Asa - Beautiful Imperfection
Released 4th April
Asa stunned everyone with her debut album Asha back in 2007 but now she is back with her second offering Beautiful Imperfection as she cements herself as one of the most exciting and talented musicians currently working in the industry.
Much like her debut record she once again lets listeners into her thoughts with lines such as "This world is full of pain / Can someone tell me who’s to blame?" But this is not a down in the dumps record - far from it.
Asa beautifully blends her Nigerian roots with a more soulful contemporary pop that make this album such as easy listen.
Be My Man is the lead single from the album and is an upbeat record about the wonders of love - against mama’s advice.
Beautiful Imperfection is certainly more uplifting that her previous record but she stays true to her roots and her sound - even if that may not be particularly mainstream.
Other highlights from the album include The Way I Feel which is a beautiful blues tunes while there are some great reggae beats on Maybe. She is also unafraid to introduce some foreign language tracks in the form of the toe - tapping Bimpe and the sunshine filled Broda Ole.
With her writing she creates these unforgettable pop melodies and some choruses that you just can’t help but sing along to.
Beautiful Imperfection is a true highlight of 2011 so far and it’s so hard to pick a stand out track as there is not a bad song on this record - and that is a rare feat in itself.
She has paved the way for female singer songwriters this year with this record - others are really going to have to up their game if they want to compete with or surpass Beautiful Imperfection.
Asa - Beautiful Imperfection: 4/5
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw