Spins: Album reviews

The Foreign Exchange – Leave It All Behind

Artist: The Foreign Exchange Title: Leave It All Behind Label: Independent Genre: Soul/Electronica/Hip-Hop The fact that Foreign Exchange did not make a second Connected is a clear example of the respect and growth between two artists who are visionaries, but above all honest with their creative energies. Leave It All Behind has an all star cast from ZO! to Yahzarah to everyone’s favorite golden girl Muhsinah and is by far the most promising release of the year. On this album, Phonte steps away from the ideology that he is simply an emcee. Surprising most that are not privy to his depth as an artist, Phonte eloquently shines with his range and ability to harmonize over tracks that are orgasmic. In addition, Nicolay’s productions on L.I.A.B. are a clear indication that he is an accomplished musician and a craftsman of song. The album starts off with Nicolay’s signature moniker that introduces the incomparable “Daykeeper.” The lead single which features Muhsinah and Phonte’s vocals is simply exquisite. If the angels in heaven were asked to make a soundtrack composed of songs that captured nirvana at its best, “Daykeeper” would undeniably make the list. Full of great imagery and infinite layers of melodic decadence, Nicolay displays his brilliance with this opus, making it a great introduction to a phenomenal project. Another instant classic on this album is the sensational, “House of Cards” which is a cosmic trip where Muhsinah and Phonte guide us through their musical galaxy and expose elliptical orbits that serve as layers of exuberance. Stevie Wonder must also be somewhere smiling at the first listen to FE’s version of, “If She Breaks Your Heart.” With Yahzarah on vocals and ZO! and Nicolay on the production, they definitely do more than justice to a classic that often gets lost. There are other tracks that equally stand out. The title track shows us an honest portrayal of a proud father encouraging his son to truly leave it all behind while Nicolay fades out the initial beat and ushers in a harmonious closing that can penetrate even the most lost soul. “Something To Behold” encompasses a dope sixteen from Phonte along with his comedic genius and knack for capturing reality. “Valediction” is another gem which is a bittersweet tale of a relationship coming to an end. Despite its somber lyrics, Phonte sets a charismatic tone that makes breaking up seem somewhat easy. “Sweeter Than You” and “Wanna Know” are also luminous by infusing down tempo and jazz. F.E. is a great partnership between artists whose range exceeds the boxes they are often placed in. Nicolay’s production is similar to water in the sense that it goes in any direction making it as endless as the ocean. And Phonte’s charisma and skill to give us snapshots of vigor through lyrical formations make him an elitist in an industry full of empty rhetoric. You are sure to transition to blissful escapism with Leave It All Behind which is the best journey traveled on this road we call music in a long time. - aRaSia www.myspace.com/theforeignexchange Download at Itunes Download at Amazon Purchase CD at Amazon

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