In her sophomore project India.Arie has managed to bring us deeper unto herself in Voyage to India by allowing us to experience her recent changes and growth. In the first song on the CD Growth you hear a definite Tracy Chapman influence more rounded by Arie's breathy soulful voice on how change is the only thing constant in the world. You couldn't be more right India.

The next track Little Things is a reminder of all those things we usually take for granted, but track 3 Talk To Her will certainly be the standout hit of this CD. Throughout the CD her voice is simultaneously weighty and air-infused portraying wisdom beyond her years. There are hints of original soul music like Chaka Kahn and Stevie Wonder, which should come as no surprise given the label she has chosen. Motown suits her well. I am impressed with the elevated quality of her singing as well as the maturity displayed on this project. She "sang" on the last CD Acoustic Soul, but the depth of her personal lessons are evident here and she shares them with you in an honest way. There was an article in the Washington Post on 9/24, where she enlightened fans on her musical influences and those artists who "move her."

Stevie Wonder is a promenient figure in her life, as is her dad, a former Denver Nugget, and her mother, who is a strongstress in her own right. It appeared while listening to music from her favorite artist, she literally danced through most of the interview. I can't think of a better way to give an interview, than to dance through it. In the words of my lil' sister Ms. Mekka, "Tear it up."

This review is posted at On With The Madness and Blogcritics.