Shades of Soul

The two CDs come from the genre of R&B, but they showcase how wide the spectrum of that genre has become. From British artist Fharid Khan (also known as Naughty Boy) comes a concept album, Hotel Cabana, that’s tough and modern, yet in full possession of pop smarts. After a five-year hiatus, India Arie is back with her singular style of acoustic soul, inspirational and calming.

Hotel Cabana by Naughty Boy (Virgin/Universal Music). Having made his reputation as a songwriter, producer and arranger, Naughty Boy finally comes up with a concept album all his own. Of course, there are a bunch of friends ready to lend their helping hand, most prominent of which is frequent collaborator Emeli Sande. Her rich, smoky vocals dominate a number of tracks, most notable of which is the first single off the CD, the club-friendly Wonder.

The likes of Sam Smith (on La La La), Ed Sheeran (Top Floor), Wiz Khalifa (Think About It) and Gabrielle (Hollywood) are also on board. Heavy on the hip-hop, with strong musical interludes, here is a CD that has both attitude and commercial savvy. You’ll love Tanika’s slowed-down version of Daft Punk’s Lucky.

SongVersation by India Arie (Motown/UMG). It’s been four years since her last album, but on her fifth studio CD, it seems like India Arie never left. A fast climber on the Contemporary Adult music charts in the US, it’s easy to understand the CD’s popularity after one listen. Inspirational, dewy-eyed sincere and filled to the brim with her fine voice, the tracks on SongVersation go down like rich honey.

Just Do You and Nothing That I Love More are immediate upbeat favorites, while special mention goes to the reggae-influenced Thy Will Be Done. Most of the other tracks are ballads and slow-burn compositions, serene and relaxing, but filled with India’s brand of honesty and optimism. There is an innocence to her song-writing, but you can’t fault the charm! Easy listening but with class.