Reviewed by: Emmial C. Fields, Music Correspondent

Is there anyone out there as excited as I am about the new India.Arie CD? Testimony Vol. 2, Love & Politics is the result of India.Arie's travels around the world and the interpretation of what her eyes and heart beheld. If you haven't been paying attention to the rebirths, reinventions, and maturing of one of the world's most passionate thinkers and musicians, then jump on the boat and take this Voyage to India. 

 

Testimony: Vol. 2
Love & Politics 
India.Arie
Republic

 

 
The humble and somewhat introverted Georgia Peach that we know to be India.Arie is coming at us with both barrels blazing. The ballads on Testimony Vol. 2, Love & Politics are not two-dimensional regurgitations nor imitations of another artist. Each song has its own spirit, soul, and identity letting me know that this collection was not put together in hast, but nurtured and ready to be released on the open and accepting minds. Aggression is not a character trait usually shown by Miss India, until now.

India's "Psalm 23" spills over reassurance of God's grace, spiritual guidance, and a bass/organ combination that will awaken the connectors to the soul. MC Lyte gives her testimony in rhyme, keeping the message consistent from the fade-in to the fade-out. Encouragement can be found within every India.Arie branded note of this tune, leaving behind an ethereal lightness and the desire to restart the track (do it!!...this track gets better with each listen) The acoustic, island interpretation of Sade's, "Pearls" (with Dobet Gnahore) releases the somberness of the previous version. India sings the story of the "woman in Semolia," making sure she does not leave out the other struggling women throughout the world. 

 

 
Though she (India) shows multiple perspectives, though the struggle is the same for all of the women. They all, "cry to the heaven above," for strength to make it through their struggles. Each of the characters' sacrifices of themselves puts into perspective how spoiled and self-centered we are. "Chocolate High," brings Musiq Soulchild to this collection alongside India, harmonizing musically and humanly (as we all have the capacity to do). 

The positive way this song lingers in the air even after the last note is chimed, gives me hope that humanity has not forgotten how to love; India and Musiq can feel it. Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics can best be described as a Dove chocolate square. Intense satisfaction that is too good to be true, lasting until it's melted existence warrants a replay for more of the same fulfilling, guilty pleasure.

 

Other Releases from India.Arie:
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
Motown (2006)
Voyage To India
Motown (2002)
Acoustic Soul
Motown (2001)
 
Please listen to: "Pearls"
 
 
India.Arie's website:  IndiaArie.com