Album Review: Alexis Spight – ‘Dear Diary’
Artist: Alexis Spight
Album: Dear Diary
Street Date: 8/28/15
Record Label: Uncle G Records
Genre: Urban/R&B
iPod Pick: Drop That
If You Like: Frank Ocean, Alicia Keys, Deitrick Haddon, Brandy, The Walls Group.
It is very all right to keep a diary at 22. In fact, it is urban. It just depends on how interesting your dairy is. For the regular 20 something it can be the norm of boys, sex, late nite parties and hangovers. Alexis Spight takes it up a notch by painting some good vision with sweet music. 3 years after featuring on the fifth season of Sunday’s Best at 19, here’s Alexis follow up to her debut L.O.L (Live Out Loud). How does it level up?
First the music.
It’s hard to categorize completely into a genre the sound on Dear Diary. There is the Motown element showcased with the choir-esque, open-bar back-up singing (It Will Be Alright) and the raw echo call and response sleek style(I’m Blessed). There is also some pop I really can’t place my hands on strewn throughout the album. Don’t get me wrong, no over production or auto-tune on here. It is more like Rihanna choosing to record a live unplugged record. Safe House sounds like a bomb that is about to explode but just ticks till the end. Drop That starts with music so good that will make you waltz to the stereo in the instant it starts to turn up the volume. It’s the perfect Friday-alone turn-up or unwind song.
Lyrically, Spight offers an album of songs with easy groove listening and yet still communicating faith effectively with irresistible urban vibes. All The Glory takes us to church yet drawing us near to the Savior all at the same time. On It Will Be Alright Alexis opens up the song belting lyrics any listener will connect to while busting some move in the audience “My Mama told me that if I just hold on, never lose my faith, just keep pressing on; my struggle will be over in the nick of time. It will be all right. . .”.
I mean Dear Diary is definitely an enjoyable record with more high points than low points. In fact, it does well generally as an album than records made recently even by veterans in the gospel circle. For anything let’s give it to Miss Spight. She doesn’t just open up the doors to her heart on Dear Diary letting us feel the pulse and vibes of her faith and struggles, she also gives us a live concert/real performance feel. It’s worth it.
