Renée recreates the genre of R&B

Renée

If more artists brought the energy and devotion to their albums that Renée brings to R&B, the world of music would cease to be so dry. With her self-titled debut album, Renée 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, Renée 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 Renée brings to mind the early days of the Artist (formerly known as Prince). The remarkable range and diversity of Renée's voice creates a layering of sound that is both subtle and rich. Renée'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 Renée's incredible voice.

In keeping with her diverse nature, "Strawberry" is one of the highly danceable songs on the album and showcases Renée'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, Renée explores the struggle to accept and understand herself as a spiritual being.

Renée 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? Renée offers a vision from her own mind and soul, but one with which people can all connect.