Amazon.co.uk Review
Voyage to India shows that India.Arie still has an exceptionally grounded head on her shoulders, despite the seven Grammy nominations and double platinum sales that greeted her
debut album. In fact, her first taste of success seems to have reinforced her old fashioned values. "In the quest for fortune and fame, don't forget about the simple things," she implores over the shimmering groove of "Little Things" before reminding, "I do this for the love of music, not for the glitter and gold." Other key elements to
Voyage to India's harmonious philosophy include the power of conversation ("Talk to Her") and self-belief ("Get It Together"), along with the need to take life as it comes ("Slow Down") and savour love ("Complicated Melody"), all of which come with her mother's sound advice and joyously lazy jazz-tinged soul. Admittedly nothing quite compares to
Acoustic Soul's highs--the glorious reggae bounce of "Video" or the smouldering shimmy of "Promises"--but its charm and grace remain. And in an age of empty sentiments and artifice, such wisdom and musical honesty are a rare treat indeed. --
Dan Gennoe
CD Description
Neo-soul diva India Aria gracefully ducks any fears of a sophomore jinx with VOYAGE TO INDIA. Her now-signature approach of up-front vocals and simple instrumental arrangements sparkles with organic sincerity. Opening prelude "Growth" reprises as an interlude with "Healing" and resolves as "Gratitude". VOYAGE TO INDIA shouldn't be misconstrued as a concept album, but there is clearly an underlying lyrical theme; thetranscendence of love.
"Talk To Her" finds India offering men sound advice on giving women their due, while "Can I Walk With You" celebrates the joy of love and true friendship, defining the balance of a good relationship. "Complicated Melody" depicts a woman torn between the things about the man she loves that annoy her and those that move her. The standout narrative track "Good Man" leaves room for mystery (as to why this woman's husband is no longer in her life), without undermining resolve. VOYAGE TO INDIA is an elegant, very contemporary testimonial to feminine pride and empowerment.