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With the release of the single ‘Change’ (the track that features Common’s skate boardin’ ‘substitute’ Lupe Fiasco) and her recent appearances at the Southport Weekender and on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide radio show, demand has brought forward the release of the album.

‘Change’ is one of a trio of tracks that make this album worth getting on their own, along with previous singles ‘Let Go’ and ‘Heaven Or Hell’ (featuring Raekwon). But don’t start thinking this album stands out as a best of ‘guest artist’ gig.

Joy is definitely the star here together with production by her husband, Max Herre. Her inspirations are said to include Letta ‘What’s Wrong With Groovin’ M’Bulu, Mary J Blige and, of course, Aretha. Not convinced? Try ‘Be Real’ for a gospel and strings anthem and be converted.

There are parallels with last year’s best soul album Keep Reachin’ Up as that was a bi-continental effort between Nicole Willis (American) and The Soul Investigators (Finland). There’s not the same overt 60’s feel here, it’s more in the tradition of North American soul which is even more impressive when you think Joy was ‘Born & Raised’ in Berlin by her German mother and father from Soweto.

And with Hugh Masekela as an uncle obviously she’s had lots of African influences in her life a la A.L.A.. We’re told she’s a supporter of a HIV/AIDS prevention project in South African and she’s represented the UN’s “Stand Up” campaign for poverty relief. The track ‘Soweto ‘76-‘06’ is suitably powerful and the funkiest of the set.

R&B has been waiting for the next shining soul since diva since the likes of Badu, Kelis and Blige went AWOL. Who’d have thought it would come via Soweto, Germany and Philadelphia? Don’t let Born & Raised be a stranger in your land.

Hectic Mix nominations: ‘Change’ (see video HERE), ‘Let Go’, ‘Be Real’, ‘Heaven Or Hell’, ‘Stranger In This Land’, ‘Something Stirrin’ Up’, ‘Soweto ‘76-‘06’

Reviewed: Joy Denalane - Born & Raised (Nesola) Cat. No.NES 82876846632 Release date: 18 June 2007

Tracklisting:
1 Change (4:16) featuring Lupe Fiasco
2 Let Go (4:30)
3 Be Real (4:17)
4 Heaven Or Hell (4:39) featuring Raekwon
5 One In A Million (3:46)
6 For The Love (4:05)
7 7 Year Itch (5:00)
8 Caught Up (3:31)
9 Stranger In This Land (5:36)
10 Start Over (3:59)
11 Born & Raised (4:08)
12 Something Stirrin’ Up (5:50) featuring Governor
13 Despite It All (3:52)
14 Soweto ‘76 - ‘06 (4:51)
15 Sometimes Love (3:11)

Links:
www.joydenalane.com
www.myspace.com/joydenalanemusic
www.nesola.de
www.lupefiasco.com
www.myspace.com/lupefiasco
www.maxherre.de
Wolanani Project www.wolanani.co.za
www.sowetan.co.za
Gilles Peterson :: Tracklisting Thursday 17 May :: Joy Denalane Live in Session
Joy Denalane - ‘Heaven Or Hell’ (Instrumental)
Joy Denalane feat. Lupe Fiasco - ‘Change’ (Instrumental) (Four Music/Sony/BMG)
Joy Denalane - ‘Stranger In This Land’ (Live In Session)
Joy Denalane - ‘Stranger In This Land’ (Four Music/Sony/BMG)
Common - ‘Go!’ (Instrumental) (Geffen)
Joy Denalane - ‘Let Go’ (Live In Session)
Joy Denalane - ‘Heaven or Hell’ (Acoustic) (Live in Session)