Album Description
Named by Billboard Magazine as one of the Top 10 Faces to Watch in 2007, the acclaimed Bay Area-based vocalist and songwriter makes her major label debut on Verve Forecast with a show-stopping blend of soul, funk, gospel, jazz and R&B on Lost and Found.Amazon.com
Ledisi, whose name does not rhyme with “release me” (it’s LED-duh-see), nevertheless sounds like she’s hit upon freedom and sweet salvation on Lost And Found, her third CD and the first on a major l… More >>
#1 by Charles L. Hubbert on February 8, 2010 - 1:25 pm
Being an underground artist has its ups and downs. The downs are more obvious, with limited record sales, less mainstream promotion, and little to no radio or video airplay. But then there are the ups of having a small room full of people that love and appreciate your work for what it is. There’s also the constant hustle and eagerness to eventually get to the mountain top. But the single biggest thing that small time artists realize over time is that the music industry itself is based on timing and luck. For Ledisi, her time has arrived after many years of struggling to get her music to the masses. With the arrival of her new album, there’s good reason why Ledisi was named as one of the’ Top 10 Faces To Watch in 2007′ by Billboard Magazine. On her harmonious Verve Forecast debut Lost and Found, Ledisi guides you on a musical voyage into her world that you are more than happy to venture into. Her lead single “Alright” showcases her wide vocal range alongside the meaningful lyrics she delivers at the same time. “Joy” explores the idea of allowing another person into their soul and bringing them the happiness they deserve to have. “Think Of You” is an impassioned testimony of love for one’s significant other. Other knockout tracks include the lighthearted song “Get To Know You,” the adoring mind-set of “In The Morning,” the commanding lyrics of “The One,” and the feeling of hopefulness on “Someday.” Another notable track has to be the duet with Rahsaan Patterson for “We Are One,” a seductive interlude that certainly deserves to be a full-length track. Lost and Found promises to be the crown jewel in Ledisi’s budding singing career.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Bulwer Lytton on February 8, 2010 - 2:29 pm
I bought this CD after reading the enthusiastic Amazon reviews, and also after having heard a jazz performance by Ledisi on a local radio station. Ledisi may be a major talent, but it’s hard to judge based on this recording because the material and production are weak. Nothing comes close to being a fully-developed song. What you get instead is a groove and some vocal noodling. Lyrics? Forget it. I hope her earlier recordings will be rereleased so we can hear what she can do with some quality song writing.
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by K. Frazier on February 8, 2010 - 4:08 pm
ok, i am a true Fan of Ledisi, but this CD is kind of ‘water down’ from her other CD’s. It’s a Good CD for getting more fans, but not like her other music. Still A good CD, Alright is the best song on the cd, some others are good as well. I was still moved by her songs, but nothing like her first CD’s. This is a good intro to who she is, but if you looking for the deep songs that tell a story this is not the one. Once again it’s still a good cd, but not a must have. Like this CD, music is great, but I miss all the good stories she tells so well. This is her R & B Cd, great effort, but not her best. Pick up her other cd’s to see how well she sings, and tells stories of love , and life! This CD is still better than most CD’s that have came out this year. Pick it up!
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by W. E. Phillips on February 8, 2010 - 6:41 pm
A few years ago, I was browsing through some Listmanias and came across an unfamiliar name in someone’s list of best R&B albums of the year. I found this odd because I’m usually really on top of new artists and discoveries in the genre. Ledisi… `who is that,’ I wondered. Why hadn’t I heard of this woman? I read up a little on her and found that she was an independent artist who supposedly delivered a mean live show. After hearing all this hype, I was about ready to buy some of her albums. That is until I realized both of her releases were then out of print and only available used starting at a whopping forty dollars. Sorry, but I don’t buy CDs for that kind of price, especially if I’m not familiar with the artist. I immediately became excited when I saw she was releasing this album, Lost & Found, on a major label and I bought it the Tuesday it was released.
