Marie wisely includes subtle hip hop touches on many of the tracks, particularly the slowjam, “Baby I Love You.” “Ear Candy” does please the senses with its strong bass and her soulful vocals gliding over the beat. “What U Got for Me” allows Marie to use the higher end of her range, not always heard in all of her records.
At 16 self-penned tracks, Congo Square borders on being a bit overlong. Tracks such as “Ms. Coretta,” where Marie attempts commentary on history and current events, are less successful and probably could have been omitted. A slimmer album containing solid R&B (with a hip hop slant) would have showcased Marie's talent even better. However, this is minor criticism when considering the strength of most of the tracks.
On Congo Square, Marie proves to be a vital soul artist who has never stopped crossing music genres. Listening to her unchanged voice transports fans back 30 years, but also illustrates the timelessness of her style.
For more information, visit Teena Marie's official site, MySpace Music page, and YouTube channel. Samples from Congo Square can be heard at Stax's site.
Article comments
1 - Pam
Teena is the greatest. Anytime a woman can do what she does, direct, sing, and move the way she does. She deserves a standing ovation. I saw her in Atlantic City, and she was GREAT............ Congo Square, I am going to have today.
2 - KB
Love it!!!!!! I thinks it's better than the last two CD (which were I think were fantistic). Let's give her a standing ovation!
3 - KB
Love it!!!!!! I think it's better than the last two CD's (which were I think were fantistic). Let's give her a standing ovation!
4 - marvin
Great CD ... Lady T just keeps getting better with time ... it hasn't come off my player since it was relaesed last month
5 - Rory Alcalá
Lady Tee is my favorite artist of all time! I've been trying to get an autographed picture of her but to no avail. She is the quintessential performer with her unique songwriting skills and delivering her sound. This latest album "Congo Square" is one of the most unique, incorporating the Lord's Prayer in it. The mix of R&B with jazz is awesome. She sings with such emotion, sexy and sultry. Anyone know where I can get an autographed picture of her? I want one really bad! It would complete my life! And I mean that literally! She is a brilliant,talented genius who I idolize. I love the song "Romantica" the best on this cd. And I don't think there is too much content on it. I know she has a tendency to pack her cd's full of all her songlets but they are greatly appreciated by her loyal fans, like me. She gives you a lot for your money both in her performances and the cd's she releases. What a woman!! Can't get enough of her!
6 - Rory Alcalá
OOPs! The song "Romantica" is on her "Sapphire " cd. I love the new song "Congo Square" on her new cd the most although "Black Cool" are awesome songs too!
7 - Rory Alcalá
Big Ups to whoever was responsible in sending me an autographed picture of Lady Tee. OMG! This is her best cd yet, I think and I have ALL her cd's, like 17 or so. Thank you for for giving me an autographed picture of Lady Tee. It means the world to me!!!! Made my day!!! I'm gonna have it custom-framed.
8 - VitaRhythms
Check out "The Revelation of Teena Marie" - The VitaRhythms Interview