Amel Larrieux-Lovely Standards

Blisslife Records

by: Lee Jon

Amel Larrieux’ 1996 album Groove Theory was an unfortunate romp through the annals of R&B/Jazz experimentation. “Tell me” was a thunderclap of a hit but that’s where the beauty stopped. The inconsistency on that album was raw, with “Tell Me” being a diamond amongst a pile of ordinary rubies. Lovely Standards, Amel’s most recent release is more diamond than ruby. On it, she regains the consistency that is a prerequisite for a good start. Through this she demonstrates that her voice is an asset worth its weight in gold. It’s a beautiful throwback to the jazzy/sultry vocals of the ultra-nostalgic Ella Fitzgerald. If you can’t appreciate sexy vocals and mature imagery over a bottle of the finest Chablis, then this album isn’t for you. But if you do dare to indulge your sixth sense, then venture to start out with the soothing “If I were a Bell,” who’s pretty imagery and heavy piano harkens a nostalgic era lost in the abyss of history. Think Lauren Bacall with a Martini on the Rocks at the Flamingo.“If I were a Bell” is by a mile the magnum opus on this album. In the stripped down “Wild is the Wind,” the beautiful Amel brings a Sadeesque sultriness that makes you believe you’re being swept away. But is it real or is it an illusion? One has to ask what Amel is trying to accomplish with this album. Is she trying to fill a niche overlooked by Norah Jones? The swooping vocals do justice to the notion that pretty singing really is an art form that reminds us that life is beautiful. But even though her vocals are ultra pretty, Amel takes herself out of context on this album. Fans expecting sexy R&B sensuality will be disappointed. Overall, Amel strays too far from her high calling, which is R&B, and wanders deep into jazzy territory. On foreign soil, she doesn’t have that X factor that is the mark of an excellent musician and she leaves you wanting more. All in all, Larrieux’ Lovely Standards is from a vocals standpoint, a decent album, but culturally, it’s a square peg in a round hole.

Interested in getting a superb bio for your press kit? See www.madepublishing.com/bios

Save and Share this Article

• Digg
• Reddit
• del.icio.us
• Facebook

Comments/Beefs

Please keep the comment relevant, constructive, and polite.
The content boxes are designed to give you the opportunity to contribute constructive opinion. Content seemed inappropriate or offensive may be edited and/or deleted. Please avoid using overly explicit language. To report abuse, email the Editor at editor@madepublishing.com.