Since the success of artists like Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux there have been many imitators. Many striving to capture the smooth, sensual feel of Norah or reaching for the retro, Billie Holiday-esque romance of Madeleine but few have been successful.

MoZella could be, at first glance, mistaken for such an imitator but that would be a purely shallow observation. MoZella’s sound reflects the romance and jazzy smoothness of Norah and Madeleine, the pop/hip-hop of Nelly Furtado and the energetic soul sounds of Macy Gray. It is original, fresh, intelligent pop music.

This 24 year old singer/songwriter from Detroit began learning her craft in the coffee houses around her home town. At 18 she moved to Los Angels to chase her dream of becoming a recording artist and performer. She signed with the Madonna-founded record label Maverick and now, three years and one EP later, she is releasing her much anticipated debut album I Will.

I Will has quickly become one of my favourite albums and is definitely going on my top ten albums of the year list. It has a smooth jazzy feel as a result of MoZella’s earthy, soul infused voice and pop melodies. This is combined with lyrics that are interesting and clever without being pompous or over experimental; lyrics that everyone can identify with, about the ups and downs of love and life.

Although I Will starts off with the rather unimpressive “You Wanted It” — not her strongest track with its electric organ and midi-esque feel — this is one of the few stumbles on what is otherwise a fabulous album. The second track, “Love Is Something” is an upbeat, handclapping, hooky pop song with the energy of young love poured into it.

“Killing Time” is a hip-hop, bouncy track with a deep sensuality, dark guitar hook, and intense lyrics “Oh Lord and all the days get so long and I don’t think I’ll make it and… Oh lord all the days turn to darkness I just can’t shake it and…” “Amnesia” is another of MoZella’s love-hurts-and-I want-to-forget-you tracks. Pop perfect and soul true, it is a sure hit.

“Messiah” is a song I think all women can identify with. The almost a cappella opening leads into a rockier/bluesy tune with the same strong hip-hop flavour. But what evokes those long ago images of my first love are lyrics like “And I worshiped you, and I praised your name, and I lived for you like a Messiah.”

“Light Years Away” is a beautiful bitter-sweet love at-an-end track. With acoustic guitar, piano backing MoZella’s raw soulful voice, filled with the pain of being hurt by the one you loved and trusted and is a reflection of lyrics like “But I don’t blame you anymore, that’s too much pain to store, if left me half dead, inside my head”. Learning a lesson we all learn from love.

This strong, intelligent, smooth album is filled with jazzy beats, soulful vocals, and beautifully crafted lyrics and is an excellent departure from the cookie-cutter pop of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, or Mariah Carey. I Will is accessible but still a departure for those of you wanting to experiment musically, just a little bit.

If you would like to hear MoZella for yourself you can visit her MySpace space or her website.