In my humble opinion, this is the type of music that feeds the spirit and provides something to share with everyone. Young girls should be encouraged to listen to the message in "Video" and build their self love. Young women who have given up on attracting a good relationship should find hope in "Ready for Love." I can't even say what I want to about what "Brown Skin" can do for folks! The genuis that is Stevie Wonder is documented and celebrated in "Wonderful." Who knew one could weave all of those Stevie Song titles and lyrics into one single song exemplifying such positivity and lyricism! It inspired me to go back and break out "Original Musiquarium" just for old times sake.

If you are looking for something to LISTEN to, not just have as background sound, as you drive your car, study, clean house etc. then I really think you will enjoy India.Arie. ...Peace & blessings fellow music aficionados.

31 of 32 found the following review helpful:


I Wish Music Was More Like This!  Apr 12, 2001 By Shazzar Kallie "SHAZZAR.COM"
India Arie is truly a breath of fresh air to music. She is truly what you call a real artist in that she writes her own songs and can play one mean guitar. Kinda reminds me of another musical genius songwriting singer named Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds! Finally, an artist not caught up on money, looks, or whatever is in style, but one that is true to God, self and becoming the best of what you can be. "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" is my favorite song on the album. It's something one should listen to every morning before going out into the world. It's simply a faithful song of inspiration that lets you know who you are and what you're capable of achieveing if you only believe in yourself, think and try! "Simple" shows this sista can get your feet moving as she enlightens your mind. "I See God In You" is simply amazing. Simply put this is how I want to feel when I see my divine mate. She sings it from the heart with wisdom and understanding of love and the Creator. Every song on the album is a treasure. India Arie explores Black culture, spirituality and love in such a unique, innovative and fresh way. She'll make you realize where music can and should go. If you're a Musiq Soulchild fan you'll truly love this woman because she's on the same level if not beyond. This is an album of love, self-awareness, and spirituality that will allow you to resonate on being the best you can be, accepting who you are, and being true to yourself. India Arie's voice is soulfully beautiful, and her acoustic guitar skills are sublime. Get this album so you'll always be able to say that you knew of her then, and you'll hold this treasure of a first album "Acoustic Soul"! This is not a commercial album to me, even though it's better than any commercial album released this year. This is truly a gift of spirituality, love and wisdom from India Arie herself to the people of the world! God is Love!!!

34 of 36 found the following review helpful:


Heavenly!  Mar 06, 2002 By Charlotte Vale-Allen
I, too, cannot believe that this wonderful performer didn't win a single Grammy. It would seem that the Grammy awards have become like the Academy Awards, not necessarily based on individual merit but on politics. Here's a young woman with boundless talent: a wonderfully sultry voice, great songwriting skill, and the ability to play a number of instruments. Her guitar-playing on this album is simple but entirely appropriate. Worth noting is that one doesn't have to strain to make out the lyrics; she actually enunciates without detracting one bit from the content. This is a wonderful album, filled with personal comments, beliefs, and observations. With hints of Caribbean rhythm, this is contemporary yet timeless music. With any luck, India.Arie will be with us for many years to come. Never strident or grating, always mellow, this is fine music.
Most highly recommended.

25 of 27 found the following review helpful:


Ms Arie, I see God In You �..girl! at tight, tight CD  Mar 27, 2001 By dOc "undergroundmuzic"
Not often does a new artist have me scrambling for their music after seeing them perform live. This has only happen on a few occasions in the past with N'dami, Julie Dexter and Jill Scott, but only come to find out the CD hadn't been released yet. This was in 96 when this little chocolate soul sista had my mouth on the floor from her strong voice that belted through that club. Now it's 2001 and Ms. India Arie has become one of the best new voices in underground soul. A-T-L produced another great artist and Motown Records also found this to be true by signing her to their label. With a guitar as her musical weapon slaying the industry stereo types, this goddess brings words to soul or soul to words like no other. If you didn't get the Bamboozled soundtrack or don't live in Atlanta to here some of her past work.......then............ YOU'RE LATE!!!, Ms Arie is about to introduce the world to their inner soul with song. This CD offers you 15 tracks of beautiful melodies, uplifting words and soothing guitar production. "God In You" ( just the title along makes you wanna hear it) is one of those smooth bass filled tracks that makes you rewind it before it even ends. Back To The Middle" has the feel of a personal vibe to her and just a all around good groove. The track "BROWN SKIN", (in my opinion) I'm seeing as her top selling single off the CD. Many artist have lost the gift of writing from the soul to touch others soul and this is what this track accomplished. You can't compare her to anyone out right now and that's the most appealing thing about her and her sound. To come close in describing her, you have to gather a lot of artist (old and new) to create the sound she brings. Ms Arie is a talented sista and even more explosive live on stage. If any of you reading this get a chance to see her perform, please do. You will be amazed. Another talented artist bringing a big pot of "SOMETHING DIFFERENT" to the table for all to enjoy a bite of.

oNe

21 of 23 found the following review helpful:


Definite Satisfaction  Apr 12, 2001 By J. Highsmith
When I bought the Maxisingle to Chico DeBarge's "Playa Hater", there were about 5 song snippets on the CD from a singer that I had no idea who she was. Then I was watching BET and I later found out that this singer was India Arie. After hearing "Video" and "Brown Skin", I knew that I would make a purchase as soon as this CD came out. Once I heard the whole CD, three people came to mind: Dionne Farris, Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Amel Larrieux. I also had to break out the "Love Jones" soundtrack so that I could listen to "Hopeless" By Dionne Farris. The overall vibe of this CD is amazing. From beginning to end, India Arie impresses me and she also shows that she is very versatile with her song and music selections. Instead of following the trend of most r&b music of today, India Arie chooses to uplift people through her music instead of talking about how she is mad because her man is creeping, etc. She reminds me of Amel Larrieux and Jill Scott in that aspect. Other gems on this CD include "Nature", "Always In My Head", "Promises", "I See God In You" and "Strength, Courage & Wisdom". However, the best song on this CD and what can qualify right now as probably one of or if not the best song of 2001 so far has to be "Ready For Love". This is definitely one of the best put together slow songs that I have heard in a long time. She bears all of her heart and soul in less than 5 minutes. I would pay the full price of the CD just for this song alone. It's good to see that young women actually have something they can listen to that is encouraging and uplifting for a change. People like India Arie, Jill Scott, Musiq, and Erykah Badu will keep soul music around for a long time. Believe me, once you have heard this CD one time, you'll be glad that you added this classic in your collection.

See all 396 customer reviews on Amazon.com