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Bravebird
Amel Larrieux
Retail Price (not our price): $15.98
Release Date: 2004-01-20
Manufacturer: Bliss Life
Format: Audio CD
Discs: 1

Track List
Now here, for your listening pleasure, the tracks...

Disc 1

Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
A 9-year veteran of the indie R&B circuit, Amel Larrieux stretches her vocal wings on the stellar, yet painfully overlooked "Bravebird." Serving as her solo sophomore set, the New York-based singer/songwriter has crafted a disc that mixes midtempo melodies with beautiful and lush lyrics. Lead single "For Real," written by Larrieux and her husband Laru Larrieux, opens with a serene piano solo that is accented by the voice of a young baby cooing. Backed by an infectious, handclap-accented groove, Larrieux sings about "real love"--the kind of love that makes you a better person. Larrieux can also rock out and does just that on the funk-fueled "All I Got." The result is a bass-heavy affair that is accented by an electric guitar wah-wah and some impressive improvisation. However, it's on the heartbreaking "Beyond" that Larrieux truly shines. Backed by an acoustic guitar and quiet string section, Larrieux's lyrics of everlasting love make you want to believe in something more. Like fellow soulsters Anthony Hamilton and Goapele, Larrieux, who began her career as one-half of the R&B duo Groove Theory, sings with an ease that is rare in many of today's R&B artists. Her voice is natural and engaging, and that's what makes Bravebird truly soar. --Rashaun Hall

2) Album Description
This singer/songwriter's sophomore solo effort fuses R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and folk, defying pigeonholing. Larrieux continues to captivate, soaring with confidence and courage, especially in her explorations of love.

3) Album Description
2004 sophomore album for the former vocalist of Groove Theory. Rolling Stones says Bravebird is '..one of the most off-the-hook new soul albums in years.' 12 tracks. Bliss Life Records.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) A Stunning Sophomore Effort!!   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
I came across Amel when she appeared as a free download on iTunes. Loving the song, i started listening to her other albums. Bravebird is my favorite from her 4 albums. This album must be looked at as a story. A beautiful story. Each song is beautiful in it's own respect. This album is painfully underappreciated. A true hidden gem in the world of Soul music. Some truly standout tracks are Brave Bird; the perfect chillout track, All I Got; an empowering song with a catchy chorus line, Beyond; one of the best songs Amel has ever recorded, and Sacred; an absolutly stunning stripped down track that shows Amel's true vocal range. Overall, a true classic in music and one of the most underrated albums released in the 21st century. Please spread the word about Amel's music!! And make sure to check out Amel's other albums!!AMEL LARRIEUX ALBUMSInfinite PossibilitiesMorningLovely Standards

2) Sophisticated Soul   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Why do her vocals remind me of Beyonce? Well except Larrieux's been more controlled, while Beyonce's took more time to tame. And if Beyonce ever got to the point of not singing odes to materialism and man-hating, and stop writing from an 18 yr. old jetsetter point of view, she might produce a work of sophistication as this. But enough of my criticisms to Lady B'(who I actually do like but I'm hoping she angles for a more mature direction). This album is lyrically deep and groovy at the same time. The first track is a smooth track and instantly catches your ears' attention. The second title track standouts with the house-beat and the sensitive lyrics. Larrieux's vocals are incredible throughout. And the fact that this was an independent release should put some mainstream record companies to shame for allowing artists to release some of the crap they do. Highlight Tracks:For RealBravebirdWe Can Be New

3) Chil music to have   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
It's a nice cool album from a wonderful and talented singer! So many people don't realize that she is still doing her thing without groove theory. Definitely check her out!

4) ...   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
It seemed inevitable that someone as talented and creative as Amel would have to eventually go the indie route. And I am sure glad she did. Yes, her debut was nice, but going independent has allowed her to do anything she wants, whether it be lyrically or musically. Bravebird was the first release from Bliss Life Records, which is run by her and her husband, Laru Larrieux.The opening track, "For Real," is beatiful and probably the best song on the album. (The high notes she hits at the end are just amazing. They sound so natural.) On the title track, Amel pays homage to the people who speak out; therefore not only helping themselves, but also the others who are not as bold to do the same. "All I Got" speaks about working with what you have and being comfortable with where you are. "Giving Something Up" is dedicated to the single mothers in the struggle. The socially conscious lyrics of "Sacred" are moving and Larrieux discreetly reveals the mess that goes on behind the scenes at the major record companies on "Say You Want It All."The production is flawless. It has much more of a bounce than the jazzy, laid back groove of Infinite Possibilities. Her vocals are top notch and the lyrics are incredible. I highly recommend.

5) Beautiful Voice & Message   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
I loved Bravebird for the musicality and the beautiful lyrics. Of course everyone loves the single "For Real," but there are a number of other songs such as "Your Eyes," "Dear to Me," and "New" that have beautiful lyrics and melodies. I can listen to it over and over!