Etana

[El_Jeffe]

one for the soul fans. the woman of reggae are really doing something special lately, under what appears to be a strong beres hammond (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=300017) influence, there's a wonderful new uprising of young female talent writing some wonderful reggae/r&b/ska/soul music. had some of these albums been released in america, rather than jamaica, they probably would be held in higher regard among the "neo-soul" communities

etana's 2008 debut album, the strong one is a very big sounding & impressive album. it's the album you'd expect from someone who's been around a good decade or so before trying to attempt something this large. delightful singer/songwriter abilities combined with a great ear for melody & uplifting themes. worth giving it a listen through, etana is one to keep an eye on in the future. one hell of a talent

ignore the reggae tags, as for some reason some people associate that with "average music", which you all know i've been attempting to disprove for years now haha. this is for anyone who's a fan of artists from marcia griffiths to natalie cole to even the likes of alicia keys. my favourite tunes are probably "nothing but love" & the subtly african influenced "warrior love"

http://www.myspace.com/etanastrongone

any fans, share some love & discussion?

[KatieKutthroat.]

Just listened to the few songs she had up on her myspace, and I'd really love to hear more. She has a real pretty voice, and I love the bit of african influence going on. I definitely dug "Warrior Love".

[El_Jeffe]

it really is a wonderful album, i just wish she had "nothing but love" up on her myspace. "warrior love" has that wonderful african rhythm & drumming, but in a subtle way that johnny mainstream could still get on board with. this album is worth checking out/picking up, 2008 just keeps on delivering

it's a very ambitious album, as i said, it's an album you would think someone with many more years of experience & album making would be striving for. but at the same time she still executes everything well & it just works. can't wait to see what the future hold for her

also, the new beres hammond album is floating round mate. as expected, that is all pure class, soul, & brilliance. ska/roots/world music is leading the way this year!

[El_Jeffe]

best female soul album i've heard since last years we'll never turn back, from long time queen of soul mavis staples (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=266712)