Ledisi has a unique and invigorating voice; it’s slightly raspy at times, but it is always bold and packed with emotion, personality, and power. She has obviously drawn inspiration from some of the jazz and soul greats. The production on this album is well done. It has quite a bit of live instrumentation, which is very refreshing when compared to the mechanized beats that usually surround us today. That plus her expressive vocals provide a listen that pops out of the speakers and really moves you. Most of Lost & Found is composed of cool and soulful mid-tempo grooves, and I must say that there is really not a bad track on here.
The album begins and ends with “Been Here,” which is an energetic exercise that hypes you up. It does a great job of creating an intimate musical environment and simulating the sound and spirit of a live performance. She is quick to let you know that she is not a “new artist” by any means: “I’ve been waitin’ on y’all to hear me sang/ `cause I’ve been her all the time,” she sings. “You & Me” is a song that immediately caught my attention on the first listen. The bass and the cool, beautiful harmonies compliment each other quite nicely. The jazzy bridge is great and a groovy touch of organ in the background of any R&B song makes it ten times better. “Alright,” the inspirational first single, is also a standout track. The laid-back track is the perfect remedy for a bad day, whether it is due to work, bills piling up, rainy weather, or just plain unhappiness. “Think of You” is my absolute favorite track of the set, however. Beginning with tight drums and a thumping bass, the summery track is just irresistible. The lilting chorus is catchy as all goodness, too. The title track is a departure from the rest of the album. It is a sparse, stripped down ballad with only piano and raw, emotional vocal delivery. “When will the sun ever shine on me?/ I need love to come and carry me.” The lyrics of being lost without love are beautifully written. Everything about “The One” is perfect, from the guitar backing, to the chorus, to the harmonies, to the song structure, to driving back beat; it is supreme perfection. “Someday,” the last full track, is a very memorable one. It is a sweet dedication to her parents and her desire to care for them and make them proud in everything she does.
I was pleasantly surprised with Lost & Found. Ledisi proves she is a distinguished talent and a force to be reckoned with. Full of passionate and sincere mid-tempo R&B/soul grooves, the album remains one of my favorite albums from 2007. At the end of the year, she was nominated for two Grammy Awards: best new artist and best R&B album, and she definitely deserves to win both. I wish Ledisi all the luck and she will definitely have longevity as an artist.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Mikeisha Best on February 8, 2010 - 6:54 pm
I was in a store the other day and overheard two women saying that they were going to purchase the new album by Ledisi. I had heard her name a few times and knew she was a R&B singer, but I certainly was not at all familiar with her musical works. Since the two women were raving about her, I decided to take a chance on her, being the music enthusiast that I am. I am pleased with her album as a whole.
What immediately enthralled me was Ledisi’s voice. This woman has some pure vocals and she delivers a song nicely. “Lost and Found” is an interpolation of R&B and neo-soul, but it is a wonderful combination. Much of the production is experimental and innovative, but it still contains the simplicity of a typical R&B beat. The production on “Today” is so creative that it helps to bring out the entire album. The song has a very positive message; an excerpt of the hook is “I got a feeling that today will go my way, I got a feeling about today, its my day.” For those of you who need reassurance, this is the song for you. “Joy” also has a positive tone. This mid-tempo track is great in every sense of the word. Ledisi is letting her man know that she will make him very happy, and, based on the sincerity in her voice, I believe her. The title track immediately got my attention because of the best thing a singer can do is perform a song with just a piano, and that’s what Ledisi did in this song. This song is emotional because of its profound words. She keeps reiterating “please someone find me.”
If you do purchase this album, I can assure that you will listen to it more than once. Once you have played it all the way through, you will find yourself thinking of the songs again and going back to your CD player. I am amazed. Join me in my reveling and pick up this wondrous work. Support Ledisi!
Mikeisha’s Top 5
1. “Joy”
2. “Best Friend”
3. “Think of You”
4. “Get to Know You”
5. “Lost and Found”
Rating: 4 / 5