Hailing from the West Coast, singer Goapele (gop-pah-lay) arrives with her second full-length release, Change It All. Combining a unique voice and musical dexterity, Goapele carves her own niche into contemporary music.
Not afraid to expose her feelings on love and relationships, she also tackles social issues with focus and positivity. She comments on the need for change from schools to governmental practices, and on “Find A Way” she embraces voting as a solution.
The softer, tender side of Goapele is also found various times throughout the album, as she soulfully expresses life’s emotions. Her signature voice is met with ambitious production. There are definitely traces of classic soul, but other times electronic experimentation both succeeds and fails.
It is clear to one’s ear what type of production is meant for her to grace. Some of the upbeat songs have a nice feel to them, but she feels more comfortable on slower tracks where her vocal abilities can be recognized. In the end, fans of progressive Soul, R‘n’B, and Hip-hop would be wise to lend Goapele your ears.
– Mike LaCroix
Goapele (Sony Music)