Ayo "Joyful" (Interscope) Sounds like: Music to be shared with your mother or aunt. Grade: B
Ayo's debut album, "Joyful," is a journal of her most emotional experiences that she describes as "universal and personal." Her style is a mix of reggae and soft soul, and the album has already won international acclaim in France and Italy.
She was born in Cologne, Germany to a Roma mother and Nigerian father. Her diverse upbringing has led her to prefer a self-proclaimed "nomadic lifestyle" reflected in her lyrics. In the liner notes, Ayo describes the pain she felt as a young girl when she visited Nigeria and her grandmother tried to kidnap her and raise her there. The family was torn because her father would not leave her behind and she has never been able to return. Her album is an interesting mix of depressing lyrics and optimistic beats.
The majority of the album is a hit. The refreshing "Down on My Knees" is a plea to a lover empowered by reggae music. However, "What is Love?" belongs on the debut album of a 16-year-old pop star.
In general, the lyrics do not match up with her claimed emotional pain. Her "joyful" lyrics are far more worthy than her attempts to convey any real sadness. "Neva Been" is a song to her son that effectively resonates as a sweet and heartfelt dedication.
The Caribbean-inspired beats and Ayo's soothing voice make this a great CD to write a paper or paint to, but it is not worthy of a road-trip mix. Rather than purchasing the whole album, preview it on iTunes and pick up a few singles.
-LAURA PHELPS
