Renée recreates the genre of R&B

Renée

If more artists brought the energy and devotion to their albums that Ren�e brings to R&B, the world of music would cease to be so dry. With her self-titled debut album, Ren�e has unleashed a work that signals the emergence of a great new talent. In an age of formulaic R&B, it is refreshing to see an artist redefining the genre, breaking boundaries along the way. Over the course of this 15-song album, Ren�e takes the listener on a journey through the world of funk, soul and gospel and in the process creates a sound that is uniquely and indelibly her own.

From the opening track "Telephone," the vocal talent and songwriting ability displayed by Ren�e brings to mind the early days of the Artist (formerly known as Prince). The remarkable range and diversity of Ren�e's voice creates a layering of sound that is both subtle and rich. Ren�e's voice has been aptly likened to a chameleon, changing and shifting with power and ease. While many singers rely on studio effects for sound range and energy, the writhing, seductive tone of "Telephone" rests solely on Ren�e's incredible voice.

In keeping with her diverse nature, "Strawberry" is one of the highly danceable songs on the album and showcases Ren�e's ability to ignite the dance floor as well as the soul. "Cocaine Lane" provides a view into the mind of a singer who is intent upon offering a little profundity and insight into pop music. While most R&B tracks revolve around the hackneyed world of lost love, betrayal and empty sexual boastings, Ren�e explores the struggle to accept and understand herself as a spiritual being.

Ren�e isn't merely a talented singer with a good production team; she produced and arranged the entire album. Doesn't this sound like the way it should be-an artist actually writing her own music? Ren�e offers a vision from her own mind and soul, but one with which people can all connect.