Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Solange, Saint Records/Columbia Records 2019.
I’m not sure what to make of this album.
Solange is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter and visual artist whose releases are eagerly awaited and yet for the most part I’m left disappointed by this release.
Because of her reputation I listened to the album twice just to make sure that it wasn’t a grower. I don’t think it is.
In musical form it’s a mix of soul and hip hop and she has employed the services of a wide range of collaborators from the hip hop/dance scene including Tyler the Creator, Chassol, Playboi Carti, Standing on the Corner, Panda Bear and others to develop the album.
Solange was executive producer and I found the sound muddy, maybe more attention should have given to the mixing (or possibly my ears are too old).
I get the impression that my appreciation of Solange’s work would change if I saw the accompanying live show to go with the album.
Being a visual and performance artist, the music is probably tied to specific images that become complete when the two halves, music and movement, are combined.
Most of the tracks are short, many just over a minute in length. Some tracks are linked by short interludes as way of introduction or extending a thought or musical groove.
The album uses many samples from Third Ward’s own Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, poet Pat Parker and Scarface.
Solange’s intention when writing the album was to explore origin. It asks the question: “How much of ourselves do we bring with us versus leave behind in our evolution?”
Even on a second listening I could barely discern the theme, with the possible exception of the tracks Almeda and My Skin My Logo which explores race and skin colour.
Solange has performed sold-out shows across the word, including in Australia at the Sydney Opera House, so she is obviously popular and her work is highly regarded.
I acknowledge that I’m probably not in Solange’s target audience group and therefore my comments may be tainted by my lack of knowledge of her culture and intentions.
