India.Arie's Return
Is As Smooth
As 'Cocoa Butter'
Last night, a collective cry of joy erupted from the internet when India.Arie took to Twitter to confirm that she indeed had new music ready and that the first track to be released would be "Cocoa Butter." For India.Arie fans, her return has been a long time coming, and after making that announcement she didn't make them endure much more waiting before giving them their first listen. Barely able to contain her excitement about the song and her forthcoming album, SongVersation, India.Arie tweeted, "its been a LONG! LONG! road here #COCOABUTTER by @_SHANNONSANDERS and ME!" Singing, "your love is like cocoa butter on my heart," she praises the healing and protective benefits of a love that has smoothed over her emotional scars. If you're overexposed and in need of a little restoration, India.Arie's got the musical salve for your soul.
__________________________
India kick starts her Soundcheck set with the intro to her new disc, ‘Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics.’ Summoning rich melodies from her back-up singers, the artist launches into a prayer of gratitude: “I’m grateful that you created me from the same grains. And I’m grateful that you never cease to amaze me... the way you love me.” Ghetto
“To be hungry in LA is just like starving in Bombay.” So sings India in this powerful new tune about universal poverty. Here, the singer speculates that we all face the same situations – regardless of our geography. Asks the artist: “Look around. You live in another country too. Do you see your brother?” Better Way
India.Arie may deliver music with a strong message, but it doesn’t mean the girl can’t rock out. The bluesy strains of ‘Better Way’ clearly demonstrate her musical diversity. As a guitar riff hypnotizes us, we’re treated to a sampling of the artist's simple yet poignant message: “So many people are dying and we’re not even sure what for. There’s got to be a better way." Pearls
Fans of Sade will immediately recognize the opening chords to this slow burning classic. ‘Pearls’ appears on India’s new album (with an appearance from Ivory Coast percussionist Dobet Gnahoré), although India’s cover gives the original a memorable twist. Listen to the layered background melodies, India's unique vocal treatment, and that unforgettable line: “It hurts like brand shoes.” Therapy
The second single from ‘Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics’ features a guest vocal appearance from reggae man Gramps Morgan, who joins India on stage for an unforgettable duet. Strapping on her guitar, India delivers an unabashed pop anthem with an infectious chorus about some tender, therapeutic lovin’. Chocolate High
It's time for another collaboration and the first single from her new album. Though Musiq Soulchild features on the album version, India breaks out her talented back-up vocalist for leading man stage duty. 'Chocolate High' is a positive reflection on a healthy relationship and sums up India’s present state of mind: “If we make each other happy then we just can’t lose.” Long Goodbye
India ends her set with one of the more subdued moments from the new album. ‘Long Goodbye’ is a power ballad, a far-reaching tune about turning the page. Sings India: “I cried in silence, I lived through you. Maybe I can learn to fall for someone who can give me all the things I’m not afraid to lose.”
>via: http://soundcheck.walmart.com/india-arie
__________________________
India Arie's debut album, Acoustic Soul was a beautifully organic product. This remix of the track Simple is a much more hip-hop oriented version that is made for the nights more so than the lazy afternoons. The Talib Kweli verse from Hot Thing is a seamless addition.
>via: http://www.artisticmanifesto.com/2011/08/indiaarie-simple-love-360-remix-feat...