Neo-soul songstress debuts 'Bravebird'
Sophmore release puts Larrieux in spotlight

By Crystal Malone
Staff Writer

Blisslife Records

With new artists constantly jumping on the neo-soul bandwagon, Amel Larrieux has managed to keep herself in the ranks.

And her latest effort, Bravebird, might just make her neo-soul's new poster-child.

Married to her producer, and a mother of two, Larrieux's life wasn't always so serene; she was a teenage runaway and a high school dropout, but it is clear with Bravebird she has come into her own.

Bearing a striking similarity-at least vocally-to Mariah Carey with her Beyonce-style riffs, Larrieux's voice slips from delicate croons to strong declarations throughout the album.

She first stepped onto the music scene in 1995 during the emersion of neo-soul.

After she met Bryce Wilson while working at a record company, the two formed the group Groove Theory and steered the music away from the oversynthesized, electronic beats to more romantic and natural music.

With Larrieux providing lead vocals, Groove Theory's single "Tell Me" broke the top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Larrieux eventually left Groove Theory behind to make her solo debut with Infinite Possibilities.

The album wasn't as commercially successful as her neo-soul comrades Alicia Keys and India.Arie, but the album was just as creative.

Larrieux's sophomore effort exhibits a melting pot of cultures, a trend she's familiar with.

A native of New York's diverse artist community in the West Village, her album reflects a perfect blend of African and Bohemian rhythms, with Middle Eastern-inspired riffs.

The song, "For Real," is a classic love ballad with a Prince flavor.

The title track "Bravebird" tackles more controversial issues through the story of a Somalian woman who fled to the United States due to inequality and female circumcision.

In stores Jan. 20, Bravebird is Larrieux's neo-soul mission statement about loving yourself.

She can currently be seen on Coca-Cola's "Real" campaign, as well as the Coach Anniversary campaign.

Her talent leaves only infinite possibilities for her future.