Things that make me happy: Things that make me happy this week... Goapele

Things that make me happy this week... Goapele new Album "Break of Dawn"

Goapele pronounced (Gwa-pa-lay)

What makes Goapele stand out besides her name? This woman can sing with the best of them and has that classic soulful sound of the R&B artist of yesterday. But don't be mistaken, her music is contemporary in a neo-soul sort of way. But her Oakland roots shine through her music. Funk, Jazz, hip hop, and R&B fused together into her latest offering, "Break of Dawn". Maybe its what you would get if mixed two parts Sade, one part D'Angelo and splash of EnVogue vocal styling. This musical cocktail is refreshing, yet familiar-- making you want to sit down with your favorite drink after a long day, kick back, and press play on your sound system and relax.

I just got to see her perform live for the first time at BB Kings in NYC for her album release party. She has a much larger following than I thought since many have not heard of her yet. You might of heard of her big hit "Closer" from her "Change it All" album. (A good addition to anyone music library by the way.) She featured many tracks from her new album

Break of Dawn Songs
1. Play. First song released. Has a definite Sade feel to it. Strong first tune. It will get some play.
2. Tears on my pillow. Slow down ballet with a light hip hop feel of a Jahiem or D'Angelo type beat. I think this could be a hit...
3. Undertow. Sweet sexy song. Dreaming vocals and ethereal sounds... floating on clouds feel. Another one with good potential.
4. Break of Dawn. Title track is not that strong to me. Not bad. Just doesn't stand out.
5. Hush. A nice lullaby sounding song. Another soulful song but probably won't be a big hit... but I could see a nice video from this one.
6. Money. This is an okay throwback funk song. Not a big fan. This might get skipped on my playlist a bunch.
7. Pieces. Another sleepy ballet. I like the sound but doesn't stand out to me.
8. Right There. A little bit more hip hop beat with this joint. This song could use a strong remix and a 8 bars from a top rapper (Drake, Common, Weezy, or maybe Beenie man). I like this song just needs a little push to be great and top billboard hit. Think weaker version of Motivation by Kelly Rowland.
9. Milk & Money. Another strong song. This is a cool joint to play while hosting a nice cocktail tune. Classic Neosoul sound.

Pros
1. Album got soul and a mix of R&B sounds. There is about 2-3 potential hits on this album. More than her last because she is a rising star.
2. Favorite songs... Undertow, Tears on my Pillow, Right There (one of these might become a classic)
3. Strong vocals. This girl has got a powerful voice in a small frame.

Cons
1. No real upbeat club type song. Although she made had a "house" remix of closer from her last album. She should include on to get more radio play. At least one tune.
2. Some songs are not that strong. They will be forgettable.

She is an independent artist and not with a major label so she isn't going to get the marketing to get her music wide play without a grassroots hit. Think Adele... type growth.

But I like her as an artist and hope more people check out independent artist like this. Support if you can when she and other talented artist visits your town. If she was was on American idol she would definitely win and be a big star. But I bet she wouldn't want to give up creative control of her sound.