"A Seat At The Table" was composed using the voice of an angel and all the heavenly instruments. Solange transports her listeners back in time to an age where lyrics and poetry were indistinguishable. I connected with Solange's innermost being. Her words vibrated within me, renewing my spiritual energy; which this album is filled with, that is, spiritual energy. She makes me see with my ears and feel with my mind. The songs are meticulously placed and the interludes are informative and impactful. I have no regrets of giving Solange my ears for 21 songs and 51 minutes.
Solange is the reason for global warming; her harmonies and melodies are melting the ice-caps. As a music lover, I haven't connected with music on a passionate level like this since I encountered Sam Cooke. Solange's voice is light, mesmerizing and soothing. With all of her soul, she covers topics from empowerment to black womanhood.
"Fall in your ways, so you can't crumble, Fall in your ways, so you can sleep at night." "Rise" is a song about empowerment. Too often we sacrifice ourselves to the world so that we can be accepted, so that we can be loved and liked. All of that's is nice, but there comes a time in your life where you must decide who you will please. Solange is urging us to choose ourselves.
Ironically, I listened to "Weary" on a day I was feeling "weary of the ways of the world." "Weary" is essentially about Solange searching for her place in the world like many of us and not believing that someone is better than you because they are of a "higher" status in the world than you are. She also informs us poetically there is glory in just being ourselves.
If you don't relate to "Cranes in the Sky," then something is absolutely wrong with you. Seriously, please go to a neurologist. Now, those of us with proper brain function can relate to trying to fill our voids. Some of us use drugs, alcohol, sex, consumerism, and religion. As humans, we sometimes use anything to make ourselves feel better; even though we know the pleasure is fleeting and the regret is permanent, we do it anyway.
Although, I thought "Mad" would have been better without Lil Wayne, the song is still phenomenal. Basically, Solange is essentially challenging "The Mad Black Woman" stereotype by stating we actually have a lot to be mad about it. All I can say is thank God someone finally said it. But she also questions why she can't love at the same capacity that she used to. Something I think everyone who has been hurt enough can relate to.
In my opinion, the absolute star of this album is "Don't Touch My Hair." This song resonates with my spirit. Her soulful voice breathes life into my body. Whispering vitality into my being. Her lyrics are modern poetry, natural and whimsical. It is clear that Solange was not trying to make this album have a theme. She was just her; expressing herself; writing her truth. And by writing her truth, she also wrote universal truths.
In conclusion, I am now a fan of Solange indefinitely. This album was well-written ad carefully crafted. There are so many gems, not only buried, but lying on the surface of this album. I am mesmerized and will be listening to it until I die. Dramatic, I know, but it really is that good. I can't wait to let my daughters, my daughters-daughters, and their daughters listen to it. It really is that good.
