz that won’t fade away for quite a while.