What would you do if Beyonce was your sister? How would you create your presence in the music industry when your big sis reigns supreme as an unstoppable pop force, legend-in-the making? Sound intimidating? Ha! Not for Solange who has marked her own territory by going left of Beyonce's pop chart wrath. Solange is a little R&B, some Rock, some hot-buttered Funk, and all retro-groove and bad-ass attitude. Basically, she's an 'alternative' to the commercial mainstream. Her second album, Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams--written or co-written mostly by Solange herself--sizzles with flavor. It is a strong, solid effort proving her unique identity as an artist--not just a singer with some hot beats. This album is like a celebration of the soul from the 50's to the present--with some hip-hop edge and surrealist psychedelic soundscapes. It's just incredibly refreshing.
The reason I am even blogging about Solange--other than she totally deserves the recognition--is because her video for her single "T.O.N.Y." came on and I said to myself "Wow, she really is doing her thing!" There's no Beyonce shadow she's trying to be in or chase. She is totally in her own lane and it's beautiful. The song "T.O.N.Y." is one of my favorite songs on her album. The song is about denying oneself true love for the one night stand and realizing too late that you deserve more: T.O.N.Y. meaning The Other Night Y?? --as in, why do we keep making these same mistakes? Brilliant concept song. It's also a fantastic video highlighting the harsh realities and consequences of empty romances with an endearing twist ending.
So while Beyonce leaps toward world domination with her fiery Sasha Fierce persona, Solange plays the background with cool, casual ease--with her loyal cult following in tow--and for some reason, I think she likes it like that. And that is exactly why you gotta love her.
ditto! i was jamming to "cosmic journey" this morning. her music is a breath of fresh air.
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