Album Review: Ruth La’Ontra – ‘So Good’
Artist: Ruth La’Ontra
Album: So Good
Street Date: 11-12-13
Record Label: Tyscot
Genre: R&B/Urban/Gospel
iPod Pick: SpeechlessFirst I will like to say, I haven’t encountered Gospel music that made me literally jump like Ruth La’Ontra’s ‘So Good’ this year since Tasha Cobbs’ Grace. Once the record starts playing, one of the early observations you will make is Ruth’s fantastic voice. No exaggerations here. There’s something about the texture of her voice and how she meanders it (Speechless. Count it All Joy). For starters ‘Speechless’ the opening track on ‘So Good’ would leave you speechless. It’s so good!
Tracks like New You lean more on the urban side with elements of hip hop and lots of groove. Ruth’s music is also very high on soul and would draw your mind to early projects of artists such as Kelly Rowland (Think Stole from the Simply Deep Project) and say Karen Clark Sheard (Think Be Sure from the 2nd Chance Project). It’s hard to describe exactly the feel the sound Ruth brings to the table. Somehow there’s a Macy Gray ‘Old Soul’ feel in there. There’s the urban Tamar Braxton feel in there. And there’s the acoustic ‘BIG voice’ Mandisa feel in there, even the spunk of Beyonce. Point is she’s good, a talent that deserves to be heard she’s got.
As for the songs on this project, though some songs in between sound like something we’ve heard before (Thank You. In This Place.), the album does have some interesting flip points. These are moments that would get you wondering if you’re still listening to the same CD cause of the exceptional style and sound (New In You. Safe. I’ll Trust You. I Believe) In fact Safe leans more to an acoustic rock sound that would sure fly on CCM radio. For me listening to Safe brought a smile to my face and brought to mind artists like Melinda Watts, Natalie Grant, Ashmont Hill and Mandisa. It’s a proof that Ruth La’Ontra can do almost anything.
Though Ruth’s voice is AH-mazing, as a new artist I would love her to see her find a niche based on what works best for her and her fans. My Verdict: Must I tell you literally what you will be missing if you don’t have Ruth La’Ontra’s So Good spinning in your player? Trust me it’s fresh and even the tracks that might seem to miss a “beat” would grow on you. For fans of Tamar Braxton, Tasha Cobbs, Dorinda Clark Cole, Mary J. Blige, Mandisa, Kierra Sheard and K Michelle, this is your take. Go!
