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55.1%ANMag Issue 17 Entertainment
Amel Larrieux Sets Lovely Standards
By Wael Al Fatayri, Staff Writer
Beirut, Lebanon-She never fails to defy the commercial wave; breaking out of the trends and standards of the music industry to set her own; musical songbird Amel Larrieux once again releases a mind-blowing work of art, “Lovely Standards.”
Beauty, distinctiveness and melodious charisma are only a few words to describe the 34-year-old neo-soul prodigy. Born in New York, Larrieux started her musical journey by the age of 18. Her demo caught the ear of Bryce Wilson with whom she formed the duo “Groove Theory.” The duo's first single, “Tell Me” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the top five on the R&B charts before even being certified gold.
Along with her manager, producer and husband Laru Larrieux, she released several solo projects, such highlighted by “Infinite Possibilities” and “Bravebird.”
As an independent artist, she made a breakthrough when she received a Grammy nomination in 2003 for her vocals on “Where Is the Love.”
“Lovely Standards,” Larrieux's fourth album, was released on May 22, 2007, by her independent label, Bliss Life. The album features covers of ten classic ballads. This time, Larrieux decided to showcase her subtle vocals almost whispering to the smooth jazzy instrumentals. “Lovely Standards” is definitely a romantic chill-out keeper. It speaks for love and lovers with a twist of motivation to make a step ahead in the name of romance. "What a bluebird can do, you can do too, if you try..." she tells lovers in “Try Your Wings,” a cover of 1957 classic performed by Blossom Dearie.
It is difficult to tell which track is the highlight of the album because all-in-all, the album itself is glowing. Being known to have blended Hip Hop, R&B and Soul into one special genre, she delves into the depths of Jazz, adding a unique taste to that recipe.
Larrieux is currently performing and promoting her new masterpiece and is counting on her fans' continuous support to shine brighter.
ANMag’s rating: 4/5