Ledisi’s New Declaration of Independence
Ledisi’s latest album, The Wild Card, marks 20 years since her debut. For this reason, it may be hard for some to believe that her ninth studio album is also her first independent project in over a decade. Honestly, I think this is a great move for an artist like Ledisi. She has one of the most underrated voices in music and with live concert shows nowhere in sight for the near future, an independent move will at least help her capture more money from her sales. Oh, but then there’s the downside. Often times, artists lose some of their flare and fire when they switch from a label to independent status.
Within the first couple of minutes of The Wild Card, Ledisi proves why she’s such a musical powerhouse and how she still has something fresh to offer. The “How Does It Feel” esque opening track, “Anything for You” is a bluesy, soul-stirring number that finds her declaring her effortlessly declaring her love. The instrumentation throughout The Wild Card is raw, yet crisp in a way that’s previously unheard on much of Ledisi’s prior catalog. Her voice marries with the production on tracks like “Next Time” and “WKND” so well that it sounds like she’s singing right next to you. The latter is one of the brightest, most upbeat songs on the album. It’s the perfect Friday feeling track that would make Frankie Beverly and Maze proud.
“Same Love” is audible honey that drips all over your eardrums. Her vocals are as pristine and beautiful as ever. “Now or Never” finds her singing in a slightly higher register and really showcases her vocal range over the jazz-influenced track. Don’t mistake her soulful melodies as an indication that her sass has been erased. She demands the respect she deserves on tracks like the dismissive ballad, “Stay Gone”. The stutter-step lounge vibe of “What Kinda Love Is That” featuring Cory Henry is easily another standout track that adds depth to the album. Nonetheless, with only two features on the entire album (listen to “Wake Up” featuring Sa-Roc), Ledisi could have easily carried this album all by herself.
Perhaps the percussion and horn-heavy track, “In It To Win” describes it best. This song alone arguably embodies the essence of The Wild Card with its unpredictable hip hop flare and surefire confidence. Yes, in it to win she certainly is. Hopefully, The Wild Card will allow Ledisi to finally receive the flowers she so desperately deserves…..on her own terms again.