Reviewed by REBECCA BARRY
Herald rating: * * * *
As a black lesbian singer/bass player, Meshell Ndegeocello has always had fuel for thought, from her social and political venting, to her mish-mash of musical styles.
On her sixth album — essentially a collection of tripped-out, neo-soul lullabies — she finally seems at peace with life.
"Be still, have faith, stay clear of the rat-race" she breathes on Come Smoke My Herb, suggesting it's not just a lover contributing to her contented headspace.
This despite some intensely personal lyrics on the only stripped down guitar track, Liliquoi Moon, "As I'd watch my mama drown in her tears / He'd say 'I can't promise you love'."
But who knew reggae could be so seductive (Love Song) or that the most frugal of musical ideas could translate into such an uplifting song (Fellowship)?
And while she could afford to be more adventurous with her voice, which barely rises beyond a sort of soft, ragga poetry, the steel guitars, galaxial bleeps and touches of funk save it from becoming a soundtrack to light up to. Bliss.
(Maverick)
<i>Meshell Ndegeocello:</i> Comfort Woman
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