She doesn’t modify her formula and opts to callously expand her sound in a desperate attempt to be “current.” Rather, she refined a template that has done wonders for her career and uses it to push her own narratives of love and positivity. And Worthy does well to continue her trend of supplying the world with healing anthems. Much like her previous bodies of work, Arie has never had any issues taking listeners on a musical adventure.
INDIA ARIE SONGS RICH FULL
In an era full of so much vitriol in popular culture and the political sphere, it’s refreshing that Arie released an artistic project that has no agenda but to motivate and enlighten. Even two decades into her hallmark career, Arie continuously hits the black community with bold declarations that few mainstreams acts seem keen on entertaining. She also urges men to be an active figure in their children’s lives. With a huge repertoire of knowledge to pull from and that not anchored by limited subject matter, Arie takes on another esoteric concept on “Prayer for Humanity.” She explores the topic of protecting young women so they can freely bloom without being trampled on at an early age. Songwriting this poised and honest makes listeners feel as if someone is gazing through their mind because of the relatability. Songs like this are pivotal because they hold a mirror to your soul and it leaves you with all of the images of your baggage. That dichotomy is one she explores frequently, but this song isolates those concepts in great detail. Her allusions to space, the sun, and otherworldly items are often juxtaposed with earthly desires and superficial affirmations that cause people to lose track of their true essence. “Follow the Sun,” a telling anthem of reflection, Arie’s anointed voice takes center stage behind a gospel flair and simple instrumentation. While Worthy’s singles do a splendid job at garnering positivity, the true depths of this album lie in the newly-heard cuts. The transparency is palpable in her delivery, but the real emotion stems from her brilliant storytelling. “Yeah, he’s a brainiac, and he makes me laugh like an aphrodisiac,” is one of the many clever lines in the song that affirms Arie’s pen game is as sickening as it’s always been.
“That Magic,” the album’s lead single, is a Caribbean-tinged tune that has an infectious hook that’ll grab listeners by the soul. “Rollercoaster” does an effective job laying Arie bare, allowing for a fleeting but poignant view of the depths of her colorful disposition. Arie also reminds listeners she stands for more than just sunshine and peace. Here, she puts her cheeky personality on front street as she allows us to identify with her outside of the brand she exudes. On “Rollercoaster,” a funky take on some of the bombastic music of the ‘70s, Arie rebukes all advances of negativity and offers to entertain the state of the world with a song and smile. Arie sounds stellar on the spellbinding track, expertly navigating through the various registers of her multifaceted voice to ignite a sense of purpose in her audience. Intended to be her “most textured and lively work to date,” Worthy officially begins with “What If,” a powerful statement of emancipation that urges the average person to advocate love, as opposed to letting hate divide. On this collection of cathartic jams, the soulful veteran gives her listeners a healthy dose of clarity. I am greateful that I have loved someone enough to say these words to them! and I welcome the bonus to love this way again soon.Nearly two years after releasing SongVersation: Medicine, India.Arie shares another precious gem with the R&B sphere and calls it Worthy. “…If you were a shoulder you’re where I would rest…like a cool breeze on a summer’s day, you are a river running in a desert plain, you are a comfort even before the pain!”… Ow!. I have now been forced to listen the rest of the CD and how fresh the songs like back in the middle, I see God in you, Beautiful, Ready for love – this is such a RICH album- A classic piece of work! I am possibly repeating myself because i know i wrote something in the past about her- but hey in my language we “into emnandi iyaphindwa.” (A good thing is always worth repeating) It’s only been ten years since she stepped into the scene and she’s still as fresh and deeper… if she can make it for my fortieth birthday even better. And a thought crossed my mind- I would love to invite her for dinner one day in my 40’s.
She is truly gifted- her ability to reveal the ontent on my soul in an elegance i could never muster makes her my muse. It woke me up in the morning, playing in my head and I had to dig for her debut CD- the one I have not played in at least two years.