Spins: Album reviews

Letoya – Lady Love

Artist: Letoya
Title: Lady Love
Label: Capitol
Genre: Soul/R&B/Pop

Former Destiny’s Child member Letoya Luckett has worked hard to remove herself from the shadow of that super-group, releasing a number 1 debut album that showcased her pop-friendly yet soulful talents. With Lady Love, Letoya’s sophomore solo effort, she further makes her presence known as a memorable artist in her own right. Although Lady Love moves away from the classic soul sound of her debut for a more slick electronic sound, the songwriting is as catchy as ever, with several cuts that will have you pressing the repeat button.

Letoya’s sound is definitely pure R&B with most of the tracks on Lady Love having a mid-tempo feel, all booming bass and sexy undulating hooks. She never veers into mindless dance territory even on uptempo tracks such as “She Ain’t Got” and “Drained”, which remain lyrically dense and complex. Her sound could most easily be compared to a Faith Evans rather than a Beyonce as the themes and lyrics tend to be more mature that the average R&B diva. Standouts like “Tears” and “Matter” play like tracks produced by the Dream but with a noticeably more adult sensibility added to the lyrical content. But Letoya’s made sure to include at least one surefire radio hit, the unstoppable “Regret” featuring Ludacris. Sure to be one of 2009’s standout singles it bumps with savage energy even as the track barely rises above fingersnaps occasionally ramping things up to furious rat-a-tat snares. Appearances and production from the likes of Estelle, Ryan Leslie, Tank, and Mims keeps things interesting throughout.

Proof that there is life after Destiny’s Child, Letoya keeps doing her thing. For fans of quality R&B grooves, this is one that should not be misses.

- Norman Mayers

www.myspace.com/letoya
www.letoya.net

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