HiphopRnbSoul.com

Emerging singer/songwriter Nya Jade is not an R&B singer. The independent artist and CEO of Katako Records is forced to market her debut CD My Denial as an R&B project simply because the brainless wonders who heavy hand the music industry can't seem to get it: not all Black women singers fall into the "R&B" category.

Ok, now on to the review.

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Jade, an ex-pre med student and survivor of a debilitating car crash started singing in her late teens. Torn between getting a degree and pursuing her passion for writing music, she saw the light when she was hit by a speeding car. While recuperating, she decided life was too short not to follow your dreams and chose music. Her guitar lessons and song writing became an integral part of her therapy and here she is, living her dream.

It's this "follow your passion" theme that serves as a mantra for Jade's independently released debut, a combination of pop, rock, folk and thoughtful musings on love, life and redemption. The 12-track offering is a decent introduction to this new, talented artist whose songs reminds one of Tracey Chapman, Alanis Morissette, and Sheryl Crow.

The set's lead single, "One Pill," a witty commentary on the U.S. population's state of overmedication is an infectious track that stands out from the rest as a "pop" single. "My Denial," a moody rumination on redemption makes good use of a laid back, hip-hop tinged foundation. And while "Live" comes off as slightly preachy, the excellent "Sedated" re-injects pop-rock energy and showcases Jade's sassy writing at its best. Although Jade's voice is not the strongest or most varied in terms of nuance, phrasing or delivery, there is no denying her stellar ability as a songwriter who can easily draw from her wide and varied life experiences and successfully share her insights with a wide demographic.

If you're looking for music that sounds like R&B radio keep walking. But if you're looking for a alternative artist who doesn't confine her message to fit other people's parameters, give Jade a listen. We predict she'll have a long career.

Download:  "Sedated" "One Pill" "Fall Through" "My Denial" "

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