New Music Reviews - Home of DJ Willis

“Instead of standing behind dad Donny’s formidable shadow, Lalah Hathaway has resolutely sculpted her own soulful identity. That’s never been more apparent than on her fourth solo album. Working with longtime collaborators (including singer/songwriters Rahsaan Patterson, Sandra St. Victor) and newcomers (Snoop Dogg producer Terrace Martin), Hathaway presents her most personal —and stunning—project to date. She colorfully evokes her childhood on “Little Girl,” paying homage to her dad with a heart-tugging excerpt from one of his earlier interviews. Elsewhere, she brings her natural talent for phrasing and pouring a well of emotion into telling lyrics on such tracks as “Breathe,” “On Your Own,” “Let Go” and “That Was Then.” Like top-shelf cognac, Hathaway’s passionate vocals go down smooth and spread head-to-toe warmth—a fitting symbol for the next generation of Stax soul. —Gail Mitchell”