Ex-
Floetry
poet
Natalie Stewart
's first solo album, released after her creative partnership with
Marsha Ambrosius
sailed away on a floe, carries on in the tradition of her past work. For
fans who wanted
Stewart
,
the Floacist
, to be given more time in the spotlight,
Floetic Soul
should be worth the wait.
's breathy, labyrinthine spoken word verses here -- heavy on romantic matters while allowing plenty of time for introspection and casually uplifting material -- stretch out in a low-key but stimulating way. The woman can hold her own. That said, the three cuts featuring guest vocalists --
"Keep It Going"
(
Raheem DeVaughn
),
"Forever"
Musiq Soulchild
), and the particularly excellent silken quiet storm of
"Come Over"
Lalah Hathaway
) -- just happen to be the brightest spots. ~ Andy Kellman