Timeless Journey [Import]

Just when I thought had gotten my arms around where Patti was heading musically, she goes on to release her best CD since 1991's "Burnin'," which is amazing as I thought that 1997's "Flame" was as good as it was going to get for Patti, as most artists with her amazing history have either resorted to releasing staid laid back adult contemporary music, or failed miserably by allowing their record companies to pair them with the latest rap star to generally produce a general mess.
I don't even know where to begin in reviewing this CD, as it's simply perfect. This 60 year-old goddess not only can out sing her younger imitators, but has surprisingly released a CD that is more current than current without for one second letting you forget that you are listening to Miss Patty. All the songs are perfect and Patti seamlessly travels through neo-soul, hip-hop, gospel, and even Latin grooves and it all fits like a glove. My favorite so song ("Unpredictable") is a gospel gem that on paper could have been a mess as it samples Nelly Furtado's "Turn Off The Light," but unlike most samples this one enhances and moves the song to places that you never see coming. This song should have been the first single, but since singles are not sales drivers these days, her new label can be forgiven. You could hear this song over and over and over (as I have) and find it even better with each listen.

Other favorites are ALL, but the lead off song "More Than Material" is a mid-tempo gem that addresses her past outrageous outfits/hair styles. I am generally not a fan of mid-tempo as I like it slow and/or jumping, but the lead off as well "It's Time," Sometimes Love" work because of the arrangements and a voice that sounds as powerful yet controlled as ever. The first single of this release "New Day," basically serves Miss Patti positive attitude no matter what happens and although there are even more radio-friendly songs, this one reflects why she's been and will be able to enjoy a timeless journey. Her voice on "Something More" starts off "relatively" restrained and she knocks it out of the ballpark even before the VOICE takes over.

`Hear My Cry" has Patti working with Floetry and the results are pure Patti with a little British seasoning that actually enhances the song, instead of taking it over. "2 Steps Away," my second favorite song (although too close to my favorite to call), has Patti soaring vocally over a sparse strings arrangement that may become one of her signature songs. The lyrics just grab you but you know that no matter how painful something is, Patti will pick herself up. Strings also dominate "Finally Got The Nerve" but it has a hip-hop/neo-soul feel that make this song quite special. If no one had never heard of Patti Labelle, critics would be knocking themselves over writing about neo-soul's next "it" girl. The CD ends with "When You Smile" and before I heard it, I was doubtful that I would like it as it's a collaboration with Carlos Santana and many others, but although upon hearing it, you will immediately know that Carlos' guitar is the driving force of this song, there is enough Patti to make me like it. It's the only song that I am still ambivalent about, but I don't remember buying a CD in recent years that I find as consistently tight as this one.

I still can't get over how good this CD is. It may be the very best of her career at a point when other treasures are either losing relevance or are totally ignored commercially. If you are a Patti fan, buying this is a no brainer, as it without a doubt a 5-star release (which I give few off for non-greatest hits collections) that is priced to buy. Instead of retailing at a mind-blowing $18.99, it was release to retail at $13.98 and you can find it much cheaper in other outlets.
If you are too young to know much about Patti Labelle, she has a soaring voice and can match or put to shame many of the younger "divas" (that word is way too overused theses days) who I am sure must have listened to Patti along the way. Not to put any other singers down, but if you liked the remake of Patti's "Lade Marmalade" by Pink, Mia, Christina, and Lil' Kim, listen to the original if you want to pipes that have withstood time. The only quibble I have with this CD is totally irrelevant, but I wish that Patti's picture on the CD itself was of the same high quality as those in the insert. Patti is so beautiful inside and out, and the print just does not cut it. But having said that, I can't complain as even though this CD is priced to sell, the inserts are very good and include detailed lyrics and pictures. I hope that this release sells like hotcakes as although Patti has never gone away, this release sounds like an arrival!

At 60, Patti is one of the few performers who can compete with today's Pop/Hip-Hop Divas. Her voice never seems to age, she remains beautiful, and has an amazingly joyous spirit about her, which comes through in the passion she puts into her music. "Timeless Journey" is probably the most consistent of all of Patti's albums. The sound is smooth R&B, with a definite hip-hop influence. But, this is not your Mama's music - this is a true soul diva doing what she does best and giving the younger talent a run for their money.

The first track, "More Than Material," sets the tone for an album of the love and empowerment of a strong woman. Coming with a message of strength and self-awareness, she tells us "Don't judge me by what I buy or wear. Judge me by my heart, because I'm so much more than material." "New Day" is a definite up-tempo soul gem, as is "Good Lovin'," (one of my favorites) which brings to mind ol' school Mary J. Blige or Faith Evans. "Something More" and the Babyface penned "Sometimes Love" are smooth, passionate tunes that showcase Patti's vocal skills perfectly. Other standout tracks are "Mm, Mm, Mm," (another favorite) "2 Steps Away," and ""Finally Got the Nerve."

I can't say enough about this album. It is the perfect mix of smooth, seductive songs, and up-tempo "head bobbers." If you are a Patti fan, get it. If you don't know Patti's music (shame on you, where have you been), get it. It'll be the perfect introduction, and will make you crave her other work